In Their Shop portrays and interviews inspiring and successful retailers inside their shops! Here we find out how they work, some behind the scenes, and they’ll share some of their best tips with us.
Tell us about your business – How did you become a shop owner and what type of products/services do you offer?
I have a B&M shop that I opened over 5 years ago. It is in downtown Yakima, WA. I carry vintage and new decor, new clothing and accessories.
Share a bit of your business journey! What did you do before you opened a shop and why did you open your business?
My retail journey started in the 80’s at Nordstrom, where I learned great customer service! After having my second child, I was privileged to get to stay home for about 10 years. During that time, I did a lot of crafting and sold at different shows…that was our family fun money. 🙂 We also added a 3rd child during that time.
In 1999, I opened my first shop and ran it for about 6 years. I loved it and learned a lot that I use in my shop today. There was an espresso bar in my shop that all my children learned to work. Both my girls have used that skill many times over the years and the younger one has a cafe in my shop with a full coffee bar that her children are learning to use. I’m proud to say all of my children own their own businesses today!
Then my life season changed and I had 3 children in high school that had a ton of activities that I didn’t want to miss, so I closed that shop. I never imagined that I would open another in 2015!
Between shops, I did a lot of different jobs in retail merchandising and display. Displays are definitely my gift and I love doing them…and chatting with people!
Any struggles or lessons learned along the way? How do you overcome them?
I think the biggest lessons I’ve learned are
1. Always pay as you go. That way you own everything in your shop and don’t have debts hanging over your head.
2. Employees cost money. Make sure you really need them before hiring.
Brag a little about your business, what are you most proud of?
I’m proud that my children got to work alongside me and see the benefits and pride in owning a business that you love.
Can you tell us what your thoughts are on being a member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle?
I own a successful business but had no idea why, I wasn’t even sure where profits and planning needed to come into play …I needed to do more of the background work and planning on paper, and now I see more profits and hit my goals.
What are you most excited about coming up for you and your business?
Christmas is always a fun time of year for me!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I really love being a member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle! My business has skyrocketed in the last year and the community has truly helped me.
5 Retailers you love to follow who inspire you:
Joyworks in Snohomish, WA
Sister to Sister in Prosser, WA
Fiddlesticks in Yakima, WA
Junk Sistas in Lawrence, NE
Rebel Junk Market in Coeur d’Alene, ID
A favorite quote of Michelle’s
Wendy would love to thank Michelle for her involvement in this blog post! To learn more about Michelle, please visit the following:
Michelle Emmons
To join Michelle and other profitable and awesome shop owners, join the Retailer’s Inner Circle here.
Foot Traffic Made Simple
My most popular mini-training!
In this 90-minute training and walk away with a simple way to complete a full month of marketing planned out and a repeatable, easy marketing framework to follow.
Then sit back and watch your customers walk in your door smiling!
