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Business

Former lawyer offers boutique clothing

Posted 6/6/22

Personal background highlights: Born and raised in a small college town just outside of Philadelphia, I moved to Arizona in 2010 and have been living the dream ever since.

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Business

Former lawyer offers boutique clothing

Posted

Name: Kym Stutzman.

Business name: Just Be Youtiful, 15332 W. Bell Road, Suite 135, Surprise; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday.

Town/neighborhood: Surprise.

Personal background highlights: Born and raised in a small college town just outside of Philadelphia, I moved to Arizona in 2010 and have been living the dream ever since.

Professional background highlights: Family law attorney, arbitration judge, professor.

What I do: I help people realize that they are beautiful inside and out, or as my children would say, I “shop” for a living.

What I like most about doing business here: I love being a business owner in the West Valley because the people are amazing, the commute is gorgeous and the area was in need of a “local” boutique to shop for yourself or for gifts. I enjoy the suburbs for the more relaxed “wave to your neighbor” atmosphere not found downtown. In my little haven of Just Be Youtiful, I can play worship music, pray for visitors’ needs and watch the glorious sunsets from my wall of west-facing windows in my stone front corner location and provide a serene place to escape the chaos of life.

Previous occupation and why I left: Director of management services — insane hours, constant stress, little opportunity to spread joy.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: A greater sense of community post COVID-19. The isolation took a toll on businesses and mental health. We need to return to gathering together and appreciating this beautiful place we call home — Arizona! Plus, get out of our sweatpants and dress up to go out again!

What am I promoting: A truly unique women’s boutique featuring clothing and jewelry from all over the world and art from right here in the Surprise/Sun Cities area.

What I’m excited about and why: I wanted to bring a Sedona/Scottsdale experience to the area at West Valley prices (AKA - affordable). I also wanted to be the antithesis of a typical store — crammed racks of hundreds of the same styles just in different colors and sizes. I wanted to feature single pieces or limited runs so that people can truly feel original. We never reorder exact items and we have a line we design and produce ourselves so that the buyer knows there is not another one anywhere in the world.

Favorite community cause and why: One of the ways I like to give back to the community is to showcase local artists’ work. This gives them the opportunity to share their gift with the community without the hassle of having a store or a vendor show business. We advocate shop small and shop local! We feature five different local artists currently. As for giving back to my community on a personal level, I am in my third term as a commissioner in the city of Surprise. Disability Advisory Commission, four years and Judicial Selection Advisory Commission, five years.

When and why I started my business/employment here: The boutique resulted from a prophesy given to my husband, Rich Stutzman. In 2021 we stepped out in faith and opened the storefront, relying 100% on the grace of God for its success. The store itself was designed to be a welcoming atmosphere with comfy chairs and continual worship music playing. The goal was to use the store as an outreach to the community and beyond; to share the love of Jesus quietly and maintain a strong prayer ministry for those who visit. We believe that we are “beautifully and wonderfully” made by the Father and each visitor should leave feeling cherished, beautiful and with a new sister in Christ!

My family: I am blessed with a wonderful husband, my two handsome sons now in their 20s and three bonus children that I treasure as well.

My interests and hobbies: Photography, travel, designing.

People who inspire me (and how): My Mom is my biggest champion. She moved here with my Dad shortly after I was established in Surprise. She cared for my father through a disabling disease and now has lived on her own for almost six years in Sun City Grand. She has a busy schedule, but makes time to pop in the boutique almost every day! My husband, a true man of God, who inspires me to be a better person and have a closer walk with Jesus every day. My children, who have grown to be hardworking beautiful souls. My dear friends Alana, Trina and Marie, who have wandered on this journey with me.

My guiding philosophy: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phillipians 4:13)

My advice to today’s youth: Three simple steps: 1. Chase your dreams — don’t wait for (or even expect) opportunity to knock on your door; 2. Be overly grateful — don’t fall into a trap of entitlement (we all live under unmerited grace); and 3. Pray about everything — big or small, He is there for them all.

Editor’s Note: If you would like your business featured here, email rbradshaw@iniusa.org to receive a form to fill out and return.