Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Question
How do we be different than other boutiques? People have come in LMD asking for "something different." Some say we have some of the exact pieces of clothing than boutiques next door. How can we stand out compared to others?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Fate
Wow, it has been a crazy couple of weeks! Kati and I are still working at our own boutiques and loving it. It is a place we can go and actually relax while doing our jobs. (Well, when we know what to do- It seems like these boutiques have no management at all. The managers just leave the store with no one who knows what to do. It is crazy!)
Our jobs at school have been a little different and very stressful. Last week, Kati and I got called in to the principal's office. One by one we were told our positions have been cut. I was shocked but it made it final for me and it was a sign!!! Kati and I are not supposed to be teachers anymore- WE ARE MOVING ON!
Our jobs at school have been a little different and very stressful. Last week, Kati and I got called in to the principal's office. One by one we were told our positions have been cut. I was shocked but it made it final for me and it was a sign!!! Kati and I are not supposed to be teachers anymore- WE ARE MOVING ON!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Work Work Work
So this week I started at Hemline! I feel like this all happened very quickly, but so far so good. I first went in on Wednesday, and just worked a few hours because it was very slow. I was really intimidated to talk to people and be outgoing. I felt weird at first having 2 girls younger than me watching me. It's always hard starting a new job regardless of what it is.
I worked my first full shift Saturday morning from 9:45-2. It was extremely slow, but I got to ring up a couple of sales. By a couple, I mean exactly 2. That's how slow it was. I guess this store is having trouble with business because it's only been open for a few months. I have to say, I originally thought it was a great location in the River Oaks area, but this particular shopping center isn't hopping with tons of foot traffic. It is located next to a Starbucks and a La Madeline, but most people that walk by, do just that, walk by. Most people that come in are return customers or have shopped at another one. (There are 11 locations in the South.) It will be interesting to see how business increases. They don't have daily or weekly goals yet, but they will be getting them in the coming months.
Today was my 2nd full shift, 12-5. I was there for the opening and the closing. We were much busier today, but it still wasn't busy. I have the hang of ringing people up. That was my goal for the weekend. I haven't seen a return or a hold yet. I also didn't learn how to run the closing report. I'm sure it's not difficult, but I need to learn how to do it. The girl I was working with, was in a rush to get home, and didn't walk me through it. I know how that feels.
I've learned a few things just talking to the other girls at work. Each Hemline is individually owned because it is a franchise. Each one is a little different. If you get something from another store, you have to pay the cost. This is fairly common. Stores call each other all the time asking for clothing checks. It's just really interesting to learn about how it works. It also freaks me out, because I don't know how to do that yet.
Through small talk, I've also been trying to talk to the girls about the basics of working in retail. Most of the girls have lots of experience and opinions, which is perfect because I have little to none! It seems like the biggest issues girls have are paycheck problems and disorganization. Several girls have had problems in the past with not getting paid for hours worked until much later. Many of the girls are working themselves through school, and they need the money. This is a side job for me, so it's not the end of the world, but that's not true for everyone. Two girls mentioned the fact that they had hours and shifts on the schedule, and then get cut an hour into the shift or are called to not come in. This happens when the store is really slow. The disorganization piece comes in because I get the feeling the manager is stretched really thin. Things fall unnoticed and several comments were made by the other girls about being annoyed at something or other. I know they are doing a contest for commission. Whoever has the most per hour, gets a free paid day off. Maybe this will help with morale.
The only POS system I've ever used was at Texadelphia. It is really different ringing up beers and sandwiches than clothes. Hemline uses Quick books for everything including clocking in and out. Another girl I work with has worked at like 5 different stores over the years including Nordstrom and Barney's. She said the best POS system is RetailPro. Callie says this is what LMD uses. Quick books is super user friendly, so if RetailPro is better, it must be great! I'm curious to know what other stores use! Ha Maybe a pretty lame thing to be interested in!
