By Kathleen Swift • Photos by Jessica Hughes Photography
National Philanthropy Day, celebrated November 15, is a day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the contributions philanthropy, and those people active in the philanthropic community, have made to our lives, our communities and our world. One24 Boutique is a local business that has continually made a contribution since the business opened in 2016.
Karla Boatright and Katlynn Bishop opened One24 following Karla’s recovery from bladder cancer.
“One24, January 24, is the day our lives as a family changed,” said Katlynn. “That is the day Karla was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and it is a day that has inspired us for the better!”
“Following my treatment and recovery, we opened an online store selling cancer apparel with positive messages,” said Karla. “Two years later, we opened our brick-and-mortar store at 13105 Kodiak Road in Neosho, Missouri, where we expanded our inventory to include a variety of clothes, shoes and accessories. We focus on faith and style and providing positivity and encouragement to all women. From the beginning, a portion of all sales is donated to the Karla Boatright Bladder Cancer Research Scholarship at KU Medical Center.
“The scholarship fund is used at the leisure of the bladder cancer center for research and to help patients who need financial assistance and for equipment for the center.”
One24 Boutique has grown from those early days. The past year has seen an expansion of the business. In addition to the retail store, the business includes a wholesale warehouse and a building for the online inventory and graphic design department. The business employs 24 people full-time in production, customer relations, inventory and shipping.
“We have added our own clothing designs, One24 Rags. My parents owned a graphic design business, and we began designing our own items. This line has expanded, and we sell One24 Rags to over 2,000 retail locations across the country,” said Katlynn.
“We have strong online sales in addition to our retail store sales, and we send out 300 to 600 packages across the United States daily. We have two online live events daily where we introduce five to 10 items. Wednesdays at noon is our big online live event where we introduce 30 new items. Customers can be a part of these events with our app or on social media.
“Our clothing has a Western flair, but we carry some sleeker styles, too. We try to cater to all sizes that will flatter all body types. Our handmade jewelry and accessories are our biggest sellers. We also carry shoes, so we can outfit our customers from head to toe.”
One24 Boutique staff appreciates their customers, and they recently held their first Bling Fling for customers.
“It was a night to dress up or dress down and join together for a women’s night out. We had entertainment, fun and fashion with women of all ages and from 11 states!” said Katlynn. “It was a way to give back to our community of customers, and we hope to make this an annual event.”
“We didn’t image how the business would grow when we started,” said Karla, “and we learned, adapted and grew as we went. We’ve always looked at life as a blessing and find joy in fashion, fellowship and fun. Women can find a boost of hope in whatever phase of life they are in at One24 Boutique.”