Rising Stars: Meet Julie, Crissy, Teresa, and Mya Gow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie, Crissy, Teresa, and Mya Gow. 

Hi Julie, Crissy, Teresa, and Mya, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Our journey began about a year and a half ago. We have been homeschooling for nine years. With that being said, my older daughter had mentioned not wanting to go to college. This thought may shock some parents, but it drove our family in a direction we could never imagine. So, I decided that if Crissy, my sixteen-year-old, did not want to go to college, I would teach her how to be an entrepreneur. It would also be an excellent opportunity for my fourteen-year-old, Teresa, who needed a new approach to her education. The more I prayed about it, the louder God’s voice became. So, I went for it, I pulled an LLC with two other Moms and their daughters, and away we went. 

We started a small children’s clothing business doing different events and selling on Facebook live. The company was a great learning experience for all of us. We learned so much and had some success. We all had different ideas of how to grow and teach our children, but the beauty for me was seeing my girls own something, taking it very seriously at the ages of 14 and 16, and running with it. Our original name was 3 Moms and a Bow-tique. Over time some of the moms decided it was too much, and we peacefully parted ways. 

The birth of Connect began. We live in the city of Wixom, and my girls used to sell small rings and fairy gardens with me when they were between the ages of 6 and 8. We did this out of a store called the Purple Door Store. It was down the street from our house. Unfortunately, the store moved about three or four years ago and was not in use. 

Every time I drove by, I heard Holy Spirit say, call Deni; she owns the purple door store and holds the house it was in. For about three months, I fought the calling, and one morning, I told the girls I thought I should call Deni. Crissy and Teresa looked at me like I was crazy and said, ok, mom. So, I called. Keep in mind that it had been about 4 or 5 years since I had spoken with Deni. She said, ” I see your girls are running a little business. My reply was, yes, they are. Long story short, she offered the empty storefront to my girls rent-free for a year so they could build their business. I was in shock; who does that? I remember telling my girls, and the look on their faces was priceless. We did not know what to do with the offer, so we prayed and asked God to show us what he wanted us to do. 

My husband and I decided that we should see Deni in person to make sure what we were hearing from her was true. I mean, who gives someone a free spot for a year? So, we went to her beautiful store in Great lakes Crossing and were greeted with a huge hug, and then she said, I don’t know what happened when we were on the phone, but God and the Angles took over my voice, and yes, I am giving the girls that space for utilities and upkeep. I was still in shock at what God was doing. 

We prayed as a family, and soon the birth of Connect Boutique was born. We worked on the priority for about eight months to prepare it, and my family worked hard. There were moments of joy and moments of sadness. But through it all, God was at the center and was moving us in a clear way that we were giving a mission field, not a business. 

God led me to ask my girls what they want to be now; you don’t have to wait to be what God calls you to be. They want to be leaders that make a difference in the world. We saw what God wanted us to do. We wanted to create a place where children could learn to become entrepreneurs. You are never too young to go after a dream. Teresa and Crissy, and sweet Mya have created that place with Connect. Young artists use the store to sell their beautiful creations, and in return, they join our program. We teach them business and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are bringing up KINDOM-MINDED ENTREPRENEURS. 

We also have a prayer wall in the store where costumes can write a prayer, and we pray over these things. The girls and I have built a safe place for kids to believe in themselves and trust God. We have many fun things to see in the store, from unique purses to fun clothing and gifts. We have a ton of handmade items from our young entrepreneurs. You can expect a warm greeting when you arrive; more often than not, a young person is helping out and chasing their dream. We also have many items that give back. We support the local baby pantry in the Walled Lake with our Beloved Jewelry, which has scripture on it. We also carry dolls that are very special; some of them have Down syndrome, Cochlear implants, and other things. They teach children God makes us all different; they also support Barksdale Ministry. Barksdale is a local ministry helping churches strengthen their children’s programs. We also support women in Honduras and allow schools get built in Kenya. When you shop, Connect, you help people all over the world and help children’s dreams come true. When you shop, Connect you shop with purpose. Like we say, we are an enjoyable eclectic experience. We have sizes 2t through 3xl for girls and women. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s a learning curve for sure. We are learning every day together as a family. We had no background in opening a boutique. So yes, there have been many bumps in the road, but we continue to learn together. Crissy had to learn how to build a website, and Teresa is learning how to run a boutique. There are days of tears and days of joy. But we know God gave us this mission, and we will keep moving forward. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Just a mom who decided to teach my children to love God and People. I have a background in hospitality. I have been a stay-at-home mom most of my life. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
We love the small town of Wixom and the big city of Detroit. There is something about simple life and living in a town or city where you will likely run into someone you know. We enjoy going to the small shops and seeing the same faces when we go to the grocery store. 

Detroit is a beautiful city; our family loves to go to the opera house and see musicals and ballets. Dislikes can be found in anything if you’re looking for them. However, we try to focus on the beauty of Wixom and Detroit. We love them both. 

Pricing:

• The store has items as low as $3.00 and high as $100.00

Contact Info:

• Website: connectonwixom.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopConnectBoutique

Image Credits
Crystal Chere Photography