In 2006, Minot High School senior Kinzey Fockler won first place at the state Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) competition with her promotional plan for a retail establishment. She called her mock establishment KooKoo’s Nest and went on to place second at nationals in Orlando Florida.
In 2012, Fockler made her high school DECA success a reality. She began by opening a small pop-up shop in a bookmobile. Because of her experience working for prom stores throughout high school and her early adult years, she developed a unique, innovative business.
Eventually, Fockler upgraded to a storefront downtown where her stock transformed. Her original fashion pieces cycled out and she advanced to selling superb pieces.
“It was way less fast fashion and a lot higher quality goods,” Fockler said. “When we first started, clothing was a lot lower turn. Versus now it’s a new arrival, new arrival, new arrival. It used to just be seasonal So, four times a year you’d go buy or go purchase.”
With Fockler’s clientele continuing to grow, the boutique outgrew its size and became too crowded for efficiency. In 2021, she impressively moved to an even larger location despite having supply chain issues due to COVID-19.
“Being a small business and able to hang in there while there’s the internet, was a huge victory,” Fockler adds, “Starting the store is easy, keeping the store running, that’s hard. Every day has new challenges. Every year has new challenges- financial or a new marketing thing – you have to pivot, learn, adapt (and) change.”
Fockler’s shop gained mass popularity because of its interest in the consumer. Fockler strives to provide a memorable experience for all her shoppers because she’s passionate about complimenting a high-quality product with high-quality service.
From the start, Fockler has recognized the need for a supportive, face-to-face shopping trip when preparing for an important event.
“I’ve seen it all, you name it like, I’ve had girls tell me they’re expecting (while) shopping for a prom dress, and their mom doesn’t know – I’ve he

lped people on their greatest days, I’ve helped people shop for a dress for a funeral, I’ve helped moms shop for a dress for their son’s wedding the day of the wedding,” Fockler said. “Because it’s a vulnerable milestone thing, I just don’t want people to have to go through that by themselves and shop online. I’d rather them have a human being help them.”
When beginning the business, Fockler did not look upon her family to help her – she depended on her best companion, strangers. She sought to employ young women who shared the same vision as she did.
¨You have to hire your target market. They’re going to help create that company culture that makes a better experience for your customers,” Fockler continues, “I really try to have people working here who see my vision and my goal, because I think a lot of people don’t realize it’s way more than buying a dress.”
Today, her consultants are knowledgeable about appealing to customers’ needs. They reflect the same ideals as Fockler and her target audience. Fockler’s employees do not just sell dresses; they sell an experience.
“I love raising people up.” Employee Camden Albee said. “People come in here sad; they dread the experience of having someone help them, and they’re not wanting to be here, so it’s so exciting when you get to see them leave so happy. You’ll see mood changes and you’ll see their whole body language lighten up.”
Right now, according to the National Organization for Women, 70% of all girls aged 17 are unhappy with their bodies. Factors influencing mass insecurity can be sourced from social media and societal pressure. Shopping during the prom season can be a huge obstacle for many young people. However, KooKoos Nest battles these obstacles with a women-empowering culture.
Albee explains, “girls come in and we’re like, ´Oh my gosh, look how beautiful you are in this dress,´ but they don’t say they don’t see it, and that’s so hard for me.” Fockler adds, “so many times people (are) like, ´it’s just a dress´, well, look at how much positivity that gave her when she puts on that dress, she’s thinking of how beautiful she’s gonna feel.”
KooKoos Nest is not just formal dress wear, but a place where the consumer’s emotional circumstances are validated. Every aspect of what the shopper is looking for is taken into consideration.
“There’s a lot of body images, there’s a lot of negative self-talk. I sell mother of the bride dresses – there’s a lot of mothers of the brides who have gone through a double mastectomy or have gained weight, and they learn to dress their new body,” Fockler continues, “We’ve had girls going through cancer or the mom’s going through cancer, and then some random customer will hear it, and they’ll be like ´just put on my credit card.’ I love being able to help those people in person. I don’t know how people buy stuff online.”
Fockler´s successful business continues to grow each year, meeting the expectations a consumer desires.
“It’s not just shopping, it’s an overall experience. It’s body positivity and it’s female empowerment,” Fockler continues, “It’s more than just a dress.”