The bubble gum pink front door of Small Town Girl Boutique is a signature element of its brand and one of owner Amy Hess’s visions for establishing a standout clothing store.

The store is bohemian. It’s Western. It’s the best clothing trends of the 70s.

The boutique recently celebrated three years in downtown Franklin, but Amy’s passion for Western fashion has always been part of her life.

From a cowgirl-themed birthday party to Dolly Parton-style dresses with little bells that jingled when she twirled, Amy’s love for unique clothing began when she was a little girl. While inspired by Western dress from growing up in a rural area, she was also drawn to the flowy freedom of the hippie movement and the bedazzled glamour of classic country’s rise to popularity.

While still working a full-time job, Amy opened her first boutique in her dining room and eventually became a clothing vendor at other local shops in 2018. She opened her storefront in the spring of 2023 with help from her family.

“This is my Zen place to come and express my creativity after working a full day at my other job,” Amy said. “My mom is very creative, and I believe my eye for design came from her.”

Small Town Girl is a curated collection of colors and textures: flared jeans, colorful crochet cardigans, patchwork jumpsuits, fringe jackets, cowboy boots and jewelry.

Western-style hats are also a staple accessory of Small Town Girl’s merchandise. You can buy pre-decorated hats with beautiful embellishments and burned patterns, but if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, create your own hat at the Hat Bar.

The Hat Bar is a hands-on station where customers craft a one-of-a-kind hat that matches their outfit and personality.

Customers choose their preferred hat style and color from a variety in the store, from jewel-tone turquoise and purple to classic cream and neutral tan. If the store doesn’t have the exact style of crown, brim or color, Amy is happy to place custom orders.

The next step is to decorate with items as simple or flashy as one prefers, with ribbons, leather, lace or scarves around the hatband. Every hat needs a touch of something quirky, like a vintage matchbook or playing card, or a touch of pizzazz like a turquoise hat pin.

For a truly one-of-a-kind hat, Brittany Cox, owner of Laughing Tabbee Studio, customizes hats with images, patterns or words through a burning technique. As a true artist, she can freehand burn any image on a hat just after seeing it.

Brittany has been with Small Town Girl since its first year in Franklin. She has customized hats for people around the country and recently shipped some to France.

The Hat Bar experience is best shared with friends, so Amy offers after-hours party times for smaller groups to reserve the store for three hours to shop and create their hats. She assists some customers with adding dimensional décor, while Brittany simultaneously burns hats for others.

From bridal parties to birthdays to mother and daughter days, the experience is personal and memorable. The green and yellow floral couch is a perfect photo prop in front of the signature butterfly-wing mural in the middle of the store, where customers pose in their new outfits and hats.

It’s an experience Amy hopes customers never forget.

“Every customer who comes through our doors is here for a reason,” Amy said. “They are looking for the personal connection that is missing from online shopping. We want to ensure they find it here.”

While this is the store to come to if you need an outfit for a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, or a special event, Amy is passionate about helping every customer find something that makes them feel beautiful, not just once, but every time they wear it.

Look for the boutique with the pink door on Jefferson Street. You never know what you’ll find inside.

To schedule a Hat Bar party, visit their website.

For a list of even more hands-on experiences just south of Indy, click here.