It was the fulfillment of the American Dream when Ye Suk Jacob and her husband Jeff Jacob opened Kim’s Fashions 33 years ago. But after more than three decades serving the Clearfield community, the Jacobs will close the store in early July. 

Ye Suk grew up in South Korea, living on a farm that barely sustained the family. But her life changed when she met Jeffrey, who was raised in Price, served in the Air Force and was stationed in South Korea. Ye Suk was the woman of his dreams. They fell in love, got married and she left her family to move to Davis County.

They started their first business, a screen-printing T-shirt company, while Jeff continued to serve with the Air Force. In 1990, they opened Kim’s Fashions, a women’s apparel and fashion boutique, at 1295 S. State Street in Clearfield.

“The two of them are the pure definition of the American Dream,” said Spencer Terry, the Jacobs’ son-in-law. “An overseas immigrant and a kid from a mining town worked with worldwide manufacturers, bought fairly and strategically, and had the same styles as large big-box mall stores, but consistently with 40% lower prices, and had a 7,000 square-foot store to share it all in. They outsmarted some of the biggest brands we know today.”

Although the majority of small businesses fail before their fifth year of operation, Kim’s Fashions defied the odds by selling modest, yet trendy, clothing. The Jacobs’ daughter, Kimberly Terry, grew up in the store. She watched her parents sacrifice, give back to the community and develop strong relationships with customers and business partners.

Kimberly now practices medicine at the University of Utah and credits her parents for developing her hard work ethic and determination. 

“It hasn’t been easy for them, they’ve definitely had their challenges and leaned on each other for support. They’ve sacrificed so much of their lives to grow this company,” Kimberly said. “They’ve always loved business, greatly enjoyed welcoming people into their store and tried to be a positive impact to everyone through their customer service. They’ve consistently found ways to give back to the local community and schools.”

Regulars at the store not only know the Jacobs, but also their dogs Teddy and Coco, who have become customer favorites. As the only employees at Kim’s Fashions, the husband and wife team worked nonstop to keep the shop open. After the store closes in July, the boutique will be converted into a school for children with autism. 

Jeff said they’re not retiring, something he calls a “death trap,” but they’re ready to relax, garden, travel and enjoy time with their granddaughter, Aspen. 

“We’re just moving on to new interests to celebrate the life we’ve had,” he said. “We’ll miss our customers though. We loved to see their smiles and are so thankful to have spent many years making so many people happy. It’s been fun to see the kids who once shopped here now bring their own kids in to shop. We’ll miss our customers for sure.”

Ye Suk added, “It’s been a great journey after all of these years, and we are ready for our next chapter.”