Small Seed, Big Vision: Mustard Seed Co. Grows in Perham

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20-21

That Bible verse was part of the inspiration in naming a clothing business in Perham–Mustard Seed Co., owned by Olivia Smith. The verse is found on the store’s website. 

“All you need is just a little faith,” Smith said. “That’s what I like about it. Because sometimes with small businesses, it can be a little discouraging, so I feel like the name is just a good reminder that you… need to have a little bit of faith and everything will work out, and it will become what you want it to become.”

Smith acted on that faith when she started the business about three years ago. She was 17 years old and a senior in high school. She sold merchandise online for a couple of years before opening a storefront in September 2025 at 211 W. Main Street in Perham.

Mustard Seed Co. offers trendy, modest clothing for women, men, and some children’s clothing. The business offers a lot of unique items that customers won’t find at larger, big-name retail stores. 

Keeping the faith theme, Mustard Seed also sells t-shirts and crewnecks with faith-inspired quotes or Bible verses. The store sells faith-based jewelry, hand-quilted and hand-sewn tote bags, scrunchies, and bag charms, too. 

Smith previously used a different name for the business before she completely rebranded with “a whole new niche.” The Mustard Seed Co. stuck out to her a little bit more than the others, especially with the connection to the Bible verse. 

“A mustard seed can move mountains, and I feel like it really correlates with having a small business,” Smith said. “You have to put a lot of time and a lot of faith and patience into it.

“Continuing to do so, it should hopefully grow to be something greater.” 

From a 17-year-old’s idea to a growing downtown boutique, Mustard Seed Co. stands as a reminder that even the smallest seeds can take root and thrive.

“I get to… create whatever vision I have, and I can make it come to life,” Smith said. “It’s all my decisions, my choices.”

For more information: https://muatardseedco.myshopify.com/.