When we opened our first store on Montana Avenue in late January of 2007, It was the actualising of so many dreams. Having worked for years in retail for companies that I was thrilled to be a part of, our store, and concept was about finally bringing to life all of the hopes and dreams I had for myself. Having met an amazing life partner, and knowing that our family would be at the core of who we were and how we lived, the notion of starting our own children’s brand started to come to mind. Walks spent dreaming about all that we would create, and finding partners who could and would bring it to life, was all part of the journey. Creating a culture that allowed talented people to collaborate and then ideally form meaningful relationships with those who walked through the doors.
I’ll never forget the call, when Scott found our location on Montana Avenue. Having worked on the concept, the branding, the store design and the product we needed a place where we could bring it all to life. Not so easy to find, we wanted a store in a lasting family neighborhood, that would allow us to see for ourselves what it would all look like in 3 dimensional form. When in describing the location he announced that it was next to Shabby Chic, I was thrilled beyond words. Immediately knowing, this was the perfect locale.
When we first opened the store, months later, we immediately introduced our selves to the team there and I got the courage to email Rachel directly. ( as I get older, I get far more courageous ) My hope was as neighbors, that we could help support each other, and as we were trying to spread the word ( and we very much still are !! ), that they as a very established brand could help do so. A “welcome wagon” of sorts. They let us use their bathroom, borrow furniture, sharing parking…
So, imagine how sad we all were in the early Summer to learn that they would be closing all of their stores. When I think about my own reaction, there are so many thoughts that came to mind. Here was this incredibly talented woman, who as a mom and creative talent built this brand from scratch. That as a really well known concept, and one with a deal with Target to boot, that they had not made it. That as a business person, the expansion that they had planned and completed to some extent, could not have been planned during a more difficult time.
Reaching out to her and the team again to find out now, if I could be of support or help in anyway. Knowing that there must have been so many things to think about and work through and wanting to be there in any way we could.
So, I must say, for the same long list of reasons, I am thrilled that Rachel and the team just reopened on Montana Avenue ( we are neighbors again )
-Twenty year ago,the year she gave birth to her son, she opened the store on Montana
-This year, as the doors of the company as she knew it closed, she lost her mom
-She had the courage to turn her dream into an amazing business and work with a lot of talented people
-She stepped back, stayed focused on what mattered and is bringing to life her hopes and dreams again.
-She has been incredibly open and honest about her learnings, failures and challenges along the way…in every part of her life
and I have learned from her..
In our home life, neighbors, and the support of community is incredibly important and valuable. In the business world, I think the same to be true. So, to wishing her and the team every success..
follow her blog and journey here her learnings as a woman, mother, person and business woman are really honest and inspiring
