Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Homebody Boutique features a variety of handmade products from independent artists and designers. Owner and contributing artist, Kate Silver, tells us how she balances both the creative and managerial aspects of owning a business.
What inspired you to start your own business? How did you get started?
I was inspired in the usual way—working way too hard for somebody who didn’t seem to appreciate it. I had worked there for many years, so I had experience in every position of the business. Even though [it wasn’t] the same type of store, I knew it was something I could do for myself, with my own point of view, which is based in handmade and indie artist and designer's home wares, jewelry and gifts.
After writing up a business plan, I quit my job, and then spent a few months decompressing, socializing and making art. It was a really great, much-needed break. Suddenly, I knew it was time to just do it, so I began looking around at Brooklyn neighborhoods I thought I’d want to be in. I discovered that the South Slope had the most of what I desired, and in just two weeks, I secured a great spot. With the much-appreciated help of some very good friends, I had it retail-ready in a month.
What has been your greatest challenge transitioning to business ownership?
The greatest challenge has been not having any time off. Even if I’m not in the shop, I’m thinking about and doing things that are business-related. I also make some of the items sold in my store and no longer have the time to do as much of that as I’d like.
How do you market your business? What do you find is most effective in attracting and keeping customers?
I don’t do much marketing aside from general social networking--Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We have been lucky enough in the past to have been featured in New York Magazine and Time Out NY, and we have an ad in the free Brooklyn Now Guide, all of which have been mentioned to me by customers, but actually I think the most effective way has been simply asking customers to tell their friends!
What was the best advice in regard to managing your business that anyone ever gave you?
Don’t try to cater to everyone; stick with what you like. That came from my mum.
If you had to choose your proudest moment in your time as a business owner, what would it be?
There have been many little proud moments, such as attention from media outlets, but every time a customer tells me that they love everything or that there’s no other shop like mine, I feel proud.
What are your three keys to success?
I would say the top three are good customer service, money management, and keep the inventory interesting.
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