The XOXO Co. is a new women’s clothing boutique in downtown Camden. The boutique is owned and operated by area native Skylar Paxton.
Paxton is an entrepreneur and fashion designer who trained at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Skylar interned under former Project Runway contestant Brittany Allen in Austin, Texas.
At only 21 years old and with experience like this, it may surprise some that Skylar decided to bring her talents back home to Southwest Arkansas.
When asked the reasoning behind her decision, Skylar said she could not imagine starting The XOXO Co. anywhere other than exactly where her own start happened, right in the heart of Camden.
“I moved away from home and thought I would never come back,” said Paxton. “Little did I know how bad I would miss the small town of Camden. There is truly no place like home, especially when we have the supportive and encouraging community that we do. When I announced that I would be moving back to pursue my dream, the amount of support Camden gave me was remarkable.”
Kacie Reede Photography 
Kacie Reede Photography
Paxton describes herself as a shy child until her mother put her in her first pageant. After that, Skylar’s love of fashion and design grew, changing the shy little girl into the larger-than-life entrepreneur she is today.
“Being on a stage, doing something that I loved, allowed me to flourish and work my way out of that shy stage. From then on, I knew that if I worked hard enough at doing something I loved, anything would be possible,” she said.
With plans to open her own business, Skylar contacted the ASBTDC in October of 2021, ahead of her May 2022 graduation. While completing her degree in apparel merchandise and product development with a minor in retail business at UA, she worked with business consultant Florence Nunn of the Southern Arkansas University ASBTDC.
Nunn helped her write her business plan and finish out her three-year financial projections. In those eight months, Skylar was able to make her boutique dream a reality.
The XOXO Co. officially opened in June 2022 and is thriving already.
This unique space is unlike anything else in the Camden area, and the boutique is one of the only retailers offering custom pieces for pageants and other events. Trendy apparel and accessories are available for purchase in store and online.
Visit The XOXO Co. Facebook page for more details about the business.
(Photos courtesy of The XOXO Co.)