Emma Winkepleck’s new business Em Kaye’s Boutique located at 321 Main Street in Dysart, is a family venture. Winkelpleck (second from right) is pictured following the ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday afternoon with (l-r) her mother Donita Winkepleck, her brother Easton, and father Larry Winkelpleck, Jr. Not pictured is Winkelpleck's younger sister Gracie.

A family nickname is now part of a dream come true for Emma Kaye Winkelpleck of Clutier — Main Street Dysart’s newest business owner.

At just 19-years-old, Winkelpleck is now the proud owner of Em Kaye’s Boutique located at 321 Main Street in downtown Dysart in the former Sassy’s Boutique building. An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held this past Sunday afternoon for the new business by the Dysart Development Corporation.

Winkelpleck, a 2021 North Tama High School graduate, said she has always wanted to be her own boss. She had planned to attend college following an early graduation from high school and major in agribusiness

“I jumped right into this,” Winkelpleck said Sunday afternoon as she stood behind the cash register, her father Larry, Jr., mother Donita, and younger brother Easton at her side. Winkelpleck’s paternal grandparents Larry and Ruth Winkelpleck of Clutier and maternal grandparents Colleen and Alvin Clark of Garden City were also in attendance to cheer the ambitious Winkepleck on in her new endeavor. Only Winkepleck’s younger sister Gracie — who gave her big sis the nickname ‘Em Kaye’ long ago — was missing due to running a bit late.

The boutique features women’s clothing in a spectrum of sizes, home decor, Farmasi products, jewelry, and more. Em Kaye’s Boutique is open Monday 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.–3:00p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Emma Winkelpleck (left) and her mother Donita Winkelpleck assist a customer last Sunday in the shop. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Prior to the grand opening this past weekend, Winkelpleck posted on Facebook, “I want everyone to know no dream is too big, go grab it, you deserve it! From a small town girl that loves all the things from the farm to the boutique!”

Emma Winkelpleck cuts the ribbon on Sunday, November 14 in her new business Em Kaye's Boutique while members of the Dysart Development Corporation cheer her on. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

The entrance to Em Kaye's Boutique located at 321 Main Street. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker