A longtime first responder is opening a new business in Leitchfield that arose from her experience managing a boutique owned by a young, local entrepreneur.
That thriving business was managed by Jessi Fentress, a paramedic with Grayson County EMS who’s served with the local EMS office for five years, and who comes from a family of first responders and who’s married to a first responder.
Inspired by the success of “Pretty in Pink by Maddi,” and its popular Bamboo clothing line, and seeing an opportunity to fill a need for children’s, maternity and plus-size lines of clothing, Fentress leapt at the chance to open her own business, “Four Peas in a Pod Boutique.”
“After my time managing ‘Pretty in Pink by Maddi,’ I was inspired to start ‘Four Peas in a Pod.’ Balancing this with my full-time role as a paramedic for Grayson County EMS, I realized how much I needed a creative outlet,” Fentress said. “(And) while managing ‘Pretty in Pink by Maddi,’ I struggled to find age-appropriate summer clothes for my two daughters, which sparked the idea for a children’s line within ‘Pretty in Pink by Maddi.’”
Initially, Fentress, in addition to managing “Pretty in Pink by Maddi,” was a vendor at the business along with her mother Stephanie Slayton and Jessica Lowe.
“As we dove deeper, it became clear that (customer) demand extended beyond the space that Maddi could accommodate. This motivated us to establish a dedicated space where I could provide stylish and suitable clothing for kids, maternity and plus-size adults.”
Thus, “Four Peas in a Pod” was born.
The “dedicated space” for “Four Peas in a Pod Boutique” Fentress mentions is adjacent to and connected with “Pretty in Pink by Maddi,” as the two separate businesses, run by like-minded, highly driven friends and entrepreneurs, are located under one roof and connected by an internal doorway.
This is possible due to the friendship and strong working relationship Fentress and Horton share.
“Maddi and I had a fantastic working relationship. My previous experience running a small business, “Sparkle and Stick Creations,’ gave me a solid foundation,” Fentress noted. “Maddi guided me through the ins and outs of managing a storefront and understanding everything that entails. We both plan to continue supporting each other moving forward.
“’Four Peas in a Pod’ is not meant to compete with Maddi’s vision,” Fentress added, “but to complement what she has already established.”
While “Four Peas in a Pod Boutique” is a new venture, in addition to Fentress’ previous business experience, she is bolstered not only my Horton’s business acumen but also by others who bring vast knowledge and key skillsets to the new, exciting venture.
“Lindsey Miller, Jessica Lowe, and my mother bring invaluable experience to our endeavors. My mother successfully ran her own custom purse business before transitioning to a full-time role managing the warehouse at what was formerly known as Kelly Bee Keeping,” Fentress said. “Jessica excels in marketing and the technical aspects of operating a small business, which is a great asset for us all. Additionally, Lindsey Miller brings her own wealth of knowledge from running her business, ‘Little Stitches,’ for years. Together, we’re excited to create a unique space that caters to our community’s needs.”
First responder from birth
Fentress was born with the first responder “gene,” so to speak, as from an early age she was exposed to her father’s — Leitchfield Fire Dept. Captain Jamie Slayton — dedication to the highest calling a person can have: Helping others.
“My parents instilled in me a passion for helping people,” Fentress exclaimed. “Mom was always there to lend a hand in any way she could. My dad played a crucial role in sparking my dream of becoming a first responder at an early age; he started as a volunteer firefighter and now serves as an officer for the Leitchfield Fire Department …”
Fentress’ “dream of becoming a first responder at an early age,’ is not an exaggeration. In fact, by “an early” age, Fentress means extremely early.
“I kickstarted my own career as a first responder even before I graduated high school. In my senior year, 2013, I had the opportunity to co-op with Grayson Co. EMS, and that experience truly ignited a passion within me,” she said. “I was involved with both the Leitchfield and Clarkson fire departments until I discovered that my true calling was more aligned with the medical side of first response.”
Fentress even married a first responder, who also happens to be her high school boyfriend, Elizabethtown Police Officer Sean Fentress (who worked for the Grayson Co. Sheriff’s Office for several years).
“I married my high school sweetheart, who was an active sheriff’s K9 officer for Grayson County. He then received a fantastic opportunity to work for EPD, where he has had numerous chances for professional growth as an officer. I spent some time with Hardin County EMS, and in 2023, I finally returned to my roots, taking on a full-time position as a paramedic — truly feeling like I had come home.
“I’m thrilled to combine my love for fashion with my passion for serving families in our wonderful community,” Fentress said.
Hours of operation
“Four Peas in a Pod Boutique,” at 120 South English Street in Leitchfield, will host its grand opening tomorrow, Saturday, September 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Beginning next week, “Four Peas in a Pod Boutique” will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Click here to visit the “Four Peas in a Pod Boutique” Facebook page.
Click here to visit the “Pretty in Pink by Maddi” boutique’s Facebook page.
(Headline photo l-r: Jessica Lowe, Stephanie Slayton, Jessi Fentress)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
