We recently connected with Melissa Maurer and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

Starting a business of any kind is always a challenge. For me, trusting my own judgement when it came to purchasing the product I would carry, was my biggest hurdle. I’ve been a buyer for a furniture store where I did Interior Design, but I had a more specific clientel which made it a little easier. Knowing what will sell in a very ” tourist” town requires appealing not to just the locals, but people visiting from all over. Also, the competition of other boutiques within walking distance, means finding something different to draw people in and setting you apart from the others. So getting over the fear of spending all of this money to get a boutique going based on solely one opinion and taste, is probably the biggest challenge.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always enjoyed creating beautiful rooms for clients or displays to attract a customer, so being able to do this while working for myself, has always been a dream of mine. I also appreciate the beauty of others talents which is why I have made a point to carry items that are homemade, books written and illustrated by local artists as well as framed art &photographs. Over the years, I have also created unique gift baskets for clients that add a personal touch. This part of my business has grown immensely and has become my favorite part of my busness!

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

In all of my previous jobs, I’ve always showed my creative side in everything I do. So when it came time for gift giving or client appreciation, I was the one who was called on to create a custom gift or basket. Over the years, I began working in a real estate firm and again, created gift baskets as closing gifts. Although this is only a portion of my business, it has become the one part that, surprisingly, has grown in a big way. Never underestimate your talents no matter how big or small!

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

Obviously starting up your own business takes a lot of planning and saving. The initial dollar amount is significant if you want to provide a full range of options for customers from the start, which is probably the toughest part of starting a business….biting the bullet to spend all you’ve saved and hoping it pays off! Also having a good support system, family, friends, is necessary to keep the business going.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.accessories-matterllc.com
• Instagram: accessories_matterllc
• Linkedin: Melissa Maurer-Kitts