We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tara Keune a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?

When Not Jaded first began we offered Tea party themed birthday packages (accommodating up to 10 guest) & a clothing Boutique. 9 months in we were receiving feedback to host showers & offer food. In order to accommodate this request I had to revise the layout in order to host larger parties. So that’s when it was decided (huge leap of faith) to reconfigure everything; downsize the boutique and upscale the tea parties. Having a hairstylist background (14 years) this was completely outside of my comfort zone. You know, serving/preparing food to the public. However, I’ve always had the enjoyment to cook, growing up with a mom and Grandma. Who did this as their hobby,
this was a reminder, that had prepared me for what my future was gonna look like (little did I know). So full steam ahead & with grateful & humble guidance here Not Jaded is… 7 years later. Serving, the public, people has always been something I appreciate. I believe serving people is a purpose for me in my life and i’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity!

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

I may have taken the step on a leap of faith and had support to help me believe in myself. But I truly know we are where we are, because I appreciate and I am open to feedback in order to help Not Jaded and offer a place where people receive positivity. There’s a vibe at Not Jaded and I commend those that we have served who have left it there, it is felt and contagious.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I did enjoy serving the public and having the chance to have a relationship with the guest. I had the opportunity to style, color, wax eyebrows, etc. You know, you see them on a monthly basis and you develop a relationship with them. I knew serving the public was my calling. However, I just wasn’t at peace with being behind the chair. I felt there was another purpose for me and when I was ready to uproot my family to move to Michigan to open up a bed and breakfast. I realized this might have been kind of selfish of me. So thankfully, when I was visiting downtown Wentzville at the coffee shop next door to our previous location ( Ellbees General Store) I had seen a building for lease when my daughter and I were leaving and I felt compelled to call but before I did I knew I had to talk with the husband and grateful for him that he can see the determination in me and his support helped allow me to move forward into establishing & bringing Not Jaded to light.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

You know, as a child, you feel like things should happen right away in your time, but as being a small business owner or
even as an adult we realize that’s not the case. So building patience, trust, releasing control has been a huge obstacle I have thankfully overcome. Obviously still gaining and learning what this looks like.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Notjaded.com
• Instagram: Not Jaded Boutique & Tea Room
• Facebook: Not Jaded Boutique & Tea Room
• Yelp: Not Jaded Boutique & Tea Room