Chasing Her Dreams
Deanna Motte is fulfilling a childhood dream with Black & Gold Boutique
Words by Justin Hunter | Images by Justin Hunter & Al Blanton
As a young girl growing up in Walker County, Deanna Motte was obsessed with everything fashion-related—clothes, purses, shoes, and accessories. She simply couldn’t get enough.
“When friends and family used to tell me I had way too many clothes and pairs of shoes. I completely disagreed because I felt you could never have too many,” said Motte.
In 2021, Motte launched Black & Gold Boutique, transforming her childhood passion into a career in the boutique fashion industry. She chose the name “Black & Gold Boutique” because most luxury brands feature those two colors, it portrays a type of elegance and resonates with the local community, and blends perfectly with Jasper Viking school colors.
Like so many other Americans in 2021, the pandemic caused Motte to reflect on the trajectory of her career path. While in nursing school, the county was hit hard by the virus, and Motte realized nursing wasn’t for her. She took a leap of faith and quit nursing school.
“I wanted a career I could see myself doing and loving for the rest of my life. I decided I wanted to open a boutique. I ran the idea by my husband, Dustin Motte, and he was like, ‘go for it,’” said Motte. “We started Black & Gold in our home. I had my kids’ closets and our garage filled with the clothes we were selling.”
Over the last year, what began as a tiny Facebook group has grown to a loyal customer base of nearly 1,000 members. Customers are drawn to Motte’s dynamic range of clothing options that range from comfortable and casual to a night out on the town. She prides herself in selling high-quality clothing at affordable prices.
“It doesn’t matter what size you are. I carry everything from small to 3x, and I’m confident you’ll be able to find an outfit at Black & Gold Boutique. You’ll be comfortable regardless of whether you’re dressing up or down,” she says.
Motte recently relocated her business to the old floral shop on 78 Highway beside Texaco.
She says she appreciates the love and support the Jasper community has shown for her store over the last year and is grateful to each customer who passes through her doors and has joined the Black and Gold virtual family. Lastly, she is thankful for her supportive family for bringing her dream to life.
“Without my customers, none of this would be possible,” said Motte. “I’m forever thankful for my supportive family and, most importantly, a husband that goes along with my ideas. He is the one who has made my dream become a reality.”
Motte and her husband are expecting their fourth child later this year. She wants to encourage other mothers not to give up on their dreams. Motte’s dream is to pass Black and Gold Boutique—and her passion for fashion— to her two daughters one day. 78