We recently connected with Haley Van Der Linden and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Haley, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Our primary owner, Shelly Van Der Linden, spent most of her career working for her family business in the shoe retail business. When her dad retired from the industry, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her battle and remission of cancer she spent time reflecting what her next journey would be.
Shelly’s best friend and former co-worker opened a women’s clothing boutique in Huntington Beach that focused on providing affordable, fun clothing in a neighborhood setting.
Shelly saw great potential in this concept. There was minimal to no women’s clothing boutiques in the North County San Diego area, especially ones that had affordable and cute clothes. Women in our neighborhoods didn’t have anywhere to shop locally, thus would have to take extra time they didn’t have and drive out of their way to shop. Shelly is a mother of 3 , with all kids in extracurricular activities and barely had time herself to shop between work and being a mother.
So she took a leap and opened her first clothing store in the Del Mar Highlands in 2007. This store was a success from the start. Even though Shelly had minimal experience in clothing she had the guidance from her friends and community support.
Her continued success is driven from her always supporting our team to make sure we are providing the best experience and product for our communities.
Haley, 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?
We are a women’s clothing, accessories, and gift store that is owned and operated by women.
Our first store opened in 2007 in the Del Mar Highlands. We currently have 14 stores and 4 different concepts in San Diego and Phoenix area.
The goal at all of our locations is to provide the best customer experience. We strive to train and educate our team in the knowledge of fashion and store operations. Developing and empowering women has always been a key foundation at Pretty Please.
Twice a week all of our locations receive new merchandise, so our product is always fresh. Our buyers shop in LA fashion district twice a week to ensure our stores have the latest and greatest in fashion.
The key to our success is that our owner is involved at every level. She visits the locations regularly to check in with our team and patrons, ensures the store has enough and the right merchandise, and participates in the buying of product.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Ultimately, everyone wants to be recognized no matter how minor or big the accomplishment. This recognition does not always have to be money, simply going to spend time and acknowledging them in person goes a long way.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I was fortunate enough to have the support from my husband and family.
My first store was so successful from the start that I was able to pay back what was borrowed. I then saved to open more stores. My goal was to avoid taking any loans from any banks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prettypleasecollective.com
- Instagram: prettypleasecollective