Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi Chan.
Hi Mimi, 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 backstories with our readers?
I started my online boutique in 2015. It wasn’t something that I had planned for myself. Prior to diving headfirst into entrepreneurship, I had spent 12 years building my marketing career and had every intention to stay in the corporate world.
In 2012 my older son, who was 18 months at the time, was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy called spinal muscular atrophy. He was never able to crawl or walk, and eventually lost the ability to do tummy time and roll. The first few years’ post-diagnosis was very intense for our family as we learned how to live with this disease, care for our son properly, and juggle a mirage of doctors’ appointments, therapies, hospital visits, and procedures. For two full-time working parents, it was incredibly overwhelming, so when the opportunity came along to start my own business and have a more flexible schedule, I jumped on it.
I had no experience in owning a business or selling clothes but knew I had to make it work. The learning curve was huge, but so was the support. In the early days, I was a LuLaRoe retailer, selling comfy leggings and apparel with limited edition prints. It was the case of being at the right place, at the right time – before LuLaRoe exploded in popularity – and working my butt off. I loved connecting with women and helping to make them feel beautiful. Most of all, I loved being able to serve women of all sizes. After 5 years, I decided to leave LuLaRoe to open an independent boutique, and source my own clothes. As it turns out, my clients were ready for the change, too.
I loved exploring different styles, and quickly added accessories to the shop, too. When COVID kept many at home, my boutique pivoted to offer gifts, foods, and novelties to help women and their families feel comfort during uncertain times. One of my passions became to support small businesses, so many of the non-apparel items you’ll find in Style Suite are often handmade in small batches, by female and small owned businesses. Some of the fun things we’ve sold in the boutique? Wine slushies, Harry Potter puzzles, Rebel Girls book series, Korean beauty boxes, Asian snack boxes, 3D puzzles, Jack Daniels chocolates, shower steamers, and so much more.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Entrepreneurship is never a smooth road. Sometimes I get into creative ruts when it comes to sourcing for the boutique, and just like many industries, apparel has high and low seasons.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Style Suite?
I am very proud to serve women of all sizes at Style Suite, from XS to 3XL. As a mid-size woman, it was so frustrating to walk into brick-and-mortar
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Creativity and a “get it done yesterday” personality. I’m always open to trying new things!
Contact Info:
- Email: mimi@stylesuitemc.com
- Website: www.stylesuitemc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimix.chan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stylesuitemimichan
