Mom of the Month: Shannah Allen, Owner of B. Harlow Boutique
We’re delighted to introduce Shannah Allen, our October Mom of the Month — a faith-filled wife, mom of two, and creative entrepreneur behind B. Harlow Boutique. Shannah’s story is one of perseverance, family, and trusting God’s timing. From launching a boutique that blends quality and affordability to balancing two businesses and motherhood, she reminds us that passion and prayer can lead to incredible things.
Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
Hello, my name is Shannah Allen. I am a 35 year old mom, wife, business owner of 2 businesses, Jesus lover, creative mind and lover of all animals. I was born and raised in Independence, MO where I currently reside with my husband and two kids.
My husband and I have been together for 20 years, married 15. We first started dating when I was 15, he was 17. We broke up a few times but always found our way back to each other. We first got pregnant with our oldest, now 14, when I was 20, got married and the rest is history! We started our own HVAC/Plumbing business together at the beginning of 2025 and it has been nothing but a blessing for our family.
I have a 14 year old son who loves all things sports, keeps us busy with basketball tournaments and will be trying out for the first time for our local high school team next month! (Send the prayers!)
I also have a 3 year old daughter who we prayed for, for 6 years. I have endometriosis and PCOS so as you can imagine it was a struggle to get pregnant. It was our very last round of fertility meds before IVF that we finally conceived. But what a blessing it is that God blessed us just at the perfect time with her. She’s sassy, full of life, keeps us on our toes but the sweetest little princess. Even though we do call her “sasshole” at times.
What inspired you to start your business?
When she was born I couldn’t find any quality, cute clothes at a decent price that I liked for her. So I did LOTS of research on wholesalers and decided I wanted to bring not only myself good quality clothing for littles but wanted to offer to my friends and family as well. And that’s when I created my boutique called B. Harlow Boutique. And it has now grown into a business that not only offers clothes for littles but woman of all sizes too! We have also added accessories, shoes, decor, candles, fragrances and just about anything you can think of at affordable prices. And that is our main focus! Quality and affordability!
We are mostly on Facebook in my private group and also on Instagram. I mostly run on preorders but also have some items in a store front at Tammi Sue’s in Buckner, MO.
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What does a typical day look like for you as a mom and business owner?
As a SAHM and a business owner my typical day, depending on tasks, involves a lot of replying to messages/emails, packaging orders, trying to find the next best items to offer, always researching the latest and greatest! I’m blessed enough to be able to do most of my work from my phone so I’m still able to be a present mother but when I have large shipments come in and need to package orders my day gets very busy trying to balance a “velcro toddler” and working. Most of it has to wait till my husband gets home, and then it's all hands on desk. It’s all about balance and organizing your priorities.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business?
This business has grown to be something that I truly love. I’m passionate about what we offer and very picky on our products. The most rewarding thing about my boutique is meeting new customers. The returning customers. The referrals. It means so much to me and is truly the highest compliment. I love connecting with them, learning about their families, helping them shop for gifts or certain items. AND are you even working if you do what you love!? That’s a blessing within itself.
What challenges have you faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship?
Balancing both worlds can be tough! Some days, things have to be put on the back burner — and that’s okay. I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone, and as a mom, my children will always come first. Running a small business comes with ups and downs, but grace and understanding go a long way.
There were definitely trial-and-error moments when finding reliable wholesalers and building a brand that matched my standards. But I wouldn’t change the journey — those lessons helped me find exactly what I was looking for.
What advice would you give to other moms thinking about starting a business?
If you’re a mom reading this I encourage you to find your niche. To find your purpose outside of being a mom, a wife, a daughter, an employee. You’ll be passionate about it and it will grow into something amazing. Pray about it. Do your research on whatever it may be. But you’ve got to enjoy it first and foremost.
How do you and your family like to spend time together when you're not working?
If I’m not working, which owning your own business you don’t have “set hours” so when aren’t you, I am spending time with my husband and kids. Most likely at a sports event, playing outside (remember, I’ve got a feral daughter) or dining out somewhere that we love. My husband and I also own an HVAC business so between the two we’ve always got something going on. But so rewarding. We also love to go on cruises. We’ve been on two so far this year and looking into another one around Christmas. If you haven’t, I highly recommend.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you for reading this far. Thank you for your time. And thank you Macaroni KID for this opportunity. Motherhood is hard, entrepreneurship is hard and putting them together is even harder but don’t get discouraged, don’t let the negativity out way the positives. It’s all worth it in the end. Your support will come and it will most likely be from who you expect it the least. YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!
Follow Shannah’s journey, their HVAC business and shop B. Harlow Boutique:
💼 B. Harlow Boutique
📍 Based in Independence, MO
📧 Email: B.harlowboutique@yahoo.com
📸 Instagram: @b.harlow_boutique
👍 Facebook: B. Harlow Boutique
💼 Allen Family Mechanical
📍 Independence, MO
📧 Email: allenfamilymechanical@yahoo.com
🌐 Website: https://allenfamilymechanical.jobbersites.com/
👍 Facebook: Allen Family Mechanical
Shannah, thank you for sharing your story, your faith, and your heart for empowering women. You’re an inspiration to moms everywhere, showing that with courage, balance, and a lot of love, anything is possible.
👉 Know a mom who deserves the spotlight (including yourself)? Nominate her for our next feature by emailing brittanym@macaronikid.com or by filling out this form!
