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Interview with The Proprietress: Kate Logan Fulford
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The Proprietress is Kate Logan Fulford. A former boutique-owner turned business consultant, her blog (TheProprietress.com) and e-guide help current and aspiring business owners alike pursue their dreams of running a successful boutique. Whether you need inspiration, suggestions, or resources, The Proprietress shares her experience and wealth of knowledge to assist you in creating extraordinary shopping experiences for your current and future clients!
What was the most rewarding aspect of having your own business, Ooma in San Francisco?
I went from managing projects of others’ as a project manager in a previous career path to having the authority to manage my own projects and allow myself to express my creativity through these projects.
When did you realize you wanted to start TheProprietress.com?
Even before my son, Oscar was born I knew I had to put things on hold to care for him and the family. When Oscar got a little older I found it was the right time to start doing something for myself again. I began to write my e-book (“The Proprietress: Your Guide to Opening a Chic Boutique”) and started TheProprietress.com as a way to promote my book and share my expertise.
What are some of the questions and concerns current boutique owners ask you to help them with?
A lot of people approached me while I owned Ooma and wanted to get together to chat about what it takes to open up a boutique. Many people have the perception that it’s “difficult”, but in actuality it’s very do-able. It takes a lot of guts, you’ll probably have to quit your job, and it’s risky, but it’s well worth it. TheProprietress.com isn’t so much about me answering questions of others, but rather answering questions I once had asked before, or addressing topics and themes that others may benefit from.
Can you list a few key elements a successful boutique should have?
I believe the #1 element is a WARM WELCOME! Treat your customers like guests in your home. Have everything they may need, engage them, take care of them and make them feel comfortable. STAYING CONNECTED is #2 on my list. Whether through a card in the mail, a quick phone call, a newsletter or blog post, stay in touch with your customers and let them know you’re there and have something they might like.
What about a successful boutique owner? What traits should they possess?
Enthusiasm, optimism, and don’t take things personally. All the technical things can be learned, but when things are difficult, many boutique owners start to feel scared. Their sadness and deflated attitude will get in the way of them doing the right thing for their business. And understand that if people aren’t shopping a lot right now, it doesn’t mean that it’s your fault or because they don’t like your store. Stay optimistic, know that things will pick up, and keep on offering only the best for your customers.
Something people would be surprised to know about Kate is …
I used to be a back up dancer for a band called Super Diamonds in San Francisco! They were a Neil Diamond cover band and I was their costume consultant.
Do you have plans to open a boutique in Portland?
I plan on opening a stationary store!
One Response to “Interview with The Proprietress: Kate Logan Fulford”
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guest stars: me on CRAVE portland! « the Proprietress Says:
[...] – just a quick little excited squeal over my interview with the lovely Cecilia from CRAVE Portland – which was posted today! CRAVE is an amazing company which empowers women entrepreneurs, hosts [...]