Dunn takes care to stock items in a range of price points and styles for women of all ages and sizes. But this is just the start of the of the attention and care she and the boutique quickly became known for. And despite opening months before the brunt of a pandemic, Dunn says the community support has been beyond her expectations.
“How things have gone far exceeds what I ever projected, which is so amazing to me. Especially during COVID,” she says. “But it just shows how welcoming Wickenburg is and that people really do love the hands-on shopping experience.”
From tourists to locals, Dunn has grown an international clientele that continues to come back to see what’s new. And even though the boutique does not have online shopping, Dunn takes the time to reach out to customers when she gets something in that she thinks they’ll like.
“A lot of people in town joke that Serape Bleu is now a destination. That people come to Wickenburg because they’ve heard about the store,” she says. “It really is getting to know your customers.”
Serape Bleu has helped downtown Wickenburg become more than a winter destination, bringing new residents into the area and showing other businesses that year-round success is possible.
More than a century ago, another Wickenburg woman created the same draw to the town center.
Elizabeth Smith came to Wickenburg with her husband in 1897. The newlyweds were thought to be the town’s first Black citizens and Smith is credited for helping the town succeed beyond its mine-town boom. When the owner of the hotel and restaurant the Smiths worked at lost interest in the business, they bought it. Soon, their improvements caught the attention of the railroad and with its help, they built a new hotel and restaurant closer to the station. The Vernetta Hotel opened in 1905 and was a place for meetings, local entertainment and dining.
This year, the Desert Caballeros Western Museum has created the Elizabeth Smith Award as part of its Cowgirl Up! Exhibit. The award is meant to “recognize and celebrate accomplished women of the West and to inspire other women to future the Western spirit.”
As a nominee for the inaugural award, Dunn has reflected on connections between herself and the pioneering Smith.
“I feel she felt the same way…that she thought ‘we needed something in Wickenburg’ and just created it. I feel that we both were individuals who saw a need,” she says. “In her day, I imagine she played an even bigger role than I did having a hotel. There is so much history in Wickenburg with women and their grit and determination doing things.”
Dunn is quick to point out that Serape Bleu is the result of a team of people who have been with her since opening. She is honored by the nomination and the continued support of the Wickenburg community.
“I have been able to be lucky enough to do things I like that helped spark great energy in the community. In a lot of ways, I am so thankful and fortunate to live here, have a business here, and have the reaction that people have had to the boutique,” she says. “It’s been more than I ever expected. I love every minute of it.”