Ok so this has been an embarrassingly long post, but I'm just in the zone. I just wanted to address my goal from a couple of weeks ago. Actually having another job has kind of gotten in my way of searching other stores. I will say that Hemline does not order their clothes like LMD. They place clothes in the stores by color blocking. From what I can tell, they block by style also, but mainly color. they do put outfits together on hangers and on mannequins. This also includes jewelry. There are always necklaces, rings, etc. on the mannequins and hangers.
Ok, so finally done. Sorry to bore you! Come see me at Hemline!
I worked my first full shift Saturday morning from 9:45-2. It was extremely slow, but I got to ring up a couple of sales. By a couple, I mean exactly 2. That's how slow it was. I guess this store is having trouble with business because it's only been open for a few months. I have to say, I originally thought it was a great location in the River Oaks area, but this particular shopping center isn't hopping with tons of foot traffic. It is located next to a Starbucks and a La Madeline, but most people that walk by, do just that, walk by. Most people that come in are return customers or have shopped at another one. (There are 11 locations in the South.) It will be interesting to see how business increases. They don't have daily or weekly goals yet, but they will be getting them in the coming months.
Today was my 2nd full shift, 12-5. I was there for the opening and the closing. We were much busier today, but it still wasn't busy. I have the hang of ringing people up. That was my goal for the weekend. I haven't seen a return or a hold yet. I also didn't learn how to run the closing report. I'm sure it's not difficult, but I need to learn how to do it. The girl I was working with, was in a rush to get home, and didn't walk me through it. I know how that feels.
I've learned a few things just talking to the other girls at work. Each Hemline is individually owned because it is a franchise. Each one is a little different. If you get something from another store, you have to pay the cost. This is fairly common. Stores call each other all the time asking for clothing checks. It's just really interesting to learn about how it works. It also freaks me out, because I don't know how to do that yet.
Through small talk, I've also been trying to talk to the girls about the basics of working in retail. Most of the girls have lots of experience and opinions, which is perfect because I have little to none! It seems like the biggest issues girls have are paycheck problems and disorganization. Several girls have had problems in the past with not getting paid for hours worked until much later. Many of the girls are working themselves through school, and they need the money. This is a side job for me, so it's not the end of the world, but that's not true for everyone. Two girls mentioned the fact that they had hours and shifts on the schedule, and then get cut an hour into the shift or are called to not come in. This happens when the store is really slow. The disorganization piece comes in because I get the feeling the manager is stretched really thin. Things fall unnoticed and several comments were made by the other girls about being annoyed at something or other. I know they are doing a contest for commission. Whoever has the most per hour, gets a free paid day off. Maybe this will help with morale.
The only POS system I've ever used was at Texadelphia. It is really different ringing up beers and sandwiches than clothes. Hemline uses Quick books for everything including clocking in and out. Another girl I work with has worked at like 5 different stores over the years including Nordstrom and Barney's. She said the best POS system is RetailPro. Callie says this is what LMD uses. Quick books is super user friendly, so if RetailPro is better, it must be great! I'm curious to know what other stores use! Ha Maybe a pretty lame thing to be interested in!
Ok so this has been an embarrassingly long post, but I'm just in the zone. I just wanted to address my goal from a couple of weeks ago. Actually having another job has kind of gotten in my way of searching other stores. I will say that Hemline does not order their clothes like LMD. They place clothes in the stores by color blocking. From what I can tell, they block by style also, but mainly color. they do put outfits together on hangers and on mannequins. This also includes jewelry. There are always necklaces, rings, etc. on the mannequins and hangers.
Ok, so finally done. Sorry to bore you! Come see me at Hemline!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Nervous for nothing!
So I wasn't sure what to expect for today. I didn't know if I'd be starting today, if it was just an interview or if it was just a conversation! The district manager was extremely laid back and nice. She told me she was basically in a similar situation as Callie and me when she started working at Hemline. She was unhappy in a job and begged the owner at the store to give her a job. She has worked there ever since, and like I said, she's now the district manager of the Houston, Austin, and Baton Rouge stores.
