Megglam Boutique moves into new Lindale storefront

CEDAR RAPIDS — Just three years ago, Meggie Hounyovi was selling her clothing designs at the homes of friends.

In September, her business will expand to its own storefront in Lindale Mall, thanks in part to a loan from Kiva Iowa.

Founded in 2019, Megglam Boutique is a clothing and accessories store that specializes in handmade African wear, jewelry, clothing and accessories for women, men and children.

The designs are all Hounyovi 's creations. As an African-American woman from the Republic of Benin, West Africa, Hounyovi said she wanted to express her love for her culture through fashion.

“My designs can be worn by everyone and for any occasion,” she said. “Often, people save traditional African clothing for going to church or to formal events like weddings.

“But my goal is to use this fabric and transform it into something that people can wear to go shopping or to school. These fabrics are so beautiful, so I feel like we need to get this out more.”

Megglam Boutique started with a website and a few in-person sales at the homes of friends. Hounyovi also placed her work in a few vendor shows at Lindale Mall.

The business eventually expanded into one of the mall’s kiosks. In September, Megglam Boutique will move into a store space in Lindale Mall. Its grand opening is set for Sept. 17.

Hounyovi said up to this point, no more than two or three versions are made of each of her designs, and usually with different fabric each time.

That ups the pressure on her to keep coming up with new concepts.

“I'm looking at a way to make it easier for me,” she said. “That's why I'm going to a bigger store because I want to start making like one design a lot of sizes and a lot of copies.

In August, the business acquired a loan through Kiva to hire a new staff member for customer service and administrative work, as well as increase inventory; ease the transition from a kiosk into a full store; and build out a dressing room.

“It was really helpful to get the Kiva loan,” Hounyovi said.

“What I really love about it is the way it connects you to so many other people. I think more small business owners need to know that the Kiva program exists because it can make a big difference.”

Long-term, Hounyovi has no plans of stopping with Cedar Rapids. She aims to expand Megglam Boutique to other cities, and hire more seamstresses.

Most of all, she hopes to introduce more people in America to the style of her home country. She makes it clear that a person doesn’t have to be African to buy and wear her creations.

“I really want people to be more open, and come to talk to me,” Hounyovi said.

“Because sometimes people think this clothing isn’t for them, until I tell the stories about the fabric and how these designs came to be. My feeling is, if you like it, why not get it?”