We recently connected with Laura Pytlik and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Laura thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
In an era of mass produced products and giant online stores, the artists and small makers have a difficult time being seen and getting their work in front of potential customers. At the same time, people are searching for unique goods and uncommon gifts that aren’t generic and cheaply made. I opened Wit & Whimzy as a retail boutique not only to showcase the work of artists and artisans but also to bring a unique shopping experience to Marietta Ohio. While working at Marietta College, I helped with the entrepreneurial program and its Pio Pitch events. The “Shark Tank” style events allowed people to pitch an idea or share their experiences as entrepreneurs. When I pitched my idea for my retail store, and explained the niche I wanted to create, the students were skeptical. One said to me “If I’m going to shop downtown, I need to be able to buy a gift and card for under $20”. I kept that in mind when I chose my initial inventory, and many of my products were priced at $10-$15. As my business has grown, I’m continually seeking items that are unique, well made and affordable. It’s important to me that the products I sell are accessible, especially in a college town with budget conscious students.
I’m proud to support so many artists and small makers, and I’ve watched many grow their own businesses and achieve success. When I host an artist for an event, I enjoy watching my customers meet the person behind the product. I am always receptive to meeting new artists or reviewing unique product ideas. My retail space is bright, fun to shop, and always evolving. I believe I’ve created a store that attracts a wide audience with a common thread- an appreciation for unique, well-made products and the small makers who provide them.
Laura, 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 created Wit & Whimzy as a physical space in which to feature artists, artisans and small makers and offer their unique products to the local community. While working at Marietta College as an Administrative Coordinator, I had an Etsy shop called Wit & Whimzy. Through Etsy I was being exposed to the world of independent artists and creators and I wanted to be part of that world in some way. I created Marietta Marketplace in 2014 as a pop-up market in our historic downtown – such markets were growing in popularity in larger cities at that time. That little event introduced me to a growing network of local and regional artists, and I coordinated several more events over the next couple years. In 2016, I decided to leave my position at the college and pursue my dream of opening a shop in downtown Marietta. A shop owner was closing her business, and the space was perfect for my intentions. When Wit & Whimzy opened its doors, the small, bright space was filled with unique, made-in-the-USA goods curated with vintage items. From jewelry made by a single artist in her own home, to candles hand poured in Ohio – I was proud to support these makers while offering inventory that was new to local shoppers. People seemed to embrace the quality and creativity of my inventory, and I slowly added more artists and makers to the shop. In the beginning, most of my vendors were on consignment, to minimize my risk and initial investment. As I figured out what type of item sold and what didn’t, I was able to transition into buying more wholesale to improve my margin.
In seven years, Wit & Whimzy has grown into an expanded space and I currently feature products from over 150 makers and vendors. Many of them are from Ohio and West Virginia, but also beyond, and I personally know some. While I now make some exceptions for a few companies that outsource their manufacture, those companies have a good record of ethical, sustainable fair-trade practices and giving back to society in some way. I am proud to know where my products are made, and often the story behind them. There is a great sense of satisfaction supporting an artist and playing a small part in their growth and success. And thankfully I have many loyal customers who feel the same way!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The first two years of owning my shop, I was the sole employee. I was open five days a week, and I worked all day alone. There was no time off for being sick, burned out, or simply tired. For a woman approaching 60 it was no easy journey! I was accustomed to having weekends free, sick leave, vacation time…but as any small business owner knows those benefits disappear when you’re the sole owner. Strangely, I was fine with the long hours and lack of vacation time. Instead of clocking in and working for someone else, I was doing it for me. My success or failure wouldn’t be determined by a Board or CEO, it would be determined by me (and maybe influenced by a few factors out of my control). I had opened a retail shop with no formal training, no real retail experience, not even a workshop or class! Suddenly I was the buyer, the merchandiser, the manager, sales clerk, bookkeeper and even the cleaning crew – and learning as I went. Thank goodness for veteran shop owners and online retail experts who were willing to share experience and advice! In my third year I was able to hire a part time employee and expanded to being open 6 days a week. Eventually I had two or three part time employees and I am now open 7 days a week. Looking back, I am proud (and a little surprised) that I had the stamina and stubborn persistence to grow my business with little help. The fact that I had no choice but to wear all the hats actually kept me from being bored and continues to keep my job interesting.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
It’s probably no surprise that in recent years, the COVID pandemic had a greater impact on many small businesses than any other event. I was accustomed to drawing nearly 100% of my sales from walk-in customers, and suddenly that was gone. The entire country was navigating uncharted waters, and states were each issuing their own mandates for safety protocols. In Ohio, the forced shut-down left small retailers scrambling to find a way to generate sales while our doors were closed. Our Main Street organization helped us by coordinating online “Cash Mobs” and I overcame my stage fright enough to get creative. We put together bundled gift boxes at various price points and spent 30 minutes doing a live Facebook event. I offered shipping, curb side pickup, and even local delivery. The orders poured in, and that one event generated enough revenue to pay the bills that month. I spent the down time adding more items to my neglected website, and many of my regular customers showed their support with online orders. For the next few weeks my one employee and I filled orders and happily greeted any customer who was willing to park outside our door or ask for local delivery. When businesses were finally allowed to reopen, we had strict guidelines in regard to masks and social distancing. In a shop of only 900 square feet, I was forced to limit the number of people inside and had to tactfully enforce mask wearing. Following mandates cost me some customers who were not willing to adhere to those guidelines, and the experience really helped hone my “people skills”. Fortunately, once the pandemic subsided and businesses returned to normal operations, the community really stepped up to show their support. People were excited to shop and dine again, and our sales climbed as our foot traffic increased. The pandemic emphasized my need for multiple revenue streams, and I’ve since tried to build up my website with more products and an updated appearance.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.witnwhimzy.com
- Instagram: witnwhimzy
- Facebook: witnwhimzy
Image Credits
Photos by Sarah Arnold