This story is part of the "Ask Me Anything" series. If you missed previous stories, click here to read more. 


Hello! I am Amber Patterson. I am a mother of 3 and expecting my 4th. I am a wife. And I am the owner of Fancy Me Boutique! Ask me anything!
What is so unique about Fancy Me?
Fancy Me is unique in the way that we offer multiple avenues for our customer shopping experience. We have the online website, the one-of-a-kind mobile shed boutique, and our new storefront in the Marketplace.

What is the first thing that you would do if you won the lottery?
The first thing I would do if I won the lottery is travel to Italy. I have always wanted to travel to Italy and I LOVE vacationing with my family. 
What is one thing you would go back and tell 18 year old self?
"Save more money." and "It is okay to take the time to pursue your dreams, even if that means you stray from the path that was initially set for you."

What is your favorite food to make?
Honestly anything with a crockpot. Haha! But if I had to choose one meal that I actually enjoy cooking, it would be spaghetti squash with meat sauce because it's something healthy that my entire family enjoys. 

What made you start your business?
Initially I started this business so that I could be home with my children and have the opportunity to raise them myself. I received a 4 year college degree but raising my children was most important to me. So I found a way to stay home but still contribute. Within this, I found my passion and it has grown tremendously from there. 

Where do you see your business in 10 years? If it came to, would you ever potentially franchise?
In 10 years I definitely see my business as expanded and continuing to expand. Hopefully at that point we will own multiple mobile boutiques as well as storefronts. And yes, I would definitely consider franchising. 

What are some challenges you have faced while starting your business?
One challenge that I have faced with this business has been finding a balance between home life and business life. As a mother of 3 (soon to be 4) and a wife, I find myself being pulled in multiple directions constantly. It has been hard to balance the two but I am slowly finding ways to do so. My family is my number one priority and the business comes next. I refuse to fail at either. 

What is some advice you would give to someone wanting to start a business?
Definitely to find your passion first. Starting your own business will require a lot of work and I mean a lot. I do not clock out at 5pm or even 8pm. I work endlessly and very hard. I have very tough times but because this is my passion, the good definitely outweighs the rough times. 

Marketplace at Cooke

Developed by Meghan & Rick Hogrefe of H2 Property Management, the Marketplace is located in the heart of downtown. With multiple street entrances, the H2 team thought it time to bring “malls” back to downtown. After a $7.5M transformation, the property will open as an indoor retail space with a mix of local shops, food and entertainment. Locals will love the common spaces, as the Hogrefe’s have constructed a history walk through the City of Sandusky with art and artifacts of Sandusky through the ages. Additionally, they are bringing a Children’s Museum to the Lower Level of the Marketplace.  Join us for the Grand Opening on Saturday, April 27.

Fancy Me Boutique and other businesses moving into The Marketplace are supported by RISE - the Regional Incubator for Sustainability & Entrepreneurship.