Julie Fischbach
Julie Fischbach has about a decade of experience running successful businesses in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, and Brookings. A passionate advocate for small business ownership and community development, her success story dates far back to her childhood. Julie grew up in a rural town not far from Aberdeen. Growing up with little, she firmly believes that her experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Her journey began at a young age when she started working as a dishwasher in her hometown cafe in 6th grade, eventually climbing the ranks to become a waitress in high school. This early exposure to the world of work instilled in her a strong work ethic and a drive for success.
Upon graduating from high school, she made the pivotal decision to move to Aberdeen to pursue her business degree. In 1990, she played a significant role in the opening of the mall in Aberdeen, where she managed the Music Land Group, for over fifteen years eventually climbing the ranks to become a district manager of over three states. Alongside her academic pursuits, Julie gained valuable experience working at a bank and a pharmaceutical company.
Throughout her journey, her mother-in-law served as her biggest advocate, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and establish herself in the business world. Though her mother-in-law passed away from cancer thirteen years ago, Julie finds solace in the knowledge that she would be proud of her achievements.
She took ownership of Mainstream Boutique two years after her mother-in-law’s passing and has since expanded her business to Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, and Brookings, spanning a total of eleven years in operation. While running Mainstream Boutique, Julie identified a gap in the market for a similar offering tailored to men. She had envisioned the concept for Finery on Main for nearly ten years, albeit under a different name. When the opportunity arose to fulfill this vision and meet the community’s needs, she seized it without hesitation.
What drives her is her passion for providing opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dreams of business ownership. She aspires to become a small business coach and consultant, viewing it as the final item on her career bucket list. Julie has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of entrepreneurship, particularly through her involvement with Trendy Little Boutique Co. She entrusted her store manager with the task of establishing the company’s online presence, ultimately selling the business to her manager, who propelled it to new heights before passing it on to another owner in Aberdeen.
Her recipe for success is simple yet powerful: Passion + Hard work = Success. Despite wishing she had embarked on her entrepreneurial journey sooner, Julie is grateful for the experiences that have equipped her for the challenges of business ownership. She acknowledges that entrepreneurship is no easy feat but believes that it is very rewarding with the added bonus of a loving, supportive community.
Her commitment to ensuring everyone who enters her business feels valued and cared for is unwavering. She endeavors to create an environment where customers feel at home and appreciated. When faced with setbacks, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and learning from failure, as well as preparing oneself for future and tougher challenges.
To prospective business owners, she offers sage advice: cultivate passion, work hard, and conduct thorough research on market needs, demands, and logistics. She believes that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Julie is not only an exemplary businesswoman but also an integral member of the Aberdeen community. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the transformative power of passion, hard work, and unwavering determination.
WRITTEN BY: NKEMDILIM CHIBUKO
