About Us

Barb’s Bodacious Boutique is North America’s first and only retailer to carry the Ulla Popken line of European, plus-sized designer clothing and accessories.

Owner Barbara Fassnacht didn’t want local women to have to drive to other towns to find fashionable clothing in sizes 12 to 32 and since 2011 has been helping Smithers women with all the right curves to complement their shape.

Living in Smithers was a deliberate choice that Barbara Fassnacht made. A native of Germany, Barbara visited Canada nearly two decades ago with friends and, while travelling through BC she fell in love with Smithers. “It’s the perfect location,” she declares. She loves the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains, close to outdoor adventures, and near enough to the coast that she can drive there in a day. Coming from Europe where living space is tight and land a disappearing commodity, she constantly marvels at how much space there is to be had in Smithers.

When she moved to Canada, she discovered a lack of shops that sold fashionable, modern plus-sized clothing. “I had to drive to Prince George to find stores that carried it,” she notes, and even there the selection was limited. She was complaining about it to a friend one day who finally said “Stop whining and do something about it!” Barbara, who has been entrepreneurial and self-employed throughout much of her life, decided to bring the work of her favourite European plus-sized clothing designer, Ulla Popken, to Canada, and Barb’s Bodacious Boutique was born in 2011. Barbara gets a deep sense of satisfaction in helping plus-sized women find contemporary clothing that not only fits, but looks fabulous. “I like helping women feel good about themselves,” she says.

Barbara laughs when asked what she enjoys doing with her spare time. “I work six days per week!” But the odd time that she manages to steal a quiet, non-working moment, Barbara likes to pick up a good book. If she manages to get a few days off in a row, she always enjoys travelling.

A word from Barb

I have always had a passion to open my own business that would excite and benefit consumers locally, and I love to help people to feel good! After tossing around several ideas, I had nearly decided that maybe a small business wasn't in my future. Then on a very unsuccessful shopping trip to prepare for a friend's wedding the realization hit me - there is no store that caters to Plus Sized women (unless I wanted to drive for hours)!! Being women at varying ends of the size spectrum, we realize all too well how difficult it can be to find fashionable clothes and lingerie to fit our curves.

The company of Ulla Popken from Germany became my partner of choice because their quality of materials is amazing and they offer beautifully crafted fashion for all occasions and (even more importantly) for different body shapes! Since plus sizes is all they do, Ulla Popken does it really well; they do understand a woman's body and how to make her feel fabulous with the right clothes.

Nearly 3 years later we are still the only store in North America that carries Ulla Popken's European Fashion and we are still very excited about it ;)!! Our move to Main Street in Smithers has given even more ladies the opportunity to check out our fabulous store and I personally can't wait to see what the next years will have in store for us!   

Local Charities Barb Supports

• Bulkley Valley Kinettes 
• Bulkley Valley Bandboosters
• Smithers Charity Golf Tournament
• Houston Volunteer Fire Department Ball
• Dze l K'ant Friendship Centre Christmas Dinner
• Ducks Unlimited
• Smithers Rotary Club Charity Auction