She kept saying how important it was to be happy at your job. That was exactly what I needed to hear. She said tomorrow when I come we can look at the schedule and get me in there! It just seemed so easy! Hopefully, I like it. It's scary starting a new job. Even though I've been working for 3 years, this is something totally out of my comfort zone. My old roommate Emily used to have a little card in our vanity area that said something about "happiness beginning outside of your comfort zone." I saw it every day, and I can't stop thinking about now. I don't usually "do" quotes, but this one is on my mind. Sorry for the mild lameness, but I think I'm allowed one of these every once in awhile.
Anyway, it all worked out today. I'm hoping things will continue to look up!
She kept saying how important it was to be happy at your job. That was exactly what I needed to hear. She said tomorrow when I come we can look at the schedule and get me in there! It just seemed so easy! Hopefully, I like it. It's scary starting a new job. Even though I've been working for 3 years, this is something totally out of my comfort zone. My old roommate Emily used to have a little card in our vanity area that said something about "happiness beginning outside of your comfort zone." I saw it every day, and I can't stop thinking about now. I don't usually "do" quotes, but this one is on my mind. Sorry for the mild lameness, but I think I'm allowed one of these every once in awhile.
Anyway, it all worked out today. I'm hoping things will continue to look up!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Finally!!
So Callie finally heard back from a couple of the places she applied! Of course, she already has a job, so I swooped in and am going to meet with the manager of a cute store Hemline! They have a great location in River Oaks. It is a store where I would actually shop! I'm super nervous, but it sounds like they need people and are flexible with shifts! The manager mentioned they train employees for 2 weeks. This is obviously way more than the ONE day Callie was trained! I think we can learn a lot from Callie and I working at different stores. I'm excited to see what the vibe at the store is, and if I will like it! I haven't started a new job in years! It's pretty intimidating, but this is the push we need! I'll have to blog tomorrow after I find out more. Not going to lie, since we bought the house, I've really had to limit my shopping. Having extra money will be great, but hopefully being around all of these cute clothes isn't too dangerous for me!
Kati
Kati
Monday, February 13, 2012
Limbo
So, I haven't been as lucky as Callie has in the job department! However, I am really glad one of us has a job! I have been trying to learn as much as I can through Callie and her experience. There are things about working in retail that I never even thought of. I will keep applying and talking to friends and try to find work, but in the mean time, I plan to learn and research as much as I can.
For some reason, one thing that really surprised me was the ordering of the racks that Callie mentioned earlier. On the racks, they put together whole outifts with a specific order. Is this something most stores do? Or is it exclusive to LMD? My goal, by the end of the week is to visit several boutiques and check out their racks. I am really curious if they all have a specific order for their racks.
If I find that everyone has the same idea, I guess it's just pretty standard for small boutiques. If I find that there are other orders, I wonder what makes boutiques choose the specific order.
So that's my goal for this week! Hopefully, despite having only one job (unlike superstar Callie) I won't be completely useless!
On Friday night, I talked to a girl I know from college. When I mentioned our plan for the future, she adamently insisted, that we check out the Memorial area for locations. This is somewhat near the City Centre place we visited before. However, it's more of the whole area, not just one trendy shopping center. There are two huge nice highschools. I consider the area in between to be key. It is a coveted area to live in Houston, with good schools and high end neighborhoods. I am not super familiar with the area, other than the fact that my fiance went to highschool there. I've been to a couple weddings and showers in the area, but I still have to use mapquest to find an address. My next goal (which may be longer than a week) will be to explore that area, and see if there is a specific area Callie and I could add to our list of ideas!
Well now that I have two ideas, I only feel slightly useless!
Kati
For some reason, one thing that really surprised me was the ordering of the racks that Callie mentioned earlier. On the racks, they put together whole outifts with a specific order. Is this something most stores do? Or is it exclusive to LMD? My goal, by the end of the week is to visit several boutiques and check out their racks. I am really curious if they all have a specific order for their racks.
