Even while studying pre-med in college, Laura Ann Fairchild worked a part-time job at a clothing store.

"Fashion has always been important to me," says Fairchild, 33. "I always enjoyed figuring out what fashion trends will hit and when."

At age 7, she collected and sold peacock feathers as fashion statements just before they became the rage. After college, she spent several years in the medical research field, but missed fashion and working with people. So she took a position with the Diane Merrick Clothing Salon in Los Angeles.

"That’s when I knew I wanted to bring a little L.A. to the sleepy town of Cardiff," she recalls. "Owning a boutique allows me to use my talent for seeing trends before they happen and working with people. And my timing proved perfect."

Fairchild opened LA Fairchild Boutique in 2004. One year later she opened the LA Fairchild Denim Bar, a new concept in fashion retail with a bar setting that encourages customers to ask questions and be served denim, which is especially important because it handles so many types and styles of jeans.

"What we’ve done is cutting edge," says Fairchild, whose stores support many local charities for children, animals, the homeless and land conservancy. "And we see a lot more fashion boutiques popping up. I opened two stores in one year, but I’m already thinking of expanding."