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

Misty, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

Without having the job I had prior, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. It definitely molded me and matured me. Way back then I didn’t realize I would be applying for a job that I would eventually be at for 18 years. I was only 19 years old and had just moved out on my own, decided to switch to night classes and was looking for a full time job. I was a computer technology major so an office setting seemed appropriate. I mostly cared about the pay and didn’t pay much attention to what the company actually did. So when I was hired as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Assistant of President of the company, I was happy, but also freaking out because I had no idea what Logistics even meant. But, I was thrown into the sharks and learned to swim, as the book says. I learned quickly; the ins and outs of the corporate world as well as the politics. Over the years, I figured out how each department worked, continued school, held a few positions to eventually became a Marketing Director. At times it was very rewarding, but also emotionally exhausting and mentally challenging. I learned what I wanted to do, to stand up for myself and to be confident. It definitely helped me be the business owner I am today.

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

Honestly, I’m still in awe that this has all happened for me. In the back of my mind I always envied people that had their own business and had the ability to make their own decisions without having to do what anyone else told them to do. I always wanted it. It’s kinda crazy how all just came together like it was meant to be. I’m very creative and love to make things and piddle and craft. I use to put that energy into Marketing for a company, then became a stay at home mom and eventually I craved something of my own and knew I would go back to work once my youngest started kindergarten. So two years prior, I decided to start an online children’s boutique out of my dining room. I have three kids and there weren’t many local places with unique options or styles and I couldn’t find what I liked online either, so I wanted to learn how it worked and what I could create! I became a vendor at all the local vendor markets, fairs, etc and asked customers what they would like to see and what interests them as well. I gained so much knowledge just talking to people. I did so much research, connected with as many brands as I could and even created a few of my own styles. My dining room was busting at the seams! Once my husband realized this wasn’t just a hobby, he agreed on a storefront. I wanted to create a space that wasn’t just another children’s boutique with smocked clothing in an all white store, but a place kids of all ages would want to go to and ask their parents to go to. One that was eye catching, trendy, colorful and touched all the senses! I want kids to feel seen, heard and have a place they feel they are the customer. But, not only is it a boutique with boy and girl, baby to teen clothing, accessories, shoes, it is also a party space for birthdays, pop ups, craft days & more! Kids can create wonderful memories there. I carry all of the glitter, sequins and items that kids feel fabulous in and unique and styles, toys and accessories you won’t find at other stores. I also offer custom items and can make shirts, headbands and jewelry upon request. I also hope to design my own clothing one day as well.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I think the most effective strategy for growing my clientele is to always keep a positive, friendly attitude and really try to connect with people. We speak to everyone that comes in the store, especially the sweet kids. Building a personal connection is everything. Knowing and understanding what they are looking for, who they are shopping for, their style and budget will help you help them and save them time when you can show them exactly what they want. I feel people appreciate customer service these days and attentiveness. Remembering their name and saying hello is more important than you realize. Word of mouth will always be the best marketing ever! We also support all of the local schools, engage in the community, work on our SEO and continue to add new and exciting, sought after items to the store.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my audience on social media by being relatable. I am a mother of three kids and am also a fellow PTA mom, neighbor, and friend. People want to buy, they don’t want to be sold. When showing a product or new arrival, show a picture of it on a person, highlight the qualities, make it colorful and appealing. Try not to sell, sell, sell. I try to mix up the content and put myself in their shoes of things I would like to see from their point of view. Having a party space allows us to also host pop ups, events, craft days and classes, which usually get a lot of online views. I also work with local influencers, sponsor schools, sports and community events, joined the local chamber, get listed and mentioned everywhere possible!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cottoncandykidz.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shopcottoncandykidz
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/shopcottoncandykidz
• Yelp: https://yelp.com/cottoncandykidz
• Other: https://tiktok.com/shopcottoncandykidz