Kourtni Stanaker business aspirations started in 2017, leading her to open Sydney Jayde & Co in 2024. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
In the midst of struggling with postpartum depression in 2017, Kourtni Stanaker found her calling as an entrepreneur with the support of home-based clothing that ignited her passion for providing clothing for women of all sizes.
After years of selling clothing online via Facebook Live, Stanaker launched her own boutique, Sydney Jayde & Co, naming it after her daughter.
“I feel like, once I had my daughter, that was a driving factor for me, to create something for her, something that she could be proud of, something that she could be involved in, something that gave me flexibility to be a full-time mom,” Stanaker said. “Because I am. I don't miss anything at school. I'm a volunteer. I'm a full-time mom as well as a full-time business owner.”
What's special about it?
Stanaker, a Spring-area resident, said that though the location of the boutique was chosen on a whim, she and her husband, Trevor Stanaker, revamped the place to create a welcoming space for all women.
“I sell cute clothes, don't get me wrong, but I think that a lot of people, especially post-COVID, are just looking for somewhere to be and feel included; and, you know, I feel like that's something that this provides to people,” Stanaker.
Kourtni Stanaker said Sydney Jayde Co is a place that where women are all welcome to shop. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Stanaker said plus sizes are not usually as available in mainstream clothing boutiques. Making it her mission to offer something for everyone, Stanaker said she made sure to include plus sizes when selecting clothing for her brand.
“It was pretty groundbreaking, in my opinion. And whenever I really started to build the trust of those ladies, and then it got to the point where there were some months where plus size was the majority of my sales,” Stanaker said.
In addition to Sydney Jayde & Co, Stanaker founded an additional brand, Heavenly Woods Candle Co., where she offers fragrance products in boutiques all over the country.
Founded Nov., 30, 2024. Sydney Jayde Co offers women's clothing. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
What to expect
At Sydney Jayde & Co, Stanaker said customers can expect a warm and welcoming environment.
“Sydney Jayde & Co is a place where women can come and truly be themselves and just kind of let their shoulders down and put something on, and look in the mirror and truly feel confident,” Stanaker said. “And just knowing that I'm able to provide that for even one person, especially coming from, like the darkness that I came from ... just to be able to turn it around for even just one person is enough for me.”
Sizes offered at Sydney Jayde Co range from small-3XL. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
With sizes running from small to 3XL, the boutique offers elevated everyday clothing and matching sets for anyone from teenagers to senior women. With inventory changing by the season, brands offered include Umgee, Zenana and Intro.
Aside from its shopping services, Sydney Jayde & Co holds community events such as beginner mahjong classes and pop-up markets, and it often sponsors local school events.
“I try not to say no anytime somebody comes and asks for a sponsorship or asks if I would donate a gift basket,” Stanake said. “I'm very into being a part of my community, and I want to be a company that the community can depend on.”