If I find that everyone has the same idea, I guess it's just pretty standard for small boutiques. If I find that there are other orders, I wonder what makes boutiques choose the specific order.
So that's my goal for this week! Hopefully, despite having only one job (unlike superstar Callie) I won't be completely useless!
On Friday night, I talked to a girl I know from college. When I mentioned our plan for the future, she adamently insisted, that we check out the Memorial area for locations. This is somewhat near the City Centre place we visited before. However, it's more of the whole area, not just one trendy shopping center. There are two huge nice highschools. I consider the area in between to be key. It is a coveted area to live in Houston, with good schools and high end neighborhoods. I am not super familiar with the area, other than the fact that my fiance went to highschool there. I've been to a couple weddings and showers in the area, but I still have to use mapquest to find an address. My next goal (which may be longer than a week) will be to explore that area, and see if there is a specific area Callie and I could add to our list of ideas!
Well now that I have two ideas, I only feel slightly useless!
Kati
Thrown to the Wolves
So I just had my first week ever in the business of retail. I LOVED IT! I worked 4 times this week by myself. Here is how it went...
Monday- I was trained for 3 hours. I was told everything! It was really overwhelming. I learned the cash register, how to turn on the alarm, how to do returns, exchanges, how to merchandise the store, etc...
Tuesday- I got there at 4:00 and the manager said "You will do great!" and left me around 4:30. LEFT ME!!! Within the next 10 minutes some woman came in with a damaged shirt wanting to exchange it. It was just my luck. haha It was nuts. At the end of the day I had to fill out all of the paperwork for the day. I kept thinking..."She told me all of this last night, why can't I remember??" I now know why my third graders don't get it after just one try!! I was so lost! I finally got through the night and closed up. I only had a couple mistakes.
Thursday- I worked 4-7 by myself. It got a lot easier and I wasn't as stressed out. Saturday- Opened for the first time by myself! This day was my favorite. It was so busy and Kati came in and bought a lot of stuff so I made commission in my first week!!! I can't tell you how great it felt when I saw my total sales for the week. I feel so accomplished and I feel really good about it.
That was my week. I made my goal 2 out of the 3 days. Hopefully I can hit it everyday this week. Well, I am on round 2. I work Tuesday 4-7, Wednesday 5-7, Thursday 5-7 and then on Saturday 2-7. Come see me!
What I learned...
-When putting the clothes on the rack, it goes like this-1. top, 2. bottom, 3. jacket or outerwear (In Kati and my case it would be a cardigan), 4. dress
-When someone comes in, don't ask what they are looking for right away...strike up a conversation first.
-UPT=units/# of transactions
-ADS=actual sales/# of transactions
-SPH-actual sales/shift(# of hours)
-% to goal= actual sales/goal for the day
What I want...
-A home away from home (LMD has no chairs, has white walls, the racks are hanging making me dizzy)
-A place to feel comfortable (more than one employee is there and it seems like people want to be there!)
-A place I can feel proud of and take care of (I would have never, NEVER left a girl on her own the first time she ever worked in my store)
-A place to feel value, pride, love, career
-A one stop shop- jeans, shoes, purses, gifts, gift wrapping, a little something for everyone!
Callie
Monday- I was trained for 3 hours. I was told everything! It was really overwhelming. I learned the cash register, how to turn on the alarm, how to do returns, exchanges, how to merchandise the store, etc...
Tuesday- I got there at 4:00 and the manager said "You will do great!" and left me around 4:30. LEFT ME!!! Within the next 10 minutes some woman came in with a damaged shirt wanting to exchange it. It was just my luck. haha It was nuts. At the end of the day I had to fill out all of the paperwork for the day. I kept thinking..."She told me all of this last night, why can't I remember??" I now know why my third graders don't get it after just one try!! I was so lost! I finally got through the night and closed up. I only had a couple mistakes.
