Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cheryl Fraser, owner of Galatea Boutique, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Galatea boutique is a women-owned local boutique that opened over 25 years ago in Raleigh. Galatea specializes in supporting local makers and smaller vendors who are fair trade and women-owned. We are extremely community-driven in have donated and spearheaded mini pet food drives for local rescues, food drives for local food banks, toy and cost drives…Monthly, we try to raise awareness and make a difference for our community while offering beautiful, unique clothing, jewels, and fashion accessories.

Tell us about yourself

I started working in retail as a teenager and fell in love with it. I truly like to connect individually with people and thrive on making a difference. Galatea has let me meet so many wonderful people over the last 25 years, and I look forward to meeting so many more. I feel like supporting the local independent businesses in your hometowns is important! I love making my devoted customers feel good about themselves while serving our community as well.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Wow! Probably staying in business for over 25 years!! We have had lots of challenges… recessions, pandemics, and so many things out of our control, but we have prevailed! Being a haven for ladies to come to and just be themselves as well…a bit of a sanctuary during hard times for them.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

You are really never off from your business. You wake up thinking about it; you go to bed thinking about it; it’s very hard to unplug when so much is right on your shoulders.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Try to find supportive, loyal employees and let them know how much they mean to you. Be kind to not only customers but employees, vendors, and everyone you come in contact with.. as my mom and grandmother always said, you get more with honey than vinegar.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

After 25+ years as a Traditional brick-and-mortar, Galatea Boutique Is going mobile. We are renovating and restoring a 1952 Spartan airstream-type trailer, and we have restored a high-top Galatea to go van. We look forward to Partnering with many other small local businesses in the area. We plan to set up our Galatea mobile boutique at Multiple locations to draw two of our fellow local small businesses. Galatea will also be at multiple events and pop-up markets. A calendar will be updated on our website as well as on all the social media outlets.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://galateaboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Galateaboutique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galateatogo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/galateaboutique

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.