Saluting Women Owned Businesses in the Stateline: Porch Inc. in Rockford

Tell us about yourself and your business:

My name is Lori Wetzel, my husband, Pete, and I, along with our two daughters bought our business in January of 2020. Our store, Porch, is a small gift boutique that offers many different items: almost anything you would want to gift yourself or someone else. Porch has everything from specialty baby items to outdoor décor. Including women’s clothing and accessories, home décor, lighting, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind metal yard art pieces.

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What inspired you to start your business?

We purchased our business in January of 2020, Porch had already been operational for 12 years. The previous owners were ready to retire and all I can say is it was God’s plan for us to take over their business. To this day I am still amazed at how everything worked out how it was supposed to, and blessed we are that we get to work as a family at our store. Most days there are three generations working at the store.

What’s it like being a female business owner here in the Stateline?

The Stateline has been so encouraging to our business. We have had great customer feedback on the fresh look that we have brought to the store. I am thankful for the continued support of Porch customers that continue to support our small business.

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What advice would you give to a woman who wants to start her own business?

Keep your goals realistic. Know your vision. Love what you do. Have a knowledgeable support system to back you up.

Who or what has been your biggest support system as a female business owner in the community?

My husband, my girls and my parents. I couldn’t have taken on this business without this being a family affair. When you own a business, you don’t just work from 9 to 5. You are either thinking about work, or talking about work all the time when you are not actually at work. So, if your family is all involved you’re in it together.

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What are the biggest challenges/advantages to being a female business owner?

In the type of business I own I would have to say it is mainly women dominated, so I can’t really say I have come across too many challenges as being a woman. I would say there are advantages to knowing that there are so many women boutique owners, it really is a field where people want you to succeed. When you’re at a show, or in someone else’s shop they are more than happy to share what is working for them and help you keep your ideas fresh.

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This article is by Chelsea Meyer. Email her at chelsea@b103fm.com.