We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jill Callan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jill below.

Jill, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Everyone’s definition of success is different. Even in my immediate family, we have varying viewpoints. My personal standard for success has to be happiness. If you aren’t happy doing what you do, then it’s pointless. I enjoy waking up everyday and getting to come to the place that I built from nothing. There are definitely times I am stressed out and over worked, but it’s all worth it! …and it’s a little hard to be unhappy in a children’s store! Everything is so cute. On the design side, I get to be creative everyday, which is in my DNA and inherently makes me happy. On the business side, I am learning every day which I also see as a plus. My perspective is that life is so short that there is no other choice than to do what you love! And if you spend everyday doing what you love, then you have succeeded!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I spent the bulk of my life in children’s clothing design, almost 20 years! In 2008, I wanted to change things up so I opened a boutique in New York. It was amazing to be a part of the community! But life happened and brought me to Colorado. I knew I wanted to open another shop in Parker before I even moved here! Children’s clothing is definitely a passion of mine and I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love.

Petit Parker is a children’s boutique in the Parker, CO area, which offers clothing, toys and gifts from newborns through age 8. Our clothing and toys come from around the world. My background has given me a great overview of the industry and gives me the ability to make sure the lines I carry are not only aesthetically pleasing but also made of great quality. I hand select smaller, sustainable brands to bring my customers distinctive items that you just won’t find everywhere. As a mom-owned, locally operated business, I know that keeping your baby safe, happy, and healthy is your first priority -so providing the best products at the lowest prices is my first priority. Since covid hit, I have put an extra effort into expanding our baby section, which makes it an ideal place for new moms and gift giving relatives to shop for baby showers, sprinkles, birthdays and gender reveals.

The part I love most about the store is meeting new people (and especially new babies)! I love being a part of the community and what better way than to contribute to one of the most amazing miracles in life! Petit Parker is a place where everyone is welcome, including children who can enjoy a carousel ride while their parents shop. Customer service is my top priority and having every customer leave with a smile. My background in business and in life (I have two kids of my own) has given me an advantage to help new mothers find exactly what they want.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My initial location was off the beaten path here in Parker. Business was horrible and I knew I needed to make a change or I just wasn’t going to make it. The stars aligned and I found the PERFECT location on Mainstreet. In order to “start over” which included rebranding, moving costs, a new lease and creating a new space, I knew I would need some help! That’s when I found CEF, Colorado Enterprise Fund. I secured a loan with them which made it possible to live my dream. Everyone I worked with was so personable and supportive-it was like they were pulling for me to succeed. I highly recommend working with them.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I suppose the pandemic was my biggest obstacle to overcome. I had my grand opening in March and only a few short days later, we were shut down. Talk about stress. Fortunately, my amazing landlords and CEF were so helpful during this period that I pressed forward. I did all the typical things business owners were doing, making deliveries, offering private shopping time etc. But in order to still open this business I had to do some quick thinking. I immediately got my website in shape so people could order online. The biggest saving grace was that I knew there would be a boom in baby’s and people still wanted to celebrate that. So I increased my baby section to include more brands and innovative items making it a one stop shop. I offered free gift wrapping and free delivery. It got me through the shut down and as predicted, lots of babies!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.petitparker.com
• Instagram: @petitparkerandco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petitparker
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/petit-parker-parker-3

Image Credits
Wonderstruck Photography https://www.wonderstruckphoto.com/