By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Passion 4 Fashion is a full-line women’s boutique shop that offers anything from clothing to shoes, to handbags and jewelry, and more.
Gloria Kuntz is the business’s owner and has created two locations. One is located in Wauseon at 202 North Fulton Street, and the other is located in Adrian Michigan at 143 North Main Street.
Gloria grew up in Wauseon and has lived here for most of her life. She attended school at Bowling Green State University before working at JC Penny, where she got her start in the company’s retail manager training program.
She then worked for the company for many years as a sales representative. There she would contact other different retailers in order to sell them products.
With this, she had already had some experience due to her mother being a sort of retail buyer. For 16 years, Gloria’s parents ran the Ironwood Golf Course, with her mother running the pro shop.
Gloria would sit with her mother as a sales rep. came in to push their merchandise. This Gloria explained, got her interested in the idea at a young age.
Gloria also explained that she had always wanted a store of her own and that the defining moment that told her to go for it was after her mother’s passing.
“She passed away and I thought, what am I waiting for? It was the defining moment, and I am sad that she never got to see it,” said Gloria Kuntz.
It was then, 12 years ago this April, that the Passion 4 Fashion Boutique in Wauseon opened its doors. The second one didn’t have to wait long for its creation either with its doors opening ten years ago this October.
“It became so much more than just a job. It is about being a part of the community and giving back to the community. Helping people and helping women feel better about themselves.”
“It’s become so much more, and we just feel really good about being able to help women feel better about themselves.”
“That is a very important part of what we do. All of my girls here have been with me for a long time. I am extremely blessed from that standpoint. We are all Christian women, so we create an uplifting place for people to come and shop.”
Some of the items people are able to shop for include regular boutique items. However, Gloria explained that the word boutique sometimes throws people off. The going thought is that if boutique is in the name, the items must be expensive.
“Sometimes people hear boutique, and they think that they can’t afford it. But we have a large range of prices. I would say everything is from the moderate range to the higher end.”
“We have more inexpensive jewelry and higher-end jewelry for example.” The shop also features several well-known brands like Brighton Jewelry, Liverpool, Charlie B, Tribal, and Captain Rodney’s.
In addition to running the business, Gloria also puts a lot of focus on giving back to the community. She is currently on the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce Board and is the organization’s treasurer. She has also held the position of president of the chamber.
“Being a part of the chamber has been very important to me. I have made so many connections through that and business after hours, and volunteering for all the things we do. I also spend time up in Adrian with the Boys and Girls Club in Lenawee.”
“We do hospital shows and donate back to them and have even bought an X-ray machine. The giving back to the community aspect is something I am very proud of.”
In addition to giving back to the community, Gloria also stated her wish for people to follow their dreams. “I am a big believer of following your dreams. If it’s something you want to do, then go for it.”
“It’s not for the faint of heart though, and I have learned a lot along the way. It is all a work in progress.”
“You learn as you go but don’t be afraid to try. It’s hard, a lot of work and long hours but it’s also extremely rewarding. If you’re thinking about it just do it. Life is too short.”
As for her customers, Gloria says she is very blessed on that front. “I don’t think I can even put the support we have received into words. It’s just been more than I ever dreamed it would be. The relationships you create with staff and customers, that has been the most rewarding part.”
“I never realized how much I would enjoy that part of it. We have customers in mind when we go to buying shows. It has come to that much of a personal level. I feel very blessed on that front.”
