A Trendy Twist on Fashion and Family

At their downtown Florence boutique, Trendy Twist Boutique, mother-daughter entrepreneurs duo Gloria and Shereca Anderson bring their personal style, thoughtful buying, and a shared vision to women’s fashion. 

For Gloria Anderson, fashion has been part of the story for decades. Her retail career began in the 1970s at the Diana Shop, as a young lady, and she later worked at General Electric for 25 years, with the dream of one day owning a women’s boutique. That dream became Trendy Twist Boutique, a mother-daughter venture built with her daughter, Shereca R. Anderson.

For Shereca, her story began as a finance director for a local school district where she has had an extensive career in finance/accounting as well as business administration. Previously, Shereca worked for UPS Corporate Office in Sandy Springs, Georgia, as a senior financial analyst and at Georgia Tech Research Institute as a senior project analyst; she has had several finance-focused roles. 

Since opening Trendy Twist Boutique in 2018, the boutique has grown from a space inside a relative’s hair salon to its current home at 182 W. Evans St. in downtown Florence from previous owners of Mi Ladies 182 Boutique. 

Along the way, Facebook and Instagram helped Trendy Twist to build its brand and reach customers, while mailers and community connections spread the word. In 2023, the boutique was invited to the Beyonce Knowles Small Business Impact Luncheon through Beyonce’s “Bey Good Foundation,” held in Charlotte, North Carolina.

At Trendy Twist, the name reflects Anderson's approach to style: bringing different styles together. They have traveled internationally, including to Paris, and wanted to bring some of that inspiration – and Parisian style – into their boutique. They aim to serve a broad mix of working women, blending fashion across generations. 

That spirit extends to what hangs on the racks. Their retail journey began with connections at AmericasMart Atlanta and Dallas Market. Trendy Twist Boutique also utilizes the NuOrder platform which gives them access to thousands of wholesale vendors/designers across the world. The boutique offers brands such as Donna Morgan, Maggy London, The Good Journey, London Times, Joseph Ribkoff, Bryn Walker, Ivy Jane, Uncle Frank, and most recently added UMGEE to their selections. “We shop for labels we know and wear ourselves,” Shereca said, noting that they avoid fast fashion: many pieces are ordered months in advance  and made by vendors to their specifications. “We know the quality of the clothing and how long they would last,” she said. 

As the finance lead in the business, Shereca knows that appealing inventory has to be balanced with a sustainable budget. The Andersons plan purchases around customer interests and are careful of the risk of carrying more stock than they can sell. They are also exploring new offerings, including local jewelry makers, while remaining mindful of the shoppers they service. 

Their greatest challenges were the Covid-19 pandemic and more recent economic pressures, including tariffs affecting international online sales. The pandemic prompted them to pivot, joining Amazon’s seller platform to keep revenue flowing. They also learned that networking, community ties and partnerships are key in entrepreneurship. Additionally, Trendy Twist Boutique has a space on Walmart Marketplace Platform and is looking to join other seller platforms in the future. 

Connection is another part of the boutique’s core. Gloria hosts a “Fashion Tip Tuesday” live on social media. “I offer fashion tips about different things including body-type fits,” Gloria shared. The Anderson’s rely on repeat customers, social media and community partnerships to keep the business visible and welcoming. 

If they could start again, the mother-daughter duo said, they would not change anything. “The journey has shown us we are right where we are supposed to be,” they said. The experience has strengthened their relationship as mother and daughter while allowing them to build a business together. Looking ahead, they hope to tap more into international fashion and additional retailers. 

Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is practical: organize the essentials before opening – business licenses, tax documents, banking, and other required paperwork as well as develop a strong business and marketing plan. It is advice rooted in the same blend that defines Trendy Twist: personal, vision, and careful planning with the confidence to make a style of your own.

To learn more about Trendy Twist Boutique, you can visit their boutique at 182 W. Evans St. in Florence, at the previous Mi Ladies 182 Boutique location. The boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. You can call the store at 843-407-6048.