Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Kirkland.
Hi Tara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My first retail job was as a buyer and visual merchandiser for a really cool independent toy store in Asheville, NC- and from there I became a buyer and sales associate for a local women’s boutique- and I had always had some food service going too- everything from pizza to fine dining- but lots of service industry background- if you get my drift-
Anyway- eventually I decided to open my own shop and I wanted the focus to be a mix of local, women owned, made in the USA, fair trade, and eco friendly goods- so my first location in Savannah was born- Circa 2008- and I expanded to Greenville, SC in 2012.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working for yourself is the hardest you will ever work. There’s less time “off” because you’re always doing something for your business and you’re always doing things when a traditional job would have you off the clock- it’s not always a smooth road- but that doesn’t mean it’s not rewarding.
Some of our struggles have always been hiring- and retaining good help-
and of course- the ups and downs of the economy and weather- (think hurricanes)
I am forever working hard on curating a space I’m proud of only to have a new store open around the corner and take some of our original ideas- or to have a line not produce pieces we were super excited about-
But when things like this happen- you just have to push yourself to find new things, interview one more person, or just do what you need to do to keep your vision intact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Custard Boutique?
Custard Boutique has two locations- one in Savannah, GA (open in 2008) and another in Greenville, SC (open in 2012)
One of the things we like to tell people when they haven’t shopped with us before is about where all our amazing products come from- we have real people making real things! A lot of our lines are made in the USA, many in the south, and what’s not made in the USA is a mix of eco friendly and fair trade pieces. We work with a lot of artists- and many of the pieces in the store are unique.
I feel like the store is known for a diverse selection of goods- and price points as well as customer service. Everyone who works in the shop enjoys being in the store and helping customers find things that they can enjoy- or enjoy gifting.
Brand wise- I am really proud of a lot of the smaller brands we have helped build their businesses and expand to other shops beyond our own. We love helping these artists reach a wider audience.
We want your readers to know that even if they can’t shop with us in person- we are always happy to help them virtually.
One of my personal specialties is helping people find gifts for harder to buy for friends and family.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Find a way to carve some time out for yourself to recharge- you can’t be your best when you’re run down. There is nothing wrong with taking time for you- it took me a long time to finally allow myself a vacation- but when I finally did- it really wound up working wonders for myself and my business. Inspiration can strike anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://custardboutique.com
- Instagram: custardsavannah and custardgvl
- Facebook: custard boutique savannah and custard boutique Greenville
