Rockwood-based boutique brings fashion and comfort for every body
By Cara Aungst
In 2020, Lace Sparrow was started as an online option for size inclusive, comfortable and fashionable clothing for women. On July 1, the boutique opened a brick-and-mortar shop at 122 Market St in Rockwood. Owner Amy Wright said that the shop will help even more women love themselves where they are. “People can feel discriminated against by a lack of variety, inclusive sizing and styles. It’s very hard, especially if you already struggle with shopping. At Lace Sparrow, we want women to leave here feeling good about themselves, and finding clothes that reflect the beauty that they have.”
Wright speaks from personal experience. She says that the boutique was born from the hardest times of her life, when she didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere. “I felt a purpose to find myself and empower women, affirm them.”
While working full time as a nurse, she put together the business plan for the boutique, hand-drew the logo, and chose a name filled with meaning. “A sparrow signifies self worth and power in community, and lace is intricate and woven with beauty,” she said. And just as the new business was about to launch, COVID hit.
Startup Alleghenies coach Matt Reckner (far right) with Amy Wright at the Lace Sparrow ribbon cutting.
Wright pivoted, operating Lace Sparrow as a website for two years. It grew more and more popular as it offered live-feed sales events every Monday, featuring models with various body types. Still, Wright said, the goal was to open a storefront. “It’s hard to buy clothing when you can’t try it on first.”
She says that as she looked for a storefront, she had help from Startup Alleghenies, which provides free coaching to startups and emerging small businesses.
“I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “They were my rock through all of this. Matt Reckner, the coach for Somerset county, always had an answer or found one for me. Annette Chunko from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at St. Francis University helped with my business plan, and was there as it grew. To see both of them at the ribbon cutting, just as excited as I was, was a wonderful thing. I would recommend Startup Alleghenies to any new business.”
This summer, Lace Sparrow’s shop opened below Stoner’s Furniture and continues on the vision that Wright has had from the beginning. “Every mirror has an affirmation on it — I am enough, I am worthy, I am important — because I know firsthand how we as women can pick ourselves apart in the dressing room. I wanted to give a small reminder at that moment and make the experience more positive.”
She said that she’s enjoying connecting with customers in person, as well as other businesses in the community. In an upcoming event, Lace Sparrow will partner with Unwind Day Spa to offer a day of manicures, mimosas and shopping. “The goal is to partner with other businesses to offer something fun.”
“It’s awesome to see this grow,” Wright said. “Rockwood is a smaller town, and I wanted to bring something to the community. Women usually have to drive to Somerset to find clothes, so it’s nice to be able to provide a spot that’s five minutes away, convenient, and gives back to the community. We all know that when small businesses grow, it benefits the community. Those dollars grow.”
“Honestly, I wish I would have done it sooner,” Wright said about launching the brand that brings comfort and joy for every body. “I’m so glad I took the chance. If you are thinking of launching a business, just do it. Find help. Reach out to Startup Alleghenies — they’ve been a saving grace through it all. But just do it.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
