Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Krumenacker.
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I always loved fashion and dreamt of owning my store one day. I loved scouring stores for unique styles and pieces that made me feel like I stood out. I decided to pursue a fashion career and received a Design and Merchandising Degree at Drexel University in Philadelphia. After graduating in 2019, I landed my “dream job” on the Buying Team for an off-price retailer. I found a roommate on the Facebook marketplace, and two weeks later, in January 2020, I packed up my bags and moved to NYC. It was a massive leap of faith but a job that wasn’t easy to land and the opportunity of a lifetime. It wasn’t the expected experience, and I was very unhappy in the role. When COVID-19 happened, I moved to Myrtle Beach to live with my parents while working virtually. I held on to my job for as long as possible, saved every cent I made, and eventually quit. I launched Shop Ravel’s website the next month, and that summer, I did pop-ups every Thursday in Surfside Beach. It was so well-received that I started looking for storefronts. I signed the lease for the store in September of 2021, spent the next 2 months completely renovating the space, and opened in November 2021.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been one of the roughest roads I’ve been on, yet the most rewarding and the happiest I have ever been. There’s a lot of risk in starting your own business, especially in retail. It’s a humbling experience to give up everything you had worked towards in your career and put everything into a business that could fail at any point. I went from a 9-5 job, a stable paycheck, and a beautiful apartment in NYC to moving back in with my parents, no paycheck, and working every day with no end in sight. There are a lot of slow days where I question why I did this to myself, but then someone walks in who loves every single thing they see, and I remember why I chose to do this!
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Shop Ravel?
Shop Ravel is a women’s clothing boutique in Surfside Beach, SC (and online) that sells sizes up to 3X. I like to think that I specialize in making women feel good about themselves. Nothing is more defeating than going into a store and not finding something that makes you feel good. Whether the sizes are limited or the styles are not meant for your body type, a bad shopping trip can diminish your self-worth. I pride myself in offering styles that work on various body types, not just the “industry standard.” There’s no reason why size, body shape, or even age should affect your clothing options! My customers range from 11 to 90 years old and sizes XS-3X, yet I can still help you find something you’ll love. The pieces in our closet should be able to stick around for years, adapt to the trends, and, most importantly, be “feel good” pieces!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Find genuine connections when you network; only turn some interactions into a sales pitch. You should always be proud of your work, but no one likes a pushy salesperson. Patience is key, leading to life-long customers. I’ve joined many different networking groups and extended my overall connections in the area. I was new to the area when I opened my store, so I started by growing a customer base from scratch. I joined the local chamber of commerce, started taking yoga classes at a local studio, joined book clubs, etc. I didn’t go into those groups to find customers. I wanted to create meaningful relationships without putting any pressure on people. Now, two years later, those connections have turned into friends, who have then turned into friends who will shout from the rooftops about Shop Ravel.
Pricing:
- Everything is below $70. Our most expensive products are Judy Blue jeans, and we are required to sell them at a specific price!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopravelonline.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopravelboutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopravelboutique
