About TM Clothing

An open mind and strong business sense have helped Tanya Porter become an active member of the Bolivar retail landscape and community.

The 1990 Rolla High School graduate got her first taste of Bolivar while attending Southwest Baptist University.

After graduating in 1994, Porter moved away and married Bolivar native Randy Porter in 1996.

Her love of school continued until she graduated from Drury University in 2000 with a master's degree in business administration.

" My parents pushed college pretty hard" Porter said. " I was the 1st 4 year graduate in my family. It was a pretty big deal."

A few months after her spring graduation from Drury, with the support of her family, Porter opened TM Clothing Co. on the Bolivar square.

" My mom says I always wanted to own a store." Porter said. "I decided to work for myself. I didn't plan it for a long time."

Her marketing and business background began in college when she worked at Meeks Lumber as a bookkeeper and Barnes and Noble as a merchandise manager.

Starting a small business can be a hard decision to make for even the most well prepared entrepreneur.

"It was very scary," Porter said " It takes a while to have enough cash flow to pay yourself anything. There is no pattern for sales. It changes from day to day."

Being on the square with 3 other clothing stores wasn't a deterrent for Porter; it was a necessity. The trick was to offer something different. So her store became a trendy, slightly contemporary shop with a different style.

" I tried to fill a niche that wan't here," Porter said. " To give people a chance to find unique clothing before they went to Springfield. I like being on the square. I like the old building. When people come down to the square they are more relaxed. Downtowns are the center of every town and they are coming back. But ours never left."

Keeping the Bolivar square alive and healthy is only a portion of Porter's vision for the community she lives and works in.

In the last 2 years she has taken an active interest in the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce, serving on the commitees and on the board.

When she promotes her store, Porter is sure to promote the town and surrounding communities.

"Promoting our community as a whole is important," she said. " Being involved is important. I think we have a great town and it's growing fast."

Last year Porter served as the chairperson for the chamber's marketing commitee and helped organize the first spring " Shop Bolivar First" campaign.

A fall "Shop Bolivar" event has been organized for several years.

" I think its important to promote ourselves as a thriving community so people want to bring their business here. We're trying to reach more people."

Her advice for young, potential business owners is simple and direct. " Try to find a need in the community and hopefully something you love," Porter said.

STORY AND PHOTO BY Justin Ballard