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New River Front Boutique and Downtown Nutrition

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Brandie Tomkins, successful businesswoman and Guttenberg Chamber Director, has opened River Front Boutique, located at 316 S. River Park Drive. The boutique carries a large selection of women's, infant and toddler clothing. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)

By Caroline Rosacker

Guttenberg's historic downtown business district has recently added River Front Boutique and Downtown Nutrition, located at 316 S. River Park Drive, to its growing list of shopping destinations. 

River Front Boutique

Brandie Tomkins, Chamber Director, and owner of River Front Boutique and Downtown Nutrition, addressed the Guttenberg Rotary Club on Thursday, Dec. 2, during the organization's weekly luncheon meeting at the Stadium Bar and Grill in Guttenberg. 

Tomkins resides in Guttenberg and has two children, Bensen and Stellen. She started her online clothing store this past June. "I love clothing and accessories! I was having so many packages delivered to the house everyday Drew started to complain," she said with a smile. "My online store and pop-up boutique at Guttenberg's Farmers Market and other vendor fairs was very successful, but a lot of work to set up and tear down each time. My online store is still active, but currently most of my business comes from my new boutique."

The fashion-forward entrepreneur researched extensively online for advice on opening up a brick and mortar boutique. She also applied for and was awarded a Business Accelerator Grant from the City. "I attended the "Market" in Atlanta, Ga. and was amazed at all the retail clothing options. There are also websites where boutique owners can shop," she noted. "I researched companies that offered a better deal on interest for credit and debit card sales, which is how most people spend money. I use a company that offers a better deal on interest. I pay a yearly fee that creates my barcode system and manages my website." 

Tomkins was apprehensive in the beginning, but eventually gained the confidence she needed to open her own boutique. "My biggest fear was not making enough money in sales to afford my monthly rent," she shared. "I woke up one morning and said, 'I'm going to do it!' I remembered a conversation I'd had with Matt McLane, owner of the Clayton Lighthouse, when he was opening up. He told me you have to have the drive, and you have to work hard at it every day. He also advised, 'Don't take any money out of your business for a least the first year.'" 

River Front Boutique has a stylish selection of women's clothing, fashion shoes and boots, and accessories ranging in sizes zero through XXX large. "I have added baby clothes to my collection and hope to expand to include toddler sizes also," she explained. "I have considered adding some men's items, but men are hard to buy for. Men shop when they need something. Women shop more impulsively. We don't even know we need it until we see it and can't live without it!" 

River Front Boutique is open Thursdays.-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Nutrition

Tomkins was inspired to open up a nutritional beverage bar, because of her own belief in the product. "Myself, and several of my friends, were driving to Elkader or Dyersville every day to purchase an Herbalife Nutrition energy drink," she commented. "The protein shakes and lit’ teas are packed with energy, sugar-free and all natural. Some of them contain caffeine but not all of them. The kids' protein shakes are all caffeine and sugar-free. The protein shakes are wonderful meal replacements, or if you are trying to cut weight. Some of my biggest customers are the high school kids." 

The Herbalife brand has strict standards that business owners must follow. "The company dictates how you make the drinks, the amount you charge and size of your shop," said Tomkins. "They are very particular, but their protein shakes are delicious and taste like a Snickers bar! I believe in them and so do a lot of other people in town." 

Downtown Nutrition is open Monday - Wednesday from 7-9 a.m. and then re-opens at the end of the school day; and Thursday -  Saturday, from 7:15 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Tomkins expressed gratitude for her support system. "I have a lot of support and it's going well," she said with gratitude. "My mother is a God-send, and helps me everyday in the boutique. The boutique's location is very good. Thus far sales have been over what I expected." 

Follow River Front Boutique and Downtown Nutrition on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok; email: riverfrontboutique1@gmail.com. or call 563-552-6027.

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