She opened her store, Country Twist Boutique, in downtown Webster City this fall fully intent on putting the “WE in Webster.”

Joslin took her retail knowledge and mixed it with her roots to create a store that would fullfil her dream and help boost the dreams of others.

“I was born and raised on a farm in Dayton,” Joslin said. “My dad was one of the founders of the Dayton rodeo. My dad also was a farmer, raised cattle, hogs and horses. We all helped with this and had our chores — mom, dad, brother

and I. My dad owned his own antique and tack store on main street Dayton.

Claudia Coltrain performs at the opening of Country Twist Boutique in Webster City.

“That was my intro to retail.”

Turns out, hard work is a Joslin twist, too.

“After I graduated from Dayton in 1986, I went to Iowa Central Community College and was in the fashion merchandising program. For on-the-job-training I landed a great job working at Braun’s fashions in the Crossroads Mall and stayed there for nine years, climbing up to the manager position.”

In that mix, too, was rodeo.

“My family took up our own rodeo business and became the world’s largest youth rodeo on the road. We traveled from the Canada border line to Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa putting on youth rodeos,” she said.

Peggy Joslin talks with Patsy Brock and Jeanne Hill.

With their own production crew, Joslin describes the business as very professional.

“We made these kids feel like rock stars. We had bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc, barrel racing and the wild mule races. Our motto was ‘building confidence one ride at a time.'”

Like so many people in this region, her work history has also included a factory job along the line.

“Frigidaire (Electrolux) called my husband at the time for an interview and told me to come along and be interviewed if I was interested, so I did and was hired. I worked many departments, including washer line, laundry center, Alliance line and dryer line for 17 years until they closed.

“I baled hay with my husband and son in the evenings and weekends too,” she said. “We had a huge business.”

Peggy Joslin with Rita Gourley

Still, there was the ongoing interest in rodeoing — both her husband and son were bull riders.

“I was the Miss Iowa Rodeo Association queen coordinator and judged the Miss Iowa Rodeo pageants,” she said.

“Now I sponsor a hometown girl heading on to Miss USA rodeo pageant.”

After Electrolux, she was hired at Kohl’s Department Store in Fort Dodge. That’s where she gained the experience of setting up a brand new store.

“I worked there for 14 years as of last August,” she said. “Last year I changed it up and worked for home health care and then landed a job at Sunset elementary — a beautiful experience.”

Some of the selection at Country Twist Boutique is seen here.

But there was yet another twist.

“I have always dreamt as a little girl to have my own clothing store. Well, dreams do come true! This was my year to do just that!”

Joslin was offered a spot where she could realize that dream. It was in downtown Webster City.

“Gene and Rita Gourley offered me a storefront to rent,” Joslin said. “I went to a Chamber (of Commerce) meeting to see if I was a fit in Webster City and, boy, did I get a huge positive result.”

The grand opening of Country Twist, at 603 Second Street, was the answer to that lifelong dream.

It took place on October 10.

“My little boutique is small, cozy and fun!” Joslin said.

“I’m all about great customer service. I carry a nice variety of apparel — small to 3xl sizes — accessories, wall decor, dips, jellies, candles and bags. Customers tell me it smells so good in my shop and it is very inviting with how I display merchandise.

“As I tell people I’m not just in this community for Peggy Joslin with Country Twist Boutique, I’m here to put WE back into Webster City and build this community with more retail stores.

“I’m here to help anyone get started.”

Yes, that’s another twist.