APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
Change is inevitable in life, which is why it’s so important that we master the art of learning, growing, and evolving appropriately with each shift. My guest today is Kary Jackson, who has done just that. I have had the privilege of seeing how Kary’s business keeps evolving over time, and it’s impossible not to admire her tenacity as she has grown and kept going through it all. Listen in as she opens up about dealing with personal life events while keeping her business going, transitioning from having a business partner to working solo again, and more.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Getting Back to Basics in Retail
Starting from Humble Beginnings
Kary began her journey with a traveling boutique called Western Legends. What started as a small side hustle selling clothes to her rodeo friends quickly evolved into something much bigger. After growing tired of life on the road, Kary opened her first storefront with a business partner. Her initial space was just 500 square feet, and many in her small town doubted whether it would succeed. But Kary’s tenacity and hard work paid off—her boutique grew rapidly, moving to a 2,500-square-foot space within the first year.
Navigating Personal and Professional Change
Nine years ago, Kary went through a divorce, a challenging life event that would shift her business mindset. Instead of succumbing to the difficulties, Kary found renewed drive. “I am not going to fail,” she said. “This is going to work. I’m going to make this work.” She channeled her competitive spirit, determined to ensure her business would thrive, not just for herself, but for her son.
This determination led Kary to expand her boutique empire by opening a second location. With the help of a close friend, she opened a new store in a nearby town in just three weeks. However, as time passed, Kary realized that bigger didn’t always mean better.
Learning When to Scale Back
While growth is often seen as a measure of success, Kary came to understand that quality and focus were more important to her than expansion. After nine years, she made the tough decision to close her second location and concentrate all her efforts on her original brick-and-mortar store.
“I’ve gone back to the basics,” Kary shared. “I’m present in my store, and my customers love it.” By showing up for her customers and reconnecting with her business on a deeper level, she found new meaning in the work. Being hands-on—taking photos, merchandising, and interacting with customers—helped her rediscover the passion that initially drove her to start her boutique.
Overcoming Challenges with Grit and Support
Kary has also faced changes in her business partnerships. Last year, she and her long-time business partner decided to part ways as their personal and professional goals no longer aligned. For Kary, this transition was another opportunity to step into the driver’s seat and fully take charge of her business operations, including her buying, inventory management, and finances.
While the journey hasn’t been easy, Kary credits much of her success to her support system, particularly the mastermind group from The Boutique Hub. “These women have been my lifeline for the past year,” she said. Having a community of like-minded entrepreneurs helped Kary stay grounded and motivated as she navigated her business’s ups and downs.
The Power of Relationships and Being Present
One of Kary’s biggest lessons is the importance of being present in her business. By cutting back on unnecessary expansion and outsourcing tasks like email marketing, Kary has been able to focus on what truly matters—building relationships with her customers and creating a boutique experience that resonates with them.
Her advice to other boutique owners? Don’t lose sight of the basics. Sometimes, in the pursuit of growth, we forget what made our businesses special in the first place. By staying true to her roots and focusing on what her customers need, Kary continues to build a brand that reflects her values, her community, and the power of resilience.
In This Episode
Let’s Connect #AskAshley
- Have a question or guest recommendation? Let us know your feedback directly here!
- Do you love the Boutique Chat Podcast?! Subscribe to our podcast and after that, leave us a review on iTunes Apple Podcasts here!
Must Have Resources
- The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube
- Boutique Summit 2024
- Small Business Marketing Handbook
- Small Business Hiring Handbook
- Brand Owner Basics Masterclass
- Tradeshow Marketing Handbook
- 2024 Trade Show Calendar
- Boutique Hub Black
- Hubventory.com
Recent Posts:
- Boutique Summit Sip & Shop Expo: Cash & Carry, Connections, and Fun!
Get ready for a fresh, curated take on product discovery at The Boutique Summit with our exclusive tradeshow and Gifting Party! Join us in Dallas, TX, June 8th – 9th, for an unforgettable event that promises to elevate your business to new heights. Whether you’re a boutique owner, retailer, or entrepreneur, this is an opportunity to connect with top industry brands and services in a personalized, intimate setting—like you’ve never seen before! - Retail in Transition: What Retailers Need to Know NowAt The Boutique Hub, we see you. We hear you. Yes, it’s a challenging time. Yes, there are a lot of unknowns. But there’s also a lot of opportunity ahead, and we want to have a real conversation about what’s happening across the industry so you can lead your business with clarity, not fear.
- What No One Tells You About Opening a Second Store
What’s the secret to growing a successful business while staying true to your roots? Join me as I chat with Kimmy Almon, founder of Kimmy’s Boutique, about her journey from side hustler to boutique owner. Starting in 2014 with online and pop-up shops—while juggling a full-time teaching career—Kimmy took a bold leap into brick-and-mortar retail. With deep ties to Waxahachie and Galveston, she reveals how her community connections and personal values fueled an unexpected yet rewarding expansion.
