Meet Lelia Leonhardt

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lelia Leonhardt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lelia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I’m both an accountant and a women’s clothing boutique owner. Two very different roles, but both rooted in relationships. I help small business owners navigate their financials, and I also run a boutique where women can find inclusive-sized clothing that makes them feel confident and supported.

My work ethic was shaped early in life. I had to grow up quickly and learn how to rely on myself both emotionally and financially. I got my first job at 15. Not just for spending money, but because I needed to take care of myself and contribute in a real way. That experience stuck with me. I learned that if I wanted something, I had to work for it!

That drive has carried into every part of my life. In accounting, I work with small business owners who are juggling a thousand things at once, and I feel a deep responsibility to show up for them. I know what it’s like to feel the weight of a business on your shoulders, so when I’m supporting clients, I take their success personally.

In both accounting and retail, it’s the relationships that matter most to me. Whether I’m helping a business owner untangle their books or showing a customer an outfit that makes them light up, I want people to feel supported, especially in moments when others might not show up for them. I know what it’s like to have to figure things out on your own, and I never want the people I serve to feel that way.

When I stepped into ownership of the boutique in November 2023, I didn’t build it from the ground up but I quickly realized the power it had to lift women up. I saw how clothes could offer confidence, how conversations in the fitting room could turn into something deeper, and how meaningful it is to create a space where all women feel seen. That purpose became clear to me fast, and I’ve been committed to building on it ever since. I’ve also made it my mission to work with vendors and partners who share that same drive and dedication.

To me, a strong work ethic isn’t just about hustle, it’s about heart. It’s about showing up consistently, caring deeply, and being someone others can rely on. That’s what I try to do every day for my clients, my customers, and my community.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Professionally, I split my time between two worlds: accounting and retail. I genuinely love both. In my accounting work, I find a lot of satisfaction in the “puzzle” of cleaning up clients’ books before their financials go off to their tax preparers. It’s behind-the-scenes work that makes a big difference, and I enjoy helping small business owners feel less stressed and more in control of their numbers.

At the boutique, we’re in full spring refresh mode! We have new clothing, accessories, and several exciting events on the calendar. On April 16th, we’re hosting a pop-up jewelry event with Tresouro Inc. Then May 2–3 is Spring to St. Peter, a citywide celebration where we’ll offer 10% off purchases over $100 and enter shoppers into a drawing for a private shopping experience. On May 17, we’ll welcome back Rustic Coop for another jewelry pop-up. We’re also working on a makeup event with Gina Marie Makeup and beginning discussions for a fall collaboration with Tremendous Brewing Co.

We’re currently collaborating with Ember Wellness, a local pilates studio. We have free class coupons available in-store and are offering a limited-edition line of sweatshirts. Each one comes with a complimentary pilates class and a free consultation with Ember Wellness. It’s a great way to support both your style and your self-care.

What makes our boutique special is how it feels when you walk through the door. We carry inclusive sizing (XS–2X, and often 3X), and our space is warm and welcoming. We light a locally made candle, play fun music, and have bright natural light coming in through the beautiful large windows. Whether someone’s shopping for themselves or a loved one, or just stopping in to browse, we want them to feel like they belong. Even if they don’t buy something that day, we want them to leave knowing they’re part of a community that values them and gives back.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three things that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, relationship-building, and a willingness to keep learning.

Resilience came from having to be responsible for myself at a young age, but it’s something I’ve continued to build through every stage of life and business. Things won’t always go as planned. Whether it’s a financial setback, a slow season, or a tough personal moment, the ability to keep showing up makes all the difference. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to not let the hard moments define you. Use them to learn, adjust, and keep moving forward.

Second, relationships have been everything. Whether it’s with boutique customers, accounting clients, vendors, or community partners, genuine relationships have opened doors, created opportunities, and made the work more meaningful. If you focus on listening, showing up consistently, and supporting others even when there’s no immediate return, you’ll build a network that lasts.

Lastly, stay curious and open to learning. I didn’t start out knowing how to manage a boutique or lead clients through accounting cleanups. But I was willing to ask questions, try new things, and learn from mistakes. There’s always more to learn about in your profession, about people, and about yourself.

Women wear so many hats—professionally, personally, emotionally—and while being responsible and independent is empowering, we don’t have to do it all alone. We do better when we can lean on each other for support. Find those empowering, supportive women in your community and keep uplifting each other. It’s so much better together. We can do hard things—and we don’t have to do them in isolation.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Collaboration is one of my favorite parts of what I do!

At the boutique, I’m always looking to partner with other local women-owned businesses, makers, artists, and service providers who share our values of inclusivity, empowerment, and community. Whether it’s a pop-up event, a giveaway, or a cross-promotion that supports both of our audiences, I love finding creative ways to work together and lift each other up.

On the accounting side, I also welcome new connections with small business owners who are looking for support with bookkeeping, payroll, compliance, or simply need help cleaning things up before tax time. I know how overwhelming the financial side of business can feel, and I’m passionate about helping business owners get clarity and confidence in their numbers.

At the end of the day, we really are better together. Support makes all the difference. Whether it’s shared visibility, words of encouragement, or simply showing up. I’m here for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.generationsboutiquemn.com
• Instagram: @generationsboutiquemn
• Facebook: @generationsboutiquemn
• Other: email: generationsboutiquemn@gmail.com