From Page 1

Minn., when Miner was a child. Some of her earliest memories are working at her mother’s store, where she learned to love merchandising when she went on buying trips with her mother.

“She’s had the eye from the time she was 10,” Chatterton said. “She’s always loved merchandising.”

Those early years at her mother’s store inspired Miner to pursue a degree in retail merchandising and management at UW-Stout. It also gave her the itch to own her own store someday, though it took many stepping stones to lead her to that ultimate goal.

Miner worked in the buying offices at Target Corporate for many years. She worked for Eddie Bauer and served as a sales representative for MinneapolisMart, the wholesale permanent showroom facility she used to visit with her mother.

Her skills and industry connections led her back to Prescott, her hometown, where she was a buyer for Forever Gifts. When that store shut its doors, some of its inventory went to My Happy Place, which Miner managed for two years. When My Happy Place closed (it also has Somerset location), Miner dusted off her dream, which was always waiting in the wings, and ran with it.

On Sept. 10, 2020, she debuted her online boutique called “Mia Joy” through Facebook Live and a VIP group.

“It just really took off,” the empty-nester said of the online boutique’s success. “It was the perfect platform at the perfect time.”

During the pandemic, people wanted to find ways to connect with others, to shop locally and to be with friends. The boutique brought people together.

The idea behind the Aim Joy VIP Facebook group, which features videos, photos and opportunities to connect via live chats at 8 p.m. Thursdays, is to feel like you’re “shopping with your bestie who is there to tell you how a product fits, feels and more!”

The online business grew so quickly that when Miner received the opportunity to rent the shop space once occupied by My Happy Place, she jumped in with both feet.

“My whole goal is cute, trendy, quality clothing at affordable prices for all sizes,” Miner said.

She changed the boutique’s name from Mia Joy (which meant my joy) to Aim Joy when she decided to open a brick-and-mortar storefront. Aim contains her initials and symbolizes having a purpose, or aim.

“I grew up in Prescott, so it’s fun to offer the community a place to shop for gifts, kids’ items, and décor,” Miner said. “And clothing, we cater to all sizes.”

Miner opened the shop on Thursday, Aug. 19 and celebrated with a Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting Tuesday, Aug. 31. As she looked out over shoppers gathering in her store, she smiled.

“I really value the experience and knowledge I gained throughout the years,” Miner said. “I worked in Prescott for two years and knew what the market wanted. And I just want to motivate other women to know that no matter your age, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”

She and her mom teared up as they reminisced about the path that led them to here, to coming full circle. The precious love between a mother and daughter is also featured in the store’s logo, by the small heart near the bottom.

“When I watch her wait on her customers, I go back and forth seeing her as she is now and my little 10-year-old daughter,” Chatterton said.

Aim Joy is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesdays, when it’s open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also join the Aim Joy Facebook VIP group, tune in at 8 p.m. Thursdays for product unveilings, find them on Instagram, or shop online at

aimjoyboutique.com

Photo by Sarah Nigbor