Our Story

Purple Poppy Boutique – Ankeny opened in May 2020 by owner, Lea Fagervik, a long time Ankeny resident. After many  years of working in Healthcare Operations, Lea made the  decision to follow her lifelong dream of opening a boutique after reconnecting with college friend, Paula Bierle.

Paula (owner of Purple Poppy Boutique – Johnston) and Lea attended the University of Northern Iowa together, earning degrees in Fashion Merchandising.

Lea is excited to bring her experience and passion for helping others to life at Purple Poppy Boutique – Ankeny.

As Seen on TV

You just might see these two Fashionista’s on “Hello Iowa” with Megan Ruether!

Meet The Team

Lea Fagervik

Lea is a long time resident of Ankeny.  She attended the University of  Northern Iowa where she earned her BA in Business with an emphasis in Fashion Merchandising.  After a 30 year Career in Healthcare Operations, Lea followed her lifelong dream of opening her own Boutique in the community that she loves!  She is a mother of two and a Grammy of three.  She enjoys spending time with her family & friends, time at Lake Okoboji, reading and her dog, Gus.

Paula Bierle

Paula is a long time resident of Johnston with her husband, Todd. Their two adult children graduated from Johnston High School and reside in the surrounding suburbs.  Paula grew up in the Des Moines area and graduated from Hoover High School.  She attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned her BA in Fashion Merchandising and Business.  After many years in the Corporate setting, Paula, decided to follow her dream of opening her own Boutique in the community that she loves!   Paula enjoys shopping, long walks, spending time with family and  friends as well as helping the women of Johnston look and feel their best.

Cheri

After 24+ years in healthcare, Cheri was ready to try something new. She loves helping people and is thrilled to be able to do that at the Purple Poppy Boutique Ankeny! Her hobbies include making jewelry, creating fun stuff on her Cricut, canning and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband, Brian have two sons, Trevor (Alex) and Brock. They also have two grandchildren who melt their hearts.

Jen

Working part-time at Purple Poppy truly “fills my cup”. Helping customers find clothing they feel comfortable in is the bonus for me. Chatting with and getting to know repeat and new customers is at the heart of why I love working with Lea and crew. Each shift brings something new and exciting! While I’m not at the boutique, my husband and I can be found on the wrestling mat, ball filed or court cheering on one of our 3 boys. They are very active and a bit wild, so we are constantly on the go with sports, exploring, kayaking and traveling as often as possible. When I am not chasing kiddos, however, I am a couch potato! I love to read, color and watch “garbage” TV.

Kayla Smalley

Kayla

Hi my name is Kayla. I am currently a freshman at DMACC studying to complete my Liberal Arts of Associates Degree! After completing this program I hope to transfer to the University of Iowa to pursue pediatric nursing. Along with my studies and working I love to spend time with family and friends. I love being outside, whether it’s going for walks, bike rides or enjoying neighbor’s company! I am a huge “people” person. I LOVE helping people find their ways in life, what they are meant to be doing or if they just need someone to talk to, I’m your girl! I am excited to help find what clothes make people be the best “me” they can be at Purple Poppy!!

Joni

I am Joni Walters. I am a retired school teacher. I am enjoying my retirement by working part time at Purple Poppy in Ankeny. I have three daughters and three grand children. My husband, John, works for Iowa State University. We love to attend sporting events and concerts!

Susan

Susan is a graduate of Iowa State University in Fashion Merchandising .  She also took a year of classes in Apparel Design.  Susan has over 30 years of experience in retail from department stores, bridal, shoes and boutiques.  She loves finding clothes that make customers feel confident. She lives in Huxley with her husband and daughter who is a senior at Ballard.  Susan also has a step-son and a step-daughter who are both married and have children, so, she is a grandma too! She has been a Purple Poppy Boutique customer for years!  She can’t wait to meet all of the awesome Purple Poppy Boutique customers!