Senny
Powell sentimentally peers out the front window at her Island Child
boutique. It was her father she said who really had a vision of what the
store could be. I can remember my dad standing out on the deck in
front of the store which back then was only one third of the size it is
today and saying 'I want you to have a children's department store. I want
you to have everything.' She said with a smile... He was always
interested in what we were doing.
That was his vision and I feel like that
dream has materialized. Her father's dream of a full service
children's store has come to fruition. What began as a mom and pop business
has grown into a 3,400 square foot business filled with everything from
maternity up to children's size 14. That also includes extras such as
bedding, strollers, dolls, books, and furniture. But the real story isn't
about its growth or the three generation involvement. It's about family.
Just as her father was involved in the store, the Powells have included
their children in their family business. Whether it's one of the older
children ringing up a customer or having a family picnic dinner or camp out
at the store to rearrange window displays, everyone pitches in. The
Powells have seven adopted children, four girls and three boys, and have
fostered seven children. They see Island Child as an extension of their own
family.
For a boutique that is steeped in rich family heritage, its
conception actually began when the Powells were unable to have children and
Senny began making baby quilts as gifts. The couple found the demand so
positive that the Chicago school teachers began a cottage industry in
the Windy City area and spent weekends selling their goods at craft fairs.
When they moved to Hilton Head Island in the early '80's, they bought the
Snappy Turtle and a year later opened another children's store called
Island Child. The Snappy Turtle later closed when The Hilton Head Inn was
torn down.
The Powells see their customers as extended family, Service is
the name of the game. Our customers honor us by walking in the
door and we do whatever we can to accommodate their need whether it's
personal orders, shopping or shipping.
Senny
Powell sentimentally peers out the front window at her Island Child
boutique. It was her father she said who really had a vision of what the
store could be. I can remember my dad standing out on the deck in
front of the store which back then was only one third of the size it is
today and saying 'I want you to have a children's department store. I want
you to have everything.' She said with a smile... He was always
interested in what we were doing. 
