Today we’d like to introduce you to Eileen Carrion
Hi Eileen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working at a young age in my parents fine jewelry wholesale company, Carrion Jewelry. As I grew older, I was given more responsibility. Ultimately, I was promoted to a managerial and bookkeeping position where I gained knowledge of how to run a business, manage funds, taxes, etc. I Graduated from FIU with a double major in Business Management and marketing in 2008. In 2010, I started a jewelry company with one of my childhood best friends called Earthy Chic Boutique. We opened our flagship store in Miami’s Design District, adding apparel, & accessories. She had the knowledge of how the apparel industry worked, and I had the jewelry & accounting background. We successfully ran the boutique together until 2018. I moved south to Palmetto Bay, and decided to take some time off after having baby number 2. I had called Suniland three years prior looking for a space for Earthy Chic, but they had nothing available in the size that I needed. In August 2019, after only an 8 month sabbatical they called me about a space totally out of the blue. My husband & I always said if I was to open another boutique it would be there. He has always been one of my greatest supporters, and said It was now or ever, that I had to do it. And so Indigo Republic was born.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If anyone started their own business and said it was a smooth road the whole way I would say they were being dishonest. Owning a business is an amazing opportunity, but it always has its struggles. In regards, to Indigo Republic, I opened 3 months before Covid Shutdowns. I was forced to close my doors for 2 months as a new business while still needing to pay rent & other expenses. Once we were finally allowed to open, people still weren’t going out much. I had to pivot the type of product I carried, and brought in more lounge sets, and comfortable items, in addition to gifting items. Once nightlife and events started up again I started to bring back dressier outfits.
Labor, shipping, and product cost have also risen substantially since I opened. I always try to curate unique items that are good quality, but still affordable. Post covid it has become more difficult to source goods where I can maintain a healthy margin & still offer my clients reasonable prices. Shipping from some places has become almost prohibitive.
In the beginning, working out a healthy work life balance was tough. I was the only full time employee with 1 other salesperson that would work 1 or 2 days a week. We were open 7 days a week, so I was working a