Godfrey Business Spotlight: Modern Daisy Boutique Gives Back with Shopping Fun
Jamie Criter says Modern Daisy Boutique has become more than she imagined, with customers, local vendors, family, and the Godfrey community helping shape its first two years.
GODFREY - Jamie Criter is the owner of Modern Daisy Boutique. Before opening her business, she spent her entire career in healthcare. Most of that time was spent working in Ophthalmology (the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye). Mrs. Criter was the director of a surgery center and worked on one of the largest Ophthalmology randomized clinical trials, OHTS, and published in JAMA Ophthalmology medical journal for various glaucoma studies. Most recently, she has worked at Washington University School of Medicine in the Division of Oncology, with a focus on thoracic and melanoma cancer research. “I absolutely loved my career, my coworkers, and the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of patients,” Jamie lamented.
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When Jamie's youngest child was getting ready to begin his senior year at Alton High School, she wanted the flexibility to be present for every basketball game and every special moment with her other children and grandkids. After a lot of thought and prayer, she decided to pursue a dream of owning her own business.
With the opening of Modern Daisy Boutique, the vision was a simple one. It was to offer custom t-shirts, hats and personalized gifts and to somehow give back to the community that she learned to love. But that vision has grown into something so much bigger.
Today, Modern Daisy Boutique offers women’s clothing, jewelry, perfumes, handbags, gifts, home décor, custom apparel, and a carefully curated collection of clean-ingredient, all-natural products. They carry skincare products, soaps, magnesium products, lip balms, deodorants, wellness products, and many handcrafted items created by talented local artisans. They proudly support local vendors who make handmade jewelry, soaps, and other unique products (editor’s note: the importance of shopping local).
One of the favorite experiences in the boutique is the “Make Your Own Candle Bar.” Customers can create a custom candle in the fragrance of their choice. These make great gifts! The beads are made from 100% natural, renewable soy wax infused with premium essential oils. They are especially excited because fall scents will be arriving soon.
Giving back has always been one of the core values of Modern Daisy Boutique. They purchase from brands that also give back to organizations such as breast cancer research and human trafficking survivors. Just by simply buying a bottle of hand lotion, you can provide a fresh start for a human trafficking survivor. Other offerings include bracelets that generate a different Bible verse every day. These bracelets also support human trafficking survivors.
Modern Daisy Boutique provides prom, homecoming, and other special occasion dresses to young women who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend these memorable events. They initially donated 100% of the dresses from our shop, but with the generous help of the community, more young women can attend events they wouldn’t otherwise be able to.
The store carries cancer beanies and other cancer-related items, with proceeds benefiting the Bob Barczewski Patient Care Fund at the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine. This fund provides financial assistance to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment and need a little extra support during an incredibly difficult time.
Looking back, Jamie realizes she never really left healthcare but simply found a different way to care for people. Whether it's helping someone feel confident and beautiful in a new outfit, supporting local artisans, encouraging teachers, helping students attend special events, or giving back to families facing cancer, serving others continues to be the heart of everything they do.
“Looking back at where we started and where we are today, I'm truly amazed by what we've accomplished in just two short years. What began as a simple dream has grown into so much more than I ever imagined. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our customers, our local vendors, our family, and the community. We are deeply grateful for every person who has walked through our doors, chosen to shop small, encouraged us, and believed in our mission. We feel incredibly blessed to call Godfrey home, and we look forward to continuing to grow, give back, and serve this wonderful community for many years to come,” says Jamie.
Modern Daisy Boutique was voted Best Local Boutique in 2024. On July 20, 2026, they celebrated their 2nd anniversary.
Modern Daisy Boutique is dedicated to style, community, and purpose. Located in Godfrey, Illinois, the shop offers a collection of women's clothing, including plus-size styles, for both everyday wear and special occasions. The store is located at: 5411 Godfrey Road, Suite C, Godfrey, IL 62035.
For more information about Modern Daisy Boutique, or other shopping opportunities, check out VisitGodfrey.com.
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