NOW, MORE than ever, women are walking through doors that were not opened for them before, breaking down barriers set before them in years past. As women step into paths like entrepreneurship, it is important to celebrate them and continue to inspire generations of young leaders.
Tiffany Hoyne opened Reese’s Genes Boutique in 2016 out of her home. She named the boutique after her son, Connor Reese. Connor was born with a rare genetic disease called Galactosemia, which is where “Genes” in the business name comes from.
A few months after she started her online business, Hoyne was shocked by the responses of women interested in her clothes. Hoyne knew that the next step was to open a storefront boutique, and Manchester was the perfect place to do it.
Hoyne said she chose to continue her business in Manchester because of the supportive community. Reese’s Genes is a one-stop shop that sells women’s, children’s, and men’s clothing and a range of accessories, purses, and seasonal decor.
The business was booming for Hoyne until March 2022, a time she will never forget. She said, “In March 2022, my world as I knew it fell apart. My business was a total loss due to arson. Within six weeks, we had relocated and reopened to the public.”
The tragedy the arson caused was nothing less than horrifying, but Hoyne’s story was far from over. Thanks to the outpouring of love and support from the community of Manchester, her business is still thriving. “It was overwhelming and indescribable.”
Hoyne said her future goals look different from before because of the fire.
“I have learned to appreciate what I have a little more because it can be taken away at any moment.” Her short-term professional goal for 2023 is to become more active in the social media world, using TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to engage her customers. She also wants to grow and do more personally and professionally in the local community.
Hoyne said her experience as an entrepreneur taught her to set goals and celebrate when she achieves them.
Hoyne said her role model is her mother.
“My role model is my mom. She had me at the young age of 16. She gave up everything to make sure my siblings and I had a good life. I know it wasn’t easy on her, but she did everything she could to make sure we were taken care of.”
She said her mother’s push and motivation have always inspired her to be the best version of herself. Reese’s Genes Boutique helped Hoyne grow in many ways she never thought possible. She now volunteers, supports sports, clubs, school-related events, local businesses, and nonprofits, and serves as a leader, helping other women become more confident.
“It’s been an amazing journey over the past six years, and I look forward to seeing what 2023 has in store.”
Hoyne said she would never forget the outpouring of love and support, which has strengthened her. She said, “I truly believe there is beauty from ashes.” GN
