Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country for their community leadership and achievements. In conjunction with that, the SBA South Dakota District Office has selected outstanding recipients in eight different categories. One honoree is a familiar local small businesswoman.
Fallon Deutsch of Langford was recognized as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Deutsch, owner of the online boutique Distinctly Drey, is a Langford native. She started her business in 2018 after deciding she wanted to spend more time at home with her children than her registered nurse job would allow.
A lover of fashion, Deutsch wanted to start a business that would bring designer quality without the designer price tag. Distinctly Drey started with a clothing line for women, and eventually expanded to toddlers and youth. She also offers some specialty items like purses, hats, and Christmas items.
The enterprise is operated out of her farmhouse located on the outskirts of Langford. As her nomination materials for the SBA award pointed out, Deutsch’s business has grown each year in sales and in customers. Her current number of Facebook members in her private group totals 6,200. She also markets through Instagram to a following of 5,200.
Deutsch was nominated for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year honor by Kelly Weaver of the SD Small Business Development Center and Lori Finnesand at GROW SD. In addition to Deutsch, seven other people/businesses were honored. Deutsch is from, by far, the smallest town among the winners, yet has clearly made a big impact.
“With approximately 90,000 South Dakota small businesses, the competition is robust,” Jaime Wood, SBA SD district director, said in a press release. “The 2023 awardees have demonstrated year after year they have the business leadership skills to navigate their organizations and teams to excellent customer service, sales, and community support.”
For her part, Deutsch was grateful for the award. “Being recognized on a state level is such an honor for my little store,” she stressed. “With all businesses, especially small businesses, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes and days you wonder if it’s all worth it. A recognition like this validates that all the late nights, early morning, sweat and tears are indeed worth it and such a great reminder to never stop chasing your dreams.”
She added that she thanks Weaver and Finnesand for the nomination as well as SBA for selecting her. “Most importantly,” Deutsch said, “I want to give a special thank you to all my customers and supporters. Without you, my dream would not be a reality. Thank you for shopping small and choosing to shop with me!”
National Small Business Week takes place April 30 – May 6. Deutsch and her fellow honorees will be recognized in a virtual ceremony May 2 at 11:00 a.m. The public is invited to join at https://buff.ly/ 3LobZ8O.
