Are you a lover of all things embroidery and turquoise?! Well, then you’re in luck! Today we’re featuring a boutique who is well-known for their gorgeous selection of authentic Native American jewelry, and their sea of beautifully embroidered tops and tunics. Introducing, Accessorize in Style! This fun boutique can be found online, and inside three different co-op stores across Texas.
We got to know Crystal and Accessorize in Style a little bit better through our famous interview questions, and we hope you appreciate her short, sweet and straightforward answers as much as we did!
Tell us about life before owning a boutique? What consumed your life before fashion?
After graduating college I worked in the travel & tourism industry as Director of Sales booking meetings and conventions.
What tips do you wish someone would have shared with you as a new entrepreneur?
No more Monday-Friday, 9-5, or a steady paycheck.
What has been the most fun or exciting part of owning a boutique for you? The most challenging?
The challenge!! It’s been rewarding to connect with customers and build relationships with them. Most challenging is learning your target customer audience.
What’s in your closet? Do you have a go-to style?
It’s evolved over the years into boyfriend capris, embroidered tops, and Navajo jewelry.
How does your style differ from that of your boutique? Or is your boutique a reflection of your style?
My boutique offers my style. I strive to have classic timeless looks that are versatile.
Who’s been your role models – both in business and in style?
Those who have paved the path before me. The older, wiser one. I enjoy meeting new people and learning from them.
What scares you the most about life or business?
No particular scare in life. Business, not taking the risk or missing an opportunity.
More importantly, dark or milk chocolate?
MILK! And white chocolate!
What’s your favorite retail season?
4th quarter!! Love jackets and sweaters, layers and boots!
What is your favorite social network and why?
I prefer face to face. I started my business before social media and enjoy the one-on-one with my customers.
What’s the best marketing strategy you’ve discovered?
Be yourself, respect others and serve your customers… and show them how much you appreciate their business.
If you could give advice to a young person, interested in fashion, and maybe one day hoping to start their own boutique – what would you tell them?
Never give up! You never know where the next opportunity will come from. Stay positive and persistent.
Owning a business is hectic, how do you unwind?
Spending the summer with family & friends and A LOT of laughter… maybe some wine too.
Is there anything big goals for you as a boutique owner that you are excited about reaching?
Continuing to grow our brand both online & through social media.
What are some of the biggest fashion trends you’re anticipating to see at this year’s NFR?
Velvet!!
If you’re an NFR veteran, what’s one thing you’d recommend a Vegas -rookie to make time for while they’re in town?
Shop all the shows and forget about your buying budget… where else can you find all this goodness in one city!
Now that we’ve gotten to know you a bit better, tell us the details about your boutique!
Year your boutique was founded?
2005 with a borrowed truck and my 2 horse side-by-side circuit champ horse trailer
Your boutique’s brand in three words…go!
Classic, Conservative, Affordable
How did your boutique get started? Any fun stories behind your name?
I started making jewelry for fun and it continued to grow.
When I walk into your boutique, what is the atmosphere like, how do you hope to make your customers feel?
Invited and amazed! It looks so classy, but not expensive.
Tell us about the women who shop at your boutique?
All ages now. We started out as the “mom” store but over the years the younger have embraced our style, quality & look and know they can continue to build their wardrobe with us each shopping experience.
In your store now – what’s one steal and one splurge?
Steal: Our embroidered tops that I designed to look like the expensive ones.
Splurge: Any of our Native American Sterling Silver pieces!
What are your favorite trends at the moment?
Velvet, embroidery, Navajo-inspired fashion jewelry and short booties
Which brands do you carry that you consider to be your personal go-to’s?
Johnny Was
Customer favorites?
Nikibiki & Johnny Was
What are some of the things you’re looking for when choosing a brand to carry?
Quality, fit & price!
When you first started, what was the process like to carry brands in your store?
Very difficult since I started out doing shows only. Many brands did not understand certain quality shows are just like owning a store. Had lots of obstacles to overcome at Market.
How do you decide what to buy for your boutique?
I have a certain style & look and if I’d wear it, I could sell it.
What’s been the best marketing decision you’ve made?
Creating our brand logo and putting it on our shopping totes 8 years ago.
Do you use outside models and photographers or do you keep those things in-house?
At the moment, in-house.
If your boutique dressed a celebrity daily – who would it be?
Julia Roberts, Carrie Underwood & Miranda Lambert.
For those of you making the trek to Vegas, you’ll be able to shop Accessorize in Style at the Roper Cowboy Marketplace (Mandalay Bay Convention Center), December 7-16!
Are you a fashionista with an eye for all things western?! Then you’ll want to sign up for our BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW western-focused email list! All you’ve got to do is follow this link, and leave your info!
