02 Jan 2026 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2026: Lily Kate Oaks and Maple

By Lori Dunn

Customers will often find a Mini Bernedoodle named Maple right along with Lily Kate Oaks at Rebel & Bolt each day. Born in South Carolina, Maple came to live with her when she just was 8 weeks old. She is now 2 years old and loves being Lily Kate’s traveling companion as they make the trip to and from college.  She is a peaceful pet who enjoys people and going to work with Mom.

Lily Kate Oaks discovered her love of fashion at a young age and has made her dream a reality at the young age of 20. Though still a student at the University of Arkansas, Oaks is also the owner and founder of the women’s clothing boutique Rebel & Bolt in Conway. “Because I’m still in college, people often assume I don’t even own my store,” she said. 

She encourages other young people not to wait for the “perfect” time to follow their dream. “Start now and let your results speak for you,” she said.

Rebel & Bolt is a full-scale operation, and Oaks does everything from buying merchandise and marketing to inventory and website upkeep. She has her hand in all the elements required for a successful business but does not do it alone. “I have an incredibly supportive family, a mom who helps me more than she even realizes, and an amazing staff,” she said.

Oaks grew up on a farm but knew she was not meant for a career in agriculture because she loved wearing high heels too much.

“My mom raised me with one rule: dress classy, elevated and timeless. Rebel & Bolt is basically the grown-up version of that rule,” she said. Her parents are Greg and Heather Oaks, and she has a sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Tyler Moran.

Oaks graduated from Greenbrier High School in 2023. She is involved with Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Arkansas and is a member of the Conway Chamber of Commerce.

Maple arrived when Oaks was taking finals during her freshman year at the U of A. In honor of her Kappa Kappa Gamma membership, Oaks named her beloved pet after the street where the sorority house is located in Fayetteville. 

A Bible verse that inspires Oaks is Psalm 37:4. It reads: “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

“This verse has played out so clearly in my life. I truly believe that God placed this passion for fashion, entrepreneurship and serving women on my heart long before I ever opened Rebel & Bolt,” she said.

Oaks’ proudest accomplishment is the store’s grand opening in late November.

“I was genuinely brought to tears seeing how many people from across Central Arkansas were flooding through the doors. Knowing that people appreciated the work, passion and heart I poured into this business was the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had,” she said.

The young woman said she loves creating a space where women feel confident, inspired and excited to shop. She also loves the loyalty of Central Arkansas people. “They show up, support local and hype small businesses like it’s their full-time job. The loyalty here is unmatched,” she said.

Maple also loves spending time and Rebel & Bolt each day and enjoying her favorite treat, a pup cup from Seven Brew.

Employee Lindsey Landers said Oaks is an entrepreneur who is bringing style and fashion to Conway. “The community has been so supportive, which shows their love and excitement about the store and her.”

Oaks plans to graduate in 2026 from the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business with a degree in marketing and management. She has found career inspiration in her dad and grandmother. Her Nana purchased Ott Insurance in 1998 and built it into a trusted downtown Conway business. Her dad owns and manages five businesses and is the definition of entrepreneurship, she said.

“I would have never chased this dream without his belief in me and his constant reassurance that I could handle it,” she said. “His work ethic, discipline and ability to build well-respected companies have shaped the way I see success.”

Oaks said she would like to be known for her style and commitment to the community. “To me, fashion has never been just about the clothes you wear. It’s about how those clothes make you feel,” she said.