We recently connected with Kristen Hale and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Coming up with the name of my boutique was surprisingly easier than I expected it to be! I thought for sure I would struggle deciding on a name and I only went back and forth a couple of times between two names. I wanted something meaningful to me. I grew up on Woodland and that is where my parents live still to this day. We had a large weeping willow tree in the back yard that draped over our pond. I always loved that tree. So Woodland & Willow just kind of fit!

Kristen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started in the clothing industry back in my teen years working at the mall. I always loved fashion and helping people pick out outfits. When I got married and had children I wanted to be home with them so I looked into ways that would be possible. I found a direct sales company that sold clothing and was instantly sold on it! I loved the clothes and it was so fun to have a “store” set up in my house. I was helping women find things they loved and made them feel good. I stayed with them for 4 years and then decided I wanted more control over decision making and picking my items out. That is when I started Woodland & Willow! It’s been such a fun adventure!

My goal with W&W is to provide women of all shapes and sizes something they love and leave feeling good in.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my customers by being present at my store. I’m the face they see almost all the time when they come in. They’ve built a relationship with me and trust me to help them find something they’ll love and feel good in. I think it is so important to always be present in your business.

I do lives with my sister and my customers love our silliness with each other and the fun we have while doing them. It keeps us real and raw. We talk about our bodies and how things fit which can be hard to do, but people appreciate our openness through it.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source for new clients is honestly word of mouth. If someone is recommending my store to their friend, that is the highest compliment I can ask for! I have people tagging the store on social media and sharing it with their friends. It truly is so exciting to see that!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.woodlandandwillow.com
• Instagram: woodland_and_willow
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/woodlandandwillow