Talk to Me Tuesday!

This week I'm featuring Bootsie Marie Boutique. I met Jill, the owner, at an art festival. Though I was only at her booth for a few seconds, I took her card and knew I wanted to know more about her beautiful bow business. What struck me was not only how beautiful everything was, but how reasonably priced! My daughter is in kindergarten, so it's her first year wearing a uniform to school. I am planning on dressing up some of her navy blue and white outfits with some goodies from Bootsie Marie Boutique. Have a look yourself!

How old is Bootsie Marie Boutique?

Bootsie will be a year old in October!  YAY!

How did your business start? 

I had been purchasing bows for our daughter, Josie (who Bootsie Marie Boutique is named after, it is her nickname), even before she was born and many times I was disappointed with either the price or quality. I have an Art degree and thought to myself, “I can make this!” I went online looking for bow instructions and started making my own korker bows for Josie. We would get stopped everywhere we went by people asking where I got her bows. I would let them know that I made them and they would ask if I sold them and I always answered, “no.” Finally one day my husband answered, “YES!” and the rest is history! I thought it would be a nice hobby and maybe bring in some extra income to use as “fun money”, never in my wildest dreams did I think it would get this big in such a short period of time.

What did you do before Bootsie Marie Boutique? 

My resume reads, too many years in Real Estate and Construction, a few in Corporate Banking (YAWN!), and lots of Mommy duties! It is hard to believe that I have an Art degree! :o)

Describe a typical work day. 

 My Bootsie Marie Boutique’s work day doesn’t start until the kids are in bed either for a nap or for the night. I am not a late night person but for some reason my best work is done then. 

How do you promote your business? 

I have been fortunate that I haven’t had to do any promotion. Word of mouth and repeat craft show customers is where all of my business comes from. I write a silly blog but it is more informational than promotion.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten? 

To not be afraid. (Even though I panic the night before every show. No joke!) It is sooooo hard to put myself out there, but if I don’t do it, I will never know.

Where do you see Bootsie Marie Boutique in 5 years? 

My 2 year goal is to have one of my hair accessories mentioned in People magazine because it is being worn by a celebrity’s child, My 4 year goal is to be on Oprah’s favorite things, in 5 years....sheesh, I thought Oprah would be the highest point of my career. :o) I would love to have a cute retail store or a mall kiosk but will settle for a rockin’ website.

What is your favorite part of your business? 

Ahhh, so many to choose from, I can put, my creative energy to use or as my Dad says, “It is about time you use the education we bought you!” I also love meeting new friends who are also customer and fellow crafters at shows.

I met you at the Glenwood Arts Festival. Do you do a lot of fests and fairs, and what do you like most about them? 

Wasn’t the Glenwood Arts Festival so much fun?!?!?! That is all I do right now, fests and fairs. I usually participate in 1 a month but I am hoping to take part in Farmer’s Market’s on Saturdays next year. Please see answer #7. Seriously, the people who come to my booth are always so complimentary and so much fun. I love to help the little (and big!) girls rock out with some bows. :o)

Anything else you want to share? 

GO HUSKERS! :o) Oh yeah, and please become a fan on Facebook!