BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WTXL) - Small towns are known for their supportive residents and local businesses.
Betty Dias first opened her upscale consignment boutique, Betty's Xchange, with a goal, she wanted to move into a larger location.
"I outgrew that in about six months. I realized how compact it was and my clothes were just coming in from everywhere, not just Georgia, not just local," said Dias. "That was my goal to move the first of the year. I started shopping, thinking about where I was going to go, and I landed this beautiful area."
Dias believes that it's her returning customers and coworkers that has led to her shop's success over the last year.
"It's not just one person. It takes a village. I tell my customers that all the time because I'm truly very blessed that they've been so supportive for Betty's Xchange," said Dias.
Walking through downtown Bainbridge, you'll see a number of small shops and eateries owned by local citizens, all with a loyal customer base.
"Supporting those existing industries that we already have is just as important, if not more important than trying to bring new ones in," said Rick McCaskill, Executive Director of Development Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County. "Interestingly enough, coming out of this recession, every industry in Decatur County has grown and expanded in the last 12 to 18 months."
To commemorate the success of Betty's Xchange, and celebrate her first year in business, Dias opted to join the Chamber of Commerce, the first step in what she hopes is a long and fruitful partnership.
