Interviews and photos by Amy Howe

Tell us a little bit about the background of Posh Dogs Boutique and what it has been like to see it grow together?

Kelli: Eleven years when I got my dog, Milla Mae, I was traveling across the country for work, and I would visit dog boutiques every chance I could get. I knew I wanted to open a store that would be a fun place to bring your dog and carry quality products like I had purchased at other stores for Milla. It makes us so happy when our customers and their dogs come in and really enjoy their time in the boutique.

Jeff: Kelli had the idea of opening a dog boutique in Joplin ever since she got Milla 11 years ago. We found the building we are in and decided to do it. We spent a lot of time fixing the space up and opened the business November 25, 2019. It gives me so much joy to see the way people who come into our boutique love it so much, and that is all because of Kelli and her vision and work to open a place like this!

What role do each of you play in your business?

Jeff: I handle financials, day-to-day running of business, and sales/customer service.

Kelli: I’m the buyer, handle merchandising and also sales/customer service.

How did you two meet?

Kelli: We went to high school together; I was an underclassman, but he doesn’t remember me from school (although I had a crush on him then). We met again a few years ago at a Daybreak Rotary meeting when he came as a guest of a mutual friend, and the rest is history!

What would you say is the best part of working together?

Jeff: I get to work with the best-looking gal in the world, and she just happens to be my best friend, too! Also, knowing I get to help my wife realize a dream and vision she had to open this business is very special to me!

Kelli: Jeff is so supportive, and he has gone out of his way to make this a reality. He is the day-to-day person running the boutique, and it wouldn’t be what it is without him. It has given us a joint project and brought us even closer together.

How do you keep the spark alive when you spend so much time together?

Jeff: That’s easy; I am crazy about her! I am so blessed because Kelli is such an amazing wife, friend and coworker. I absolutely love spending time with her, whether it be at work or at home. We also have date nights, and we like to take small day trips just to get out of town for the day and put the focus on each other.

Kelli: Well, when you are married to your best friend and love of your life, that’s easy!
We make sure that we take time just for us if it’s a dinner at home, golfing or traveling when we can.

Has working together strengthened your marriage in any way?

Jeff: Absolutely. We work really well together as a team, and we rely on each other both at work and at home. Through this business, we have another bond that ties even closer to each other, and it’s been fun doing it together.

Kelli: We love to laugh and have fun, and we love helping others, so the boutique gives us an opportunity to do it all together. We love what we do!