On a beautifully sunny day at the beginning of March, I had the pleasure of meeting Hope at a local Open Air Market held at The Little Marketplace in Austell, GA. I have a booth inside this wonderful shop full of gifts, vintage pieces, furniture and more! On this particular day I had set up an outdoor booth for the Open Air Market, and Hope was there with her mother to share her shop – The Hope Chest – by setting up a booth. I had a nice time chatting with Hope and her mother, discussing our businesses, and asked if she would like to be included in the Small Business Spotlight. Follow along below, as we get to know Hope and her wonderful online business!
The Hope Chest {Small Business Spotlight}
How long have you been in business?
Since September of 2016
Why were you inspired to start this business?
It has always been a dream of mine and one day decided to stop making excuses and do it!
What’s your biggest emotional connection to your business?
Well my name may be Hope, but The Hope Chest symbolizes something much more. Growing up I had a hope chest that held items I found throughout the years. These items were for “when.” When I have my wedding, when I own a home, car, etc. Now I have travel pictures in the same chest, because that is my current goal. I want to encourage everyone to have dreams and goals they don’t wait for. I get to do so using my God given gift in fashion.
Does a particular product or service really resonate with you?
Dresses
What is it about dresses?
Well, I LOVE clothes and always have! I believe when I put together an outfit I am mixing up a confidence formula. Personally every time I doll myself up I feel a boost to take on whatever it is needing to be done. Anyway you can help shine that light that’s in all of us, do it!
When I receive “tags” of people wearing The Hope Chest it puts a HUGE smile on my face! They look gorgeous! Seeing them shine in something I brought to them is what it is all about.
What has been your favorite project?
Pop-up’s! We just started doing them in December and it has been a blast getting to know so many new wonderful people.
Who is your ideal customer/client?
Anyone who prefers convenience. Being an online store we make it easy to own and afford boutique clothing.
Does anyone else in your family own a business or work with you?
My family has been a HUGE help with everything! At every show I have had family by my side!
Do you have children? If so, how do you tackle the challenges that come with a work/life balance?
No children, but a proud aunt.
Do you have a favorite quote that you live by?
“Don’t wait until you’re not scared to do the thing you want to do. Do it scared.” -Christy Wright
If you wake up in the morning and don’t have the desire to work on something you know you need to finish, what makes you forge ahead?
Everyday you look at your “why.” Why you started this and your day will brighten!
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you started your business?
It’s going to test you almost every day.
How has being an entrepreneur changed your life?
It has given me something to look forward to each and everyday. I truly love what I do and have never been able to say that in the past.
If you could do it all again, what would you change?
I would have probably saved more before diving in.
Although Hope didn’t toot her own horn and share any testimonials with me, I will provide one of my own. The number one problem today with any business is customer service. Hope was extremely friendly and welcoming to everyone who entered who booth whether they were spending money or not. When you are looking for a business to shop with – that’s what you look for – a friendly attitude!
Be sure to visit The Hope Chest online and do a little shopping! #shopsmallskipthemall
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