We’re looking forward to introducing you to Baily Rich. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Baily, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I am a home school Mom for my 13 year old Son, so usually I get up in the morning and go get my workout in (after coffee of course) and we start school when he wakes up. Since he is now a teenager, that’s usually about 11:00! I will get some computer work done while he does school, and after school time is when I can unpack new inventory, go work on the truck, or do live sales. Our evenings are usually filled with baseball practice or working events on the truck!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Baily Rich and I live in Wake Forest with my boyfriend, our 3 kids, and our Pit bull. I am the creator and owner of Bailys. A Rolling Boutique. Baily’s is a premier mobile boutique featuring a curated collection of Women’s clothing and accessories. Baily’s is a full service boutique on wheels and I have been running the business for 4 years. We bring the shopping to festivals, small businesses, neighborhoods, events, and even to your home! Currently, Baily’s is the only all-mobile boutique in the Triangle area. Last year, we began offering mobile business build-out services and have built and delivered another mobile boutique space to an area fashion designer. I am passionate and excited about what mobile business can offer to other vendors as well as small business owners, and hope to help facilitate the growth of the industry in the coming years.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents both instilled a hard work ethic in me growing up. I grew up in New Hampshire in a very small town, on a lot of land, and my brother and I were both required to help on the land and around the house. We grew up with a large garden, horses and chickens, and lots of lawn to mow and snow to shovel! Over the years, I worked in many different retail environments and had many mentors in the business along the way as well.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Recently! My mobile boutique is a 1986 Chevy, so it often needs repairs and maintenance. In September of this year, I was driving to a big event when my engine blew on the side of the highway. I had to have the truck towed and learned from my mechanic the repair would cost more than I even paid for the truck originally. I really had to decide if I wanted to continue or if it was time to give up the boutique. I reached out to my customers and family for support, and decided this wasn’t the end! I had the repairs done, and I’m back on the road in time for my busy season. I have big plans for my business in the future, so I knew I had to take the loss and keep moving forward. That’s part of small business ownership!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Bigger is better! I personally believe that is not true in the boutique space. You don’t need a huge space and an enormous amount of inventory to run a successful boutique. I also don’t believe you need to open multiple locations to grow or to be successful. I have done well with operating out of a truck and having a small, curated collection of inventory. My customer base knows that if they see something they love, they need to snag it because I don’t overstock items. It has created a successful business model.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I really feel most at peace in my home with my family. Despite having a very extroverted and forward facing career, I am a homebody and an introvert at heart! I love hanging in the couch watching baseball with my Son, cooking for my family, watching TV dramas with my boyfriend, reading and enjoying down time. I love my home and my family and that is where I can relax and wind down.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopbailys.com
- Instagram: @shopbailys
- Facebook: @Bailys
