We recently connected with Marilee Nies and have shared our conversation below.
Marilee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I’m not sure most business owners think of legacy when starting their entrepreneurial journey, but it most certainly should be considered, because realized or not, a legacy is built right along with the business. The business is a living entity of it’s own, so if we think of it like this, we realize, it can go on with or without us. Its name will live on. When I think of other vintage brands, my mind drifts to the qualities they have made mainstream, or the values they have instilled. It’s a powerful concept to consider your business legacy. It truly will drive decisions you make along your business journey. So to answer your question, my hope as people reflect on my brand, is that they realize a very welcoming, inviting experience. I hope they find individuality, what makes us all unique is such a beautiful thing. I hope even in brokenness, we have a purpose. We can build, create, enjoy a whole new perspective, and we can be confident in our own look and mission in life. I absolutely love the uniqueness of inspiring new and different styles which reflect positivity and boldness, as well as soft subtle looks which inspire kindness and care. My hope, is ultimately that each person my business interacts with realizes they are valued, appreciated, and significant just as they are, and that it truly is a joy to have the opportunity not only to get to know them, but to help them find and build the looks they are desiring to inspire others with.
Marilee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Growing up in California, I was privileged to have an amazing father who was very entrepreneurial minded himself. He was always so very encouraging and positive. “You can do whatever you put your mind to.” “Work hard, take care of people, and always put family first.” were quotes he would share with us on repeat. His kind, gentle natured personality is an inspiration for me. He loved connecting with people and teaching us as kids how to always strive for our best in everything we do.
While raising my own kids, I began to explore my own business ventures, and my father was right there encouraging my success. My mother is very much a people person herself. I learned from her the basics of sewing. She was right there to help with anything needed at the time. I learned from each of them the value of really caring for customers as friends. When our girls were very young, I being very artsy by nature, wanted to create outfits for them, so I began to get crafty and design children’s clothing. This led to people asking where I found their outfits. I began to design for friends and family, and eventually began selling to children’s boutiques. Having no formal education in regards, I simply started as a young mom with a passion. I ran this successful business for several years. When our kids were in 3rd and 6th grade school, my husband received a job transfer taking us from CA to OK. Since this was a complete new venture for our kids, and I would not have the ladies who worked for me etc, I chose to close this business and spend time with our girls. It did not take long for a new fashion venture to begin however, as our girls needed custom outfits for their sport, and I chose to design them, which led to the same scenario of people asking where their outfits came from. This eventually led to the custom fashion business I now operate currently. Approximately 4 years ago, my husband’s company moved us back to CA. By this time, our kids are grown and on their own. I saw a great opportunity to open a boutique on Cannery Row in Monterey, CA. Doors opened approximately one month before covid hit. Given the temporary shut down, and the new rent fee, I was facing a quick need for a pivot for business survival. Given the timing of opening, I did not qualify for any pandemic assistance at the time. I did however, still have my custom business and an established website for the boutique. I began making swift use of these opportunities. Doors eventually opened back up, and today I have two wonderful employees helping me operate the boutique, while I focus on design and networking etc behind scenes more. I have many creative plans in mind to implement into the shop and am excited for future months.
It’s funny, I brought in a t-shirt to the boutique a while back that says, “Hold on, let me overthink this.” lol. At the time, I just thought it was cute and I related to the comment. This t-shirt is my all time most popular so far. But it’s so accurate lol. I think creative people love to explore all the options. Sometimes this makes us question things a bit excessively, but we are really just looking for the best idea for the moment. Maybe the perfect color blend, or sturdiest product, or best placement etc… I would say this is a good quality. It’s really a limitless perspective. Creative people are never boxed in. They work around or through, or recreate, but the mind is definitely always spinning to perfection for the craft.
Because of my experience and love for helping others, I embarked on a podcast show where I share business stories which may inspire those who may be thinking of starting a business. I share the journeys others and myself have taken, and share tips and strategies in regard. As well, I am in the process of starting a coaching platform for the ambitious creative like myself to help those who have an idea or concept, or are just artistic by nature turn their passion into a business. I help them take their hobby and expand it into a career.
I think what sets me apart in what I do is that I have never been afraid to try. There is no fancy education behind my title, I’m simply a person who has asked the question, “I wonder how I can make ‘this’ happen?” And I’ve believed in the power of exploring all the options available to me in making my dreams become possible. I’ve believed in serving others, and being very observant in what their needs are, and how I may solve them through my creative abilities. I believe in inspiring others to truly love what they do.
If I’d want people to know anything through my brand, it would be that there is no wrong try. Think through your craft, or situation in life, and know that you are limitless. It may take a while to achieve your best scenario that is most satisfying, but you will get their first in your mind. Keep thinking creatively and believe.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The very word entrepreneur embodies the the need for resilience, in my opinion. I’ve mentioned the word try previously, and what I should also mention is that when you try an idea, and it doesn’t turn out quite as you had expected, learn from it. Put the lessons in your memory bank, but don’t stop there. Keep trying, until you achieve your goal. There is no failure in trying. There is actually a lot of success in it, because you are gaining insight. That insight will only help you become more valuable.
When I opened up my first brick and mortar boutique, I had no idea that nearly one month later, pandemic shut downs would force retail to close down for a while. One thing for certain, it was a scramble for many business owners to find ways to maintain their business. I for one really had to utilize ingenuity as I had not been open long enough to even really build a customer base yet. What was I to do? How would I cover expenses? It was also unfortunate in that because of the timeframe of opening, no relief funding was available to me because of dates and timelines of how long I’d been open per funding source requirements.
However, I was determined to keep my business open regardless. Sometimes I think adversity is the best teacher. It really drive the desire to grow, change, become, or face the reality of not. I began to think of every way I could bring in sales. This led me to reaching out to the clients I did have for any needs I could fill for them. It led to learning how valuable social media connections are and ways to sell online. And it led to exploring other various income streams I could incorporate into my business. Fortunately, my business did survive the pandemic closure. I actually was fortunate enough to be able to move my shop to a bigger space in a better location on the same street in our quaint little tourist town within a year. I feel very blessed and I am grateful to have survived. I would tell anyone, if you set your mind to succeeding and are determined to do what it takes, you can overcome challenges much easier.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I have pivoted a few times in my business journey. I have always been in the business of fashion in some aspect or another. However, I am a firm believer in family first, and along with that, I have always been a huge supporter of my husband’s career goals as well. In my early years, I had a business of designing children’s clothing for roughly ten years, but when my husband received a job transfer to another state, I transitioned to mom life for a couple of years while our kids were young. This eventually led to designing custom clothing for their equestrian sport. As an entrepreneur, your best opportunities come through observation and questioning. I began noticing the interest others had in the outfits I had designed for our girls, and thus a custom fashion business, I embarked on. Observation is also what led me to realizing the opportunity to open my first brick and mortar location. I realized there were no traditional boutiques in the bustling tourist area of our town. I am certainly grateful to have had the opportunity to open my shop when I did.
My experiences on my business journey as I reflect, have led me to where I am now. I love helping others succeed, so if I’m able to in the least help another creative individual embark on their business journey, answer questions, or just simply mentor, I’ve begun a new aspect of my business, through a coaching platform for creative entrepreneurs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marileesdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilees_designs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marileesdesigns/
Image Credits
Lorinda K Photography