The “Road Show” came home.

“Welcome to the Grand Opening of The Retail Therapist.  We are here tonight to not only acknowledge a new business in Tazewell, but to thank Whitney for bringing her dream to our small town.  As many talk about the poor economy, Whitney went to work.  She knew she needed knowledge…this led her to Coastal Carolina with a degree in Business Management concentrating on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Operations.  She then used her knowledge to begin a fashion blog named The Retail Therapist, now known as WhitneyRife.com.  After graduation, she bought a bread truck and refurbished it taking it on the road with her fashions and accessories.  Hard work and the success with her blog, her fashionista truck, and a successful internet business gave her the confidence to decide to open her own boutique!  Here we are tonight to cut the ribbon as she worked toward her dream, but I would be remiss to not mention her family and her belief in God also.  Whitney’s mama and dad and her brother have encouraged her and worked along side her giving her support when she needed it most.  Her family is so important to her and she thanks them in ALL she does.  Whitney’s faith is obvious.  She has prayed every step of the way for this night.  Because of this, before the ribbon is cut let us say a prayer thanking God for this special occasion giving him all the glory…Dear father, be with Whitney and each person here tonight to witness what hard work, determination, and faith in You will do.  Dreams do come true.  Thank you for your direction and love, and help us to never forget our capabilities with you as our guide.  Please continue to lead and guide Whitney as as she goes about daily business.  Be with our small town as we welcome and support Whitney.  May she never lose faith and continue to follow her dreams.  In you name we pray, Amen.”

-Susan Whittaker

On May 28th, 2015, after one year of being on the road with “Prissy” + selling online, my “road show” ended as we opened up The Retail Therapist storefront boutique in my hometown.

I have dreamed of what my grand opening would be like my entire life.  Never in a million years did I think it would be surrounded by so many wonderful people, in my hometown.  I have shopped in a lot of boutiques, and I can honestly say, The Retail Therapist [N. Tazewell location] is by far the most beautiful boutique I have ever seen.  Thank you all so much for your kind words, flowers, calls, messages, support and most importantly your business.  Without YOU, none of this would have been possible, xoxo.

Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Brennan, Susan, Kara, Vicki, Johna, Peery, Clint Neel of Your Grate Escape, Elizabeth Bennett, and the Tazewell Chamber of Commerce.