What type of experience did you have before opening your own boutique?
I worked in retail through school and summers growing up. I also was a buyer for a women’s boutique before
moving to Charleston.
Did you always know you wanted to be a business owner/entrepreneur? What is the most rewarding part?
Yes! I have always watched my Dad work really hard as a business owner and have been inspired by his work ethic
and creating something of his own. Being a business owner is scary and risky, but is so rewarding when you work
hard and your business is successful. To see your ideas and your hard work come to life is amazing!
If you didn’t have this boutique, what would be your career?
I would love to be a party planner or coordinator! I have always enjoyed using my creativity and coming up with
the little details that make a party really unique. I love to see those ideas all come together for a party.
Why have a traditional brick and mortar store and not sell through e-commerce or have an online boutique?
I am a people person, plain and simple. I love to meet and talk with people in the store. I love getting to know
customers and helping them put together looks for a special occasion or helping update their wardrobe.
We do have a website that has been great for our customers that come to Charleston to visit or vacation and can go
home and still shop Teal. The website is definitely a convenient way to shop for our local customers if you don’t
have time to stop in.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of opening their own boutique and what is the most
important skill they need?
My best advice would be to prepare to work long hours and know that your life will revolve around the boutique.
When I go home at night, I am still working... whether its social media, emails, new fresh ideas or keeping up with
fashion trends and next seasons styles and colors. The work day is never really over for a boutique owner. You will
think and worry about it constantly. You have to be prepared for employees to not show up or phone calls or issues
to come up, that is just part of running your own business. If you think you will just work retail hours and be done
at the end of the day is just not realistic. However, the rewards far outweigh the work load.
Does the boutique hold any have fashion shows, trunk shows, parties, etc. in the community?
We do have jewelry trunk shows and ‘Ladies Night’ at Teal throughout the year. Any excuse to throw a party!
How can readers order from you and follow your shop on social media?
Visit Teal B