We recently connected with Kim Fredrickson and have shared our conversation below.

Kim, appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents always listened to me. I was a chatterbox. I would sometimes wait for them to wake up, so I could tell them my dreams. I would actually stand by their bed, waiting. Nevertheless, they were patient, had senses of humor and always encouraged me to be me. My father was especially good at understanding my confusion as a teenager. I asked him once if I had a “multiple personality” ( had just finished watching “Sybil”) My dad, asked “why do you think that?” I said, “because I act differently with different people.” My dad said “No, you don’t have a multiple personality, you just know your audience.” When I went to university at UC Berkeley, I studied Film History, Theory and Criticism. I was worried about having a job, a career. My dad reassured me by telling me “you go to college to learn how to learn.” These 2 lessons stand out in my mind and memory. They have served me well. From being a waitress, receptionist, teacher, mom, salesperson, sales representative and now business owner…my dad was right. I learned how to be creative, flexible, resourceful and most of all how to keep changing and learning.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I had been a children’s art teacher for many years, retail salesperson and then a sales representative. I noticed that many stores were hesitant to offer unique products and larger sizes. I wanted to create a place where all people could find something that supported them on their daily journey. With the help of our amazing team, we worked to make our brick and mortar an inclusive and welcoming space. I called it Hello Gorgeous Boutique specifically because I wanted people to feel welcomed and included as soon as they arrived. Hello Gorgeous Boutique and Cafe became many people’s “happy place” where they could get a meal and find something cool for themself or as a gift. We had many pop-ups with local artists, makers, and musicians. We had art classes, llamas, Santa Claus, a snow machine, 2 fashion shows, and even a mini art gallery. We had baby showers, bridal showers, and political events. In 1 day, we had the llamas come visit and the line for photographs spilled out onto the sidewalk. Later that evening, we had a Klezmer Band perform for Hanukkah, it was a wonderful day with the community. Since I closed the brick and mortar, and have moved completely online, it has been quite a different experience. The big takeaway for me is knowing that a creative enterprise can evolve, change and transform. We have to keep going and exploring our creativity. I am so grateful to the local community for their support and now the support of Gorgeous Friends all over the United States and the world. Each time someone tells me that Hello Gorgeous, was their “happy place” and how they miss that, but they are glad they can still shop our collection of treasures online, it is an amazing feeling.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Back in 2000, I got divorced. I was living in Northern California. I eventually met the man I would marry. He lived in Atlanta, I lived in the Bay Area. We have four kids between us. Once I had permission from the court, I remarried and moved myself and my children to Atlanta. We began our new lives in our 2nd marriage and raising 4 teenagers together. I was born in San Francisco and had lived in the Bay Area until I was 41. I never imagined that I would make such a giant change. I am so glad that I did. I not only left my family of origin and friends, but also my career as a Children’s Art Teacher. It has been quite an adventure, which continually calls for creativity and flexibility. I like the word, “flexible” because the “pivot” has a dizzying vibe for me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I opened Hello Gorgeous Boutique & Cafe, HGBGA.com I did not even know how to separate my personal facebook account from my business account. I did not know how to use Instagram. Luckily, I had enjoyed Pinterest for quite awhile…so I eventually figured them out. My daughter had to explain to me why people were “following” me on Pinterest. LOL. Both of these platforms were quite a bit of help at the beginning and first few years of this small business. I recommend being as authentic as possible. It is a balance though, I have to walk a delicate line between sharing too much and too little. Have fun with social media. Post what interests you and keep it a kind, welcoming, inclusive online space. I am slowly learning Tik Tok and Reels. I do many IG Lives with artists, writers, makers, authors, poets, and even an opera singer. My favorite part of social media is sharing information about the cool stuff we carry and the nice people who nice people who make the goods.. It is a lovely thing when someone tells me that they know when they view our IG, they will have some happy place time.

Contact Info:

• Website: HGBGA.com
• Instagram: hellogorgeousboutiquega
• Facebook: Hello Gorgeous Boutique & Cafe @HelloGorgeousU
• Other: TikTok- hellogorgeousboutique Hello Gorgeous

Image Credits
photo of me is by my husband and selfies that I took.