Mizzou student launches ‘blossoming’ business while getting degree

A Mizzou graduate got a headstart on her career while getting her degree.

Not only will University of Missouri senior Samie Chitwood, of St. James, get her bachelor’s degree in business this December but she will also graduate with a full-time business, Blossoms Boutique LLC.

Chitwood channeled her love for affordable fashion into her business startup Blossoms Boutique in Belle, Mo.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own boutique and I asked my mom while I was in high school and she said, ‘No, you need to go to college first and get your degree,'” recalled Chitwood.

She says that her passion for fashion was nurtured at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business where she was able to get hands-on experience and workshop her entrepreneurial ideas for her storefront.

“Being in the business school and having professors who have been in the industry that have expert knowledge has been really nice,” she explained. “I would ask them ‘What do you think about this,’ or ‘What if I do this’ and ‘How should I integrate this into my business?'”

Chitwood says that her professor’s guidance made coursework more than just an assignment by providing feedback and workshopping her business ideas.

She claims that many of her class projects were centered around Blossoms Boutique which allowed her to develop concepts and perfect her marketing strategies.

“It was nice because I could use my own business as my school projects and then I got feedback right away and I just made those changes to my website and it was perfect,” said Chitwood.

However, her successful journey through Mizzou was never a question.

Chitwood is a third-generation Tiger and has been a part of the MU community her entire life.

Even her siblings are currently attending the university.

“Having my siblings there felt like home away from home,” said Chitwood. “When there’s Homecoming and our parents can come to the game with us, it brings back so many memories for them and it’s fun to experience it with your parents.”

After graduating she hopes to chase her dream of giving back to the region that shaped her into the person she is today by utilizing her minor in textile and apparel management to expand her business’s storefront and online presence.

“I chose Belle because growing up the community gave so much to me and I wanted to be one of those small businesses that gave back to the community,” she gushed. “Everybody has been so positive and so encouraging and yeah it’s just been amazing.”