Thursday- I worked 4-7 by myself. It got a lot easier and I wasn't as stressed out. Saturday- Opened for the first time by myself! This day was my favorite. It was so busy and Kati came in and bought a lot of stuff so I made commission in my first week!!! I can't tell you how great it felt when I saw my total sales for the week. I feel so accomplished and I feel really good about it.
That was my week. I made my goal 2 out of the 3 days. Hopefully I can hit it everyday this week. Well, I am on round 2. I work Tuesday 4-7, Wednesday 5-7, Thursday 5-7 and then on Saturday 2-7. Come see me!
What I learned...
-When putting the clothes on the rack, it goes like this-1. top, 2. bottom, 3. jacket or outerwear (In Kati and my case it would be a cardigan), 4. dress
-When someone comes in, don't ask what they are looking for right away...strike up a conversation first.
-UPT=units/# of transactions
-ADS=actual sales/# of transactions
-SPH-actual sales/shift(# of hours)
-% to goal= actual sales/goal for the day
What I want...
-A home away from home (LMD has no chairs, has white walls, the racks are hanging making me dizzy)
-A place to feel comfortable (more than one employee is there and it seems like people want to be there!)
-A place I can feel proud of and take care of (I would have never, NEVER left a girl on her own the first time she ever worked in my store)
-A place to feel value, pride, love, career
-A one stop shop- jeans, shoes, purses, gifts, gift wrapping, a little something for everyone!
Callie
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
LMD Employee!!!!! ... I think
So after emailing my cover letter and resume to LMD about the part time position, Leigh Ann Delmore texted me about an opening at the Rice Village location too. I emailed the woman again to follow up to see if she had received my resume and she started asking questions about my availability, what grade I taught, and how many hours I would like to work. We tried to meet once last week but my sister was in town so we met today! This was only my 2nd interview EVER! My mom says I am "two for two!" haha
The interview was very casual. She asked me questions about my favorite designers, what women I think shop there, what other boutiques I go to, and why I wanted to work there. She also said to point out different looks in the store and describe the women that would wear those things. I felt I did okay! I brought up how my dad makes me do all of the shopping for my mom for Christmas so I have some experience picking out clothes for people...she seemed to think this was funny... (Mom, sorry the shirt didn't work!)
I then filled out an application and employee information. She said she would call by the end of this week if everything goes through and that we would talk about the next week! I hopefully will be starting on MONDAY!
That means I got the job right??
LMD has 4 locations in Houston- Richmond and 610, Rice Village, River Oaks Shopping Centre, and City Centre. They had one in the Galleria and in the Woodlands but they both closed. The one in the Woodlands closed because there "wasn't enough traffic." Kati said to ask why they didn't have one in Bellaire. I SHOULD have asked! I mean...Kati is so good at thinking about things when she is in the moment. I am horrible at that! Next time. Next time.
The interview was very casual. She asked me questions about my favorite designers, what women I think shop there, what other boutiques I go to, and why I wanted to work there. She also said to point out different looks in the store and describe the women that would wear those things. I felt I did okay! I brought up how my dad makes me do all of the shopping for my mom for Christmas so I have some experience picking out clothes for people...she seemed to think this was funny... (Mom, sorry the shirt didn't work!)
I then filled out an application and employee information. She said she would call by the end of this week if everything goes through and that we would talk about the next week! I hopefully will be starting on MONDAY!
That means I got the job right??
LMD has 4 locations in Houston- Richmond and 610, Rice Village, River Oaks Shopping Centre, and City Centre. They had one in the Galleria and in the Woodlands but they both closed. The one in the Woodlands closed because there "wasn't enough traffic." Kati said to ask why they didn't have one in Bellaire. I SHOULD have asked! I mean...Kati is so good at thinking about things when she is in the moment. I am horrible at that! Next time. Next time.
Monday, January 30, 2012
More determined than ever...
So today was a pretty stressful day at school. I just don't like being so negative at work because then I'm in a bad mood ALL day. Today, it was especially hard to stay POSITIVE!!
So I haven't talked about my part of the job hunt much... I have a friend whose family owns Magpie's Gifts. I was really hoping to talk to her about potentially learning from her and getting some retail experience. However, she is 7+ months pregnant, so she has slightly more important things to deal with right now. I did get to attend her cute baby shower! Believe it or not, we didn't have much of a chance to chat since she spent most of the time opening her mounds of baby gifts! So because of the bad day, I decided to do something about it! I asked Ally to have dinner on Wednesday. We can catch up, and also I can tell her about our future plans! Hopefully, by Wednesday I will have a lead. I wouldn't even mind just getting the chance to learn about Magpie's or shadow Ally. They may not have room on the schedule for a paid employee, but I'm willing to do almost anything!
If you haven't been to Magpie's, it is a super cute gift boutique. They have 3 locations. One in Bellaire, (as mentioned earlier in our blog) Sugar Land, and the newest one in Cypress. If we wound up opening a store near by one of these stores, I'd love to create a relationship with the store. They have a huge customer base that I'd love to attract as well. Callie and I talked today about offering some kind of discount if they are referred by Magpie's. Just an idea.
I just know that I need a change. Callie and I just need to get through the school year, or at least until Spring Break!
Kati
So I haven't talked about my part of the job hunt much... I have a friend whose family owns Magpie's Gifts. I was really hoping to talk to her about potentially learning from her and getting some retail experience. However, she is 7+ months pregnant, so she has slightly more important things to deal with right now. I did get to attend her cute baby shower! Believe it or not, we didn't have much of a chance to chat since she spent most of the time opening her mounds of baby gifts! So because of the bad day, I decided to do something about it! I asked Ally to have dinner on Wednesday. We can catch up, and also I can tell her about our future plans! Hopefully, by Wednesday I will have a lead. I wouldn't even mind just getting the chance to learn about Magpie's or shadow Ally. They may not have room on the schedule for a paid employee, but I'm willing to do almost anything!
If you haven't been to Magpie's, it is a super cute gift boutique. They have 3 locations. One in Bellaire, (as mentioned earlier in our blog) Sugar Land, and the newest one in Cypress. If we wound up opening a store near by one of these stores, I'd love to create a relationship with the store. They have a huge customer base that I'd love to attract as well. Callie and I talked today about offering some kind of discount if they are referred by Magpie's. Just an idea.
I just know that I need a change. Callie and I just need to get through the school year, or at least until Spring Break!
Kati
Monday, January 23, 2012
Job Searching and a Little Shopping
Today I decided to go though River Oaks Shopping Center. Here is where I went and what happened.
1st stop- Enticingly Chic- I really love this name. This boutique was very much out of my price range but had really cute things. Everything I looked at was over $150 and half of the store was on sale. I did see a really awesome white/off-white dress that could be worn at a rehearsal dinner or wedding shower...HINT, HINT... Kati, Leigh Ann, or Jill. Confession- I didn't apply, I guess I got nervous or scared.
2nd stop- Em & Lee- I walked in confidently and the woman told me to apply online. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT! I still haven't heard back. When I own a boutique and if we ever have online hiring systems, I want to make an effort to reply to these woman and at least acknowledge that we have received their application. I bought some cute navy leggings with long tunic to go with it.
3rd stop- Hemline- They had such a nice woman working there! I walked in, asked about any job openings and we struck up a great conversation about education, why I wanted in retail, and about the store. They have only been open since November and she didn't think they were hiring because it wasn't too busy. She did give me her manager's email to send a resume just in case. I bought a really cool long necklace with a large green stone.
4th stop- La Mode Lingerie- Great and helpful staff. Lingerie places can get so awkward but it wasn't! I went in and asked about a bra I needed. I walked out with an application I need to fill out and a strapless bra.
5th Stop- Haut Chocolat- This store has a little of everything from formal gowns to t-shirts. They are higher priced than what Kati and I would want but I did buy a top for $20 on sale! I gave my name and number and it will be given to the owner tomorrow. I might be getting a call mid-summary lesson in the morning... my principal won't mind! haha I hate teaching summary!
6th Stop- LMD Boutique- A sign outside the door said, "Hiring- Part Time." I thought this was perfect! It ended up we couldn't get the manager on the phone so I was told AGAIN to send a resume over email and they will be in touch.
Well, that was my afternoon. Hopefully someone gets back to me. Next time I won't bring my wallet because now I think I'm broke!!
Callie
Sunday, January 22, 2012
City Centre
City Centre is an up and coming high end outdoor shopping and dining area. It has a similar ambience of The Domain in Austin, but without the big name department stores. Some landmark stores in the area we took note of were Elaine Turner, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Paper Source and Lululemon. There are also plenty of restaurants that cater to both families and upscale dining. Cyclone Anaya's Yardhouse, RA Sushi, Ruggle's Green are just a few. We went on a Sunday afternoon and were able to luckily find metered parking, but there were tons of people walking around shopping and eating.
We walked into a moderately priced boutique in front of our parking spot called LMD Boutique. There are 4 locations in Houston. The staff was helpful, and Kati even found a potential bridesmaid necklace for her wedding in June. The store has been open for 2 years, and there are several retail spaces near by. This tells us that City Centre is growing and has a need for other stores! Kati went to a wedding shower for a friend this weekend. She spoke with a mother of a friend who lives near City Centre. She talked about a major need for shopping in the area other than the normal stores. That set off a lightbulb that made us visit the spot in the first place.
We walked into a moderately priced boutique in front of our parking spot called LMD Boutique. There are 4 locations in Houston. The staff was helpful, and Kati even found a potential bridesmaid necklace for her wedding in June. The store has been open for 2 years, and there are several retail spaces near by. This tells us that City Centre is growing and has a need for other stores! Kati went to a wedding shower for a friend this weekend. She spoke with a mother of a friend who lives near City Centre. She talked about a major need for shopping in the area other than the normal stores. That set off a lightbulb that made us visit the spot in the first place.
Bellaire
Bellaire is a small community in the heart of Houston. It is known for feeling like a suburb, but being in the middle of the city. Callie and I both have friends and family in the area. It was our first thought for location. There is a well known gift shop in Bellaire called Magpie's. There are 3 stores, but the original store is the Bellaire location. It is a home decor and gift shop. You can buy anything from a gorgeous wreaths, to customizable John Hart bags, to baby headbands and gifts. It definitely attracts a specific type of customer that we would love to share!
Across from Magpies is a strip center. The corner slot is a restaurant called Auntie Pasto's. It is open daily from 11-10. On Saturdays it is open from 4-11. Sundays it is open 4-9.
Next to Auntie Pasto's is the Christian Science Reading Room. It is closed on Sundays.
Next comes the Asian fusion restaurant Lemongrass Cafe. We went by on a Sunday, and there were plenty of families and couples enjoying lunch. Lemongrass was one of the few businesses open on Sunday, and still it was busy.
Next, are two open spaces. One appears to be a former retail space. The other was a bistro that was called Chanterelle Bistro.
After the 2 empty spaces is walkway to the huge back parking lot! The lot has easy access to the main road South Rice blvd. All stores have entrances to the front lot and the back lot.
After the walkway is a family favorite, Marble Slab.
The last 2 spots are ideal neighbors for a boutique. One is a nail salon, the other is a hair salon. Both are closed on Sundays. While we were there, a woman walked up and was disappointed that she forgot the nail salon was closed Sundays. Clearly, it is an area favorite. Kati has an appointment at the hair salon, Salon Stephan, to get a trim and to get some information about the area.
Another plus of the area is the huge Bellaire Town Square just walking distance from the strip center. It has 7.5 acres of outdoor activities. Several times a year, there are festivals held here that draw hundreds of people.
Across from Magpies is a strip center. The corner slot is a restaurant called Auntie Pasto's. It is open daily from 11-10. On Saturdays it is open from 4-11. Sundays it is open 4-9.
Next comes the Asian fusion restaurant Lemongrass Cafe. We went by on a Sunday, and there were plenty of families and couples enjoying lunch. Lemongrass was one of the few businesses open on Sunday, and still it was busy.
Next, are two open spaces. One appears to be a former retail space. The other was a bistro that was called Chanterelle Bistro.
After the 2 empty spaces is walkway to the huge back parking lot! The lot has easy access to the main road South Rice blvd. All stores have entrances to the front lot and the back lot.
After the walkway is a family favorite, Marble Slab.
The last 2 spots are ideal neighbors for a boutique. One is a nail salon, the other is a hair salon. Both are closed on Sundays. While we were there, a woman walked up and was disappointed that she forgot the nail salon was closed Sundays. Clearly, it is an area favorite. Kati has an appointment at the hair salon, Salon Stephan, to get a trim and to get some information about the area.
Another plus of the area is the huge Bellaire Town Square just walking distance from the strip center. It has 7.5 acres of outdoor activities. Several times a year, there are festivals held here that draw hundreds of people.
Location, Location, Location!
Everyone...I mean everyone has said, "Location is everything."
Our location needs to be highly populated with higher end shoppers. Other compatible stores nearby would be a plus. We'd love to be near salons, coffee shops, gyms or workout studios and other places women already go. We have started to scout locations that have a need for boutiques, and have plenty of walking traffic. We can search all day on the Internet, but the only way to truly experience these places, is to become the walking traffic. In the next 2 posts, are a couple of potential places we have researched and think would be great for our boutique.
Callie and Kati
Our location needs to be highly populated with higher end shoppers. Other compatible stores nearby would be a plus. We'd love to be near salons, coffee shops, gyms or workout studios and other places women already go. We have started to scout locations that have a need for boutiques, and have plenty of walking traffic. We can search all day on the Internet, but the only way to truly experience these places, is to become the walking traffic. In the next 2 posts, are a couple of potential places we have researched and think would be great for our boutique.
Callie and Kati
My Job Search...
Last week I applied to three different boutiques online and no one has gotten back to me. I sent my resume to one and totally thought they would be interested! I have my master's degree and thought they would jump on that. I guess I am just educated on the wrong thing!
I went into a boutique today that I didn't apply to online and asked if they were hiring. I loved how the manager was very specific on who she needed. She said she needed someone to open a couple times a week around 10 am. Well that will not work out but it was a good try!
I am really nervous no one is going to hire me part time for the afternoons and/or weekends. I have no experience so I will be very lost at the beginning and I will need a lot of help. This week I am planning on going to several places in the River Oaks shopping center and see if I can find something. I can't be picky!
Callie
I went into a boutique today that I didn't apply to online and asked if they were hiring. I loved how the manager was very specific on who she needed. She said she needed someone to open a couple times a week around 10 am. Well that will not work out but it was a good try!
I am really nervous no one is going to hire me part time for the afternoons and/or weekends. I have no experience so I will be very lost at the beginning and I will need a lot of help. This week I am planning on going to several places in the River Oaks shopping center and see if I can find something. I can't be picky!
Callie
Experience?
Callie and I are both hard workers, but while we have experience at other things, we do not have any direct retail experience. We are both actively looking for jobs. I talked to two friends who run stores in Houston about coming on and learning about the business. Hopefully over the next week or so, something will come from my friends. If not, back to the drawing board, and I will apply on line or walk into every store in Houston! Hopefully updates to come.
Kati
Kati
What's going on...
This blog is about two teachers, who are unhappy. In order to improve the quality of our lives, we have decided to take a chance and try something new. Our goal is to have something in our lives we can be proud of and that fulfills us. We want to open a boutique with affordable clothes where people don't have to fight the crowds and other drivers just to shop. We want a place where women feel beautiful and men feel safe enough to shop for their girlfriends and wives. Lots of people ask the question "what if?" What if I followed my dream? What if I did something I actually love? What if I took a risk? We asked those questions, too. In this blog, we are sharing our experiences of starting something new.
Callie and Kati
Callie and Kati
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