Amber Scott has always loved fashion. Back in high school, she remembers getting up early in the mornings to meticulously select pieces of an outfit based on texture, fit and how it expressed her personality. She also remembers bonding with her mother and grandmother while shopping at Ruffles Boutique, a small clothing store in her hometown of Pincher Creek. At that time, Amber had no idea how big of a role the humble shop would play in her future.
While working at a senior’s home in Pincher years ago, Amber realized she needed a creative outlet to cope with a difficult job. She would visit Ruffles on her lunch breaks, play in the clothes and chat with the owner. She even volunteered to come in on Sundays to build high-fashion displays guaranteed to entice window shoppers. Being surrounded by pretty things in Ruffles felt like an escape for Amber — a safe place to be herself.
The owner of Ruffles was impressed by her keen eye and passion. She asked Amber if she wanted to be next in a line of entrepreneurial women to own the boutique. Amber was surprised by the idea, but couldn’t turn down this once in a lifetime opportunity to do what she loves in the town that she loves.
“I went to the bank and got all that stuff set up and ready. And then I got to go to market, which was crazy. I was like a deer in the headlights,” Amber jokes. “But then I thought, well, this is like a second home for people. So I'm just going to run it like my household. And it's worked. October will mark my tenth year.”
Ruffles Boutique has been in Pincher Creek since the 1990s. But when Amber became the third owner nearly a decade ago, new energy seemed to radiate from the shop, as it grew into so much more than a clothing store.
Born and bred in Pincher Creek
Amber has lived in the town of Pincher Creek all her life. These days she spends her time off with her partner and kids, and enjoys fishing in the local rivers and lakes.
Amber is grateful for her community, and ensures she shows her gratitude by supporting local events and initiatives through Ruffles, such as the pro-rodeo and curling rink construction. As a result, Amber has even earned herself the charming nickname of “Queen” from neighbours and friends.
More than just a clothing shop
When you first walk into Ruffles Boutique, the first thing you’ll notice is the inviting scent of new clothes and the brightly coloured displays. The second is Amber’s warm smile as she welcomes you in, eager to help find your next perfect outfit. Whether it’s formal wear, graphic tees, designer jeans, jewellery, handbags, activewear, or pyjamas, Ruffles has it. And with a committed staff team of two other community members, this little shop is the ultimate representation of a Pincher Creek gem.
A legacy of inspirational women
But Amber and Ruffles Boutique are not in isolation. In fact, they are one of a dozen local downtown businesses in Pincher Creek that are all owned by women. Not only do they use each other’s services, but they’ve become close friends too.
“From the hair salon to the little yoga studio to the coffee shop to the jewellery shop, we all do the best we can to support each other,” Amber says.
And with Ruffles being owned exclusively by women since its establishment 30 years ago, Amber is proud to be part of this inspirational and entrepreneurial legacy.
The future of Ruffles Boutique
While Amber is happy with how things are at Ruffles, she knows there’s always room to grow — especially after the pandemic hit their sales hard. “It’s been tough, I’m not going to lie. When everything closed we made up packages for people to pick up, but the hardest part was keeping everything clean and everyone safe.”
Amber and her team are relieved to see the shop filling up with shoppers again. Amber muses that one day she’d like to have a section of the store called Ruffles Junior, which she’s already shorthanded to “RJ’s.” But for today, Amber says she’s just grateful to her clients and the community for supporting her.
“I would say I'm very content here with what I'm doing. And I just hope to be able to maintain and keep providing a great service — to be helpful, happy, healthy and do the best I can.”
