Entrepreneurial Woman Part 1: Tutu Good

After my winter melt down and subsequent blog post and then the ensuing emails from other entrepreneurial women I thought it would be so fun to tell you guys about some women I have gotten to know who run their own businesses too! I think it is great to support local businesses and women who are pouring their hearts into areas that they are passionate about, be it photography, baking, retail, painting, sewing or anything else!

The first woman I would like to introduce to you is Amber Upshaw, owner of Hand Me Down Style , (become a Fan of her fan page on FB here!) a Children’s Consignment store, currently located in Famerville, LA! Amber’s store is awesome and carries not only awesome clothing, toys, and baby gear, but she also make one of Autumn’s favorite things: tutus!

Below are a few questions Amber agreed to answer for me and some shots of Autumn in the one of Amber’s tutus that she makes and a shirt we also bought from the store!

First, tell us about yourself and what you do as a business owner?
I am 23, and have been married for almost 5 years. I have a 2 year old son, Lane, and a baby due in August. I own Hand Me Down Style, A Children’s Store . I resale gently used children’s clothing, toys, and much more.

What/who inspired you to want to open your own store?
As I was growing up both of my parents owned their own business. I have always known that I wanted to be my own boss. I love being able to take my Lane to work with me. When I became a parent I found out how expensive it is to provide for a child. I began looking for resale stores and found there really were not many to chose from.  I opened my store hoping to provide quality items at a low price.

Do you have a hard time balancing your roles as wife, mother of a toddler, and business woman?
Somedays I do wish that there were more hours in the day.  One good thing about the business I own is , when my family needs me I can close the doors.

What are some things you have done to market your store?
I have advertise in local papers and with yard signs. Word of mouth has been the best advertisement.

Any big plans in 2010?
I would love to move to a bigger building this year.  I would also like to start carrying handmade items made by mothers in the area.

On a recent trip to Amber’s store we got not only this outfit, but other name brand items in great condition, such as GAP, Old Navy, The Children’s Place and more!

This is a photo of Amber and family from this past fall that I took at the pumpkin patch, you can also fine Amber’s son Lane on my blog header, he’s the cute little cowboy! 🙂

If you are a woman, running your own business and would like to be featured on my blog or if you know of someone you would like to know more about in the world of entrepreneurial women, email me at  Crystal(at)crystalgarcia.com (but replace the (at) with the @ sign).