Stephanie’s Fashion Boutique celebrates its seventh year in business this month, and owner Stephanie Mitchell said she’s grateful to a lot of people for helping her realize her dream.

“I had always, from a teenager, wanted my own business,” she said.

Mitchell had been a warehouse specialist at Office Max in Chesapeake for 11 years but got laid off. That’s when she decided it was time to “step out on faith” and start her own business.

“It was definitely a faith thing,” she said.

More than two dozen people had looked at the West Washington Street location she chose for her business, but owner Andy Damiani said he was taking the chance on her.

Damiani is someone Mitchell especially recognizes for helping her succeed. But she also thanks God, her parents, local churches and the community.

Her shop specializes in Sunday best clothing for men and women but also sells hats, jewelry and other accessories. She said churches often patronize her store for group outfits, and she gives group discounts and also offers layaway and orders straight from catalogs.

“Things are picking up,” she said of how business is going. “A lot of the groups are coming to me.” She added her hopes that good businesses moving into newly renovated buildings across the street will improve business even more.

She’s always grateful to each and every customer, Mitchell said.

“If you show appreciation, people will come back,” she said.