How a 19-year-old entrepreneur turned her passion into a thriving local business with a little help from the Small Business Support Hub
A Big Dream, A Young Founder
Meet Gracie Huotari, a 19-year-old with a clear vision and a whole lot of drive. What started as a dream quickly became reality when she opened her very own boutique, offering carefully chosen gifts, souvenirs, and stylish accessories for locals and tourists alike. Located just off US Highway 2 in Ironwood Michigan, the boutique is easy to find for both area residents and travelers or tourists passing through.
“What sets Gg’s apart is our commitment to friendly customer service and creating a welcoming shopping experience.”
Smart Steps Toward Growth
Gracie launched her business with a phased opening, starting with weekend hours in May 2025 and expanding to Thursday through Monday by June 1st. This thoughtful approach let her test demand and fine-tune operations and prepare for the upcoming tourism season, exactly the kind of strategic planning that SBSH encourages.
By growing at her own pace and listening to her customers, she’s laying the foundation for long-term success.
Supporting Community, One Gift at a Time
More than just a shop, Gg’s Gifts & Boutique is a great example of how local businesses can boost their communities. Every product sold keeps money in the local economy and gives visitors a chance to take home a piece of the Upper Peninsula.
Gracie’s journey also highlights how programs like the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) grant can empower young entrepreneurs, helping them bring their ideas to life and become leaders in their communities. The SBSH funding supports businesses that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through one-on-one coaching, business planning, resource navigation, and even direct grant opportunities, the program helps reduce barriers and fosters long-term growth especially in rural and underserved areas.
Stories like Gracie’s are a reminder that supporting small businesses isn’t just about shopping local, it’s about investing in people, place, and the resilience of our local economy throughout the Upper Peninsula and the state of Michigan.
What’s Next for Gg’s?
As Gg’s Gifts & Boutique continues to grow, it stands as an inspiring example of what’s possible when passion meets support. Gracie’s story proves that age doesn’t define success, dedication and community connection do.
If you’re dreaming of starting something of your own, take a page from Gracie’s playbook: with the right resources, a clear plan, and heart, you can do it too.
Visit Gg’s Gifts & Boutique at 652 E Cloverland Dr, Suite 2, Ironwood, MI 49938. Open Thursday through Monday, 10 AM – 6 PM. Stop by for thoughtful gifts, friendly vibes, and a chance to support local!
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About MTEC
Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) is one of 21 SmartZone Incubators in the State of Michigan. MTEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Its mission is to facilitate the creation and ongoing success of high-tech value propositions in conjunction with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since 2003, the MTEC SmartZone has provided mentoring, technical support, and other services to local companies, leading to the creation of over 800 high-tech jobs in the Houghton and Hancock, Michigan area.
About MEDC
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. MEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative establishes Michigan as the place to create and grow a business by providing high-tech start-up companies with access to a variety of critical resources, such as funding and expert counsel, from ideation to maturation. For more on MEDC Entrepreneurship & Innovation, visit michiganbusiness.org/entrepreneurship.