“This has become way bigger than I ever dreamed it would be when I started this crazy venture 22 years ago,” Simple Treasures Boutique owner, Jennie Thacker, said of her business. 

“I discovered over time that I had a talent for organizing and planning,” said Thacker. “In 2000, I volunteered to run Ogden city’s 4th of July Celebration, which included a boutique. I loved it and wanted more!” 

That fall, her first boutique opened its doors in Ogden. “It was small, only about 1,000 square feet,” said Thacker. “This year, after 22 years of many ups and downs and thanks to our loyal and wonderful supporters we will open our doors to 40,000 square feet of locally handmade décor, gifts, yummy treats and more.”  

Thacker’s college degree was in childhood education and family studies. “I never expected to go into business, but I grew into this and loved it,” she said. “As a little girl, I have many fond memories of attending boutiques with my mom. It was the best tradition! We would go and browse through all the booths and I remember being in awe of all the beautiful, handmade things. We always came home with chocolate and many years later, that hasn’t changed!” 

Starting a business is not for the faint of heart, said Thacker. “During the early years, there were times that we were barely keeping our heads above water, and we were so lucky that our amazing vendors were patient with us when we had shows that just didn’t go well,” she said. “At the time, my children were very little and boutique weeks were hard on everyone. It was difficult to balance it all and we all made many sacrifices. But overall, I have loved running a small business. It has been so rewarding to be able to become a stay-at-home mom. That was a huge goal for me.” 

Thacker said about 90% of the vendors are women-run businesses (thanks to many supportive husbands) and about 90% of the customers are also women. “My favorite thing to see is how many fun girls’ trips happen here. They laugh, they cry and they shop till they drop! Shopping therapy is a real thing! I love to see the sparkle and excitement in the customers’ eyes as they enter.” 

There are many loyal customers who haven’t missed a show in years, even traveling long distances to get to the boutique, she said. “We’ll often get five generations of women coming in together. I love that we have created a place where so many fond memories take place.” 

A very unique thing about Simple Treasures is that it runs on a central checkout, said Thacker. “Our Point of Sale system was custom-made by our son TJ. It has allowed us to handle long lines of customers with a short wait. Customers can shop through over 180 booths and pay for everything all together at the end. This means vendors can set up their boutiques and head out, if needed.”  

Over the years they’ve amassed the best and brightest artists from all over the state and beyond, she said. “I love seeing our vendors go from a small business to bigger businesses and giving them a space to grow. They are so talented, hard-working, and supportive of each other. I am so blessed to work with so many great people.”  

One of the biggest challenges to date was 2020. “Most boutiques were canceled due to the pandemic, but we are proud to say that we fought through all the red tape and hosted six events that year,” said Thacker. “Many of our vendors count on these events to help support their families. We were so lucky to have customers who showed up in full support, despite COVID. I had many vendors, thanking me afterwards with tears in their eyes because they were able to make some much needed income. Many customers came up to thank me as well. It was healing, at the time, for all of us to get to do something normal during the start of such an abnormal time.”  

“I think success is loving what you do and I have loved this experience from start to finish,” she said. “I even still get to shop with my mom sometimes. It’s so satisfying to have created a space where so many fun traditions and fond memories continue to be created. Here’s to another fun year of Simple Treasures and many more to come!”

There are five shows on the docket for 2022.

• March 15-19 at Legacy Events Center in Farmington

• May 3-7 at Legacy Events Center in Farmington

• Sept. 13-17 at Legacy Events Center in Farmington

• Nov. 8-12 at Legacy Events Center in Farmington

• Nov. 29-Dec. 3 at Golden Spike Events Center in Ogden

For more information go to https://simpletreasures.boutique/ or follow Simple Treasures Boutique on Instagram or Facebook. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the boutique, please know there is a waiting list already for this year’s shows, but they take applications all year long and everyone is encouraged to apply. λ