The Details: Renee Dietzel & Janet Acker, Co-Owner | Chic Boutique | In Business: Since 2010
Hours: 10:00-5:30 Mon-Sat | Location: 2818 Corrine Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 | Phone: (407) 286-2949 | Website: chicboutiqueorlando.com
Walking in the door of the Chic Boutique, I couldn’t help but be drawn in to all of the amazing pieces inside. Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Lilly Pulitzer, Louboutin, and Burberry are just some of the designers available in this boutique. From casual clothing to formal, shoes, purses, and accessories galore, you could easily walk out with a complete outfit (or a full wardrobe). Not only that, they donate unsold items on a monthly basis to a variety of charities and even gowns to local high schools for prom and other stage events.
What makes your business unique/special?
The Chic Boutique offers upscale resale items that are 2 years and newer at a great price. We offer home pick up, personal shopping experiences, and give back to many charities in the Orlando area. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.
In what way have you gone above and beyond in the past for a customer?
We have gone above and beyond for many of our consignors and shoppers. We have several consignors who have health issues that require extra time and assistance. One in particular has a cancer that prevents her from having dexterity in her hands. We go to her home, sort her items and bring them to the Chic Boutique.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you?
The coolest thing we feel a client has done for us is start a charity after getting inspired in our shop. Heather Case founded One Purse after being in our shop and realizing women can help others by selling handbags to each other for a great cause. Her particular charity offers scholarships to women who are recovering from being involved sex slave trade.
What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why?
We could not do our business with our resale inventory software. We have over 2,300 consignors and have not lost an item in 10 years. Our system tracks items from drop off to sale. It emails a detailed itemized list to the consignor stating each item, the price and pick up date if they wish to have any unsold items back.
Tell us about YOU:
Janet Acker and I opened our business in 2010 after deciding we wanted to have a business together that was unique and a job that we would both love to going to daily. Janet worked at Neiman Marcus for many years, freelanced for Coach and is an expert in designer fashion. I was a teacher, private school director and realtor for many years. I knew how to start and run a business and our outgoing personalities working together make the business successful.
What are you passionate about outside of your business?
We are both passionate about our families. Owning our own business and having great employees allows us the flexibility to spend more time with them. We both love to travel and having Donna Bryant as our shop manager allows us to leave our business in her hands if we are both away.
Describe your PERFECT day:
A perfect day is a busy day. A shop full of women shopping and finding new wardrobes make our day.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Our greatest influence has been our customers. They determine our inventory and their referrals through social media and friends has allowed us to grow and be voted the Best Consignment Shop in Orlando by the voters of Orlando Magazine along with a Best Bet in the Orlando Sentinel.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Attitude is everything. You have to enjoy your work and whoever walks in your door. Online shopping is a fast growing trend. Brick and mortar businesses need to stand out and customer service must be a priority.
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment as a female entrepreneur?
Our biggest accomplishment is knowing we took an idea we had over a glass of wine and made it not only happen, but made it very successful. The economy was not thriving when we sat down and decided to open a business where women who enjoyed higher end clothing could not only make money themselves but still have access to the upscale brands at a great price.
What advice do you have for other women entrepreneurs?
Our advice is pick a business that has a high chance of being successful and choose a location that makes sense. We see businesses opening and closing everyday because they are not located in an area the customer they are seeking travels. You also must enjoy going to work. If you dread going to work…change occupations. Don’t feel boxed in to one occupation. Just because you have a degree or current interest in one area now doesn’t mean you can’t change it.
Do you have any special deals, events, or coupons currently?
We change our sales daily depending on inventory and season. We have a permanent half off section and infamous $5 rack.
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