Chic, Stylish, and Casual

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Carnahan, Founder of Primrose Park, located in Brainerd, MN, USA.

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

Primrose Park is a specialty women's boutique located in Nisswa, Minnesota. Founded in 2014, Primrose sought to bring coastal ideals and fresh European trends to its customers. The Primrose customer is the fashion-forward, inspiring woman who adds to her wardrobe on a regular basis. She views her personal style as an extension of who she is: stylish, smart, and sophisticated.

Tell us about yourself

After 15+ years of growing my career in marketing and strategy, I took the leap from the safety net of the Fortune 500 world and founded Primrose Park. Since then, I've become a serial entrepreneur, chairwoman of multiple boards, and a business coach with a breadth of experience across multiple industries. Primrose was my first passion and first foray into the world of business ownership, and I strive to continue creating, inspiring, and challenging myself to help make the world a little brighter each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was when Primrose Park passed the 5 years of being in business. You hear those stories of a majority of new businesses failing in years 2 through 5, and I'm grateful, and thankful Primrose is entering its ninth year in business.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is the uncertainty in your company's revenues and growth. When you work for a Fortune 500 company or any other business, you have a guaranteed salary or wage. When you own your own business, you aren't guaranteed anything. You have to get out there every single day and work hard to achieve your goals.

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

Build a business plan. So often, aspiring and new entrepreneurs skip this step and put themselves at risk out of the gate.
Invest in a coach/mentor - someone who can be there by your side to support, encourage and teach in areas that are new.
Make sure the business is not underfunded. That is one of the main reasons businesses fail out of the gate.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.primroseparkmpls.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primroseparkmpls
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primroseparkmn/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercarnahan/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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