By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
The coronavirus pandemic has taken so much from so many different people. Businesses have gone under, jobs have been lost, and the overall quality of life for some has diminished as of late.
However, one Prattville couple has taken this year-long negative and found a way to turn it into a positive.
Laken and Bill Chance started their own company in June of 2020, Hometown Heritage Clothing, out of their own living room – in the midst of a pandemic, no less.
“A lot of stores, specifically retail ones, started closing down indefinitely back in April – and to be honest, it was worrisome,” Bill said.
But with that worry brought an opportunity for the Chances. An opportunity that would change their professional lives forever.
“It was always a dream of mine to open a clothing and boutique store,” said Laken. “We just felt like it was the right time to make a difference and provide local service to people in the area who needed it.”
The Chances then decided to take the plunge, and in the summer of 2020, Hometown Heritage was born – a store that operates only online.
“The era of brick and mortar isn’t needed really here anymore,” Bill said. “Online shopping is taking the world by storm, and with the coronavirus this past year, we decided that it would be best to stick solely to a virtual platform.”
And their decision to be online only has greatly benefited them, as their products have been extremely well-received locally.
“We’ve had really great reception so far. We hope to continue that trend as even we learn more and more about what it takes to run a business,” Laken said.
Their company sells some of the best boutique styles and lifestyles brands such as BiBi, Easel, ODDI, Umgee, Burlebo, East Coast Waterfowl, High Cotton Hats, Southern Couture, and more.
Clothing ranges from the boutique side of things, to graphic lifestyle tees for men and women.
One aspect of their clothing that makes them unique are the printed pictures they have on the back of their shirts. For Prattville, you can have a comfortable tee with an image of the Cotton Gin factory Downtown and for Wetumpka, you can enjoy apparel with an impressive picture of the Bibb Graves Bridge.
“We didn’t want to just sell generic clothing. Instead, we wanted to put our own twist to our brand with images of local landmarks and historic artifacts. It gives people more of a sense of familiarity and comfort,” Bill said.
With that uniqueness, the Chances have found success in a time where it’s been difficult to even get footing – proving that if you can put your mind to something, then you can do just about anything.
“We’re blessed to be in the situation that we’re in right now, and we hope to provide to communities across Alabama for a long time,” Laken said.
For more information about Hometown Heritage, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. You can also email them at info@hometownheritageclothing.com or go to their website, www.hometownheritageclothing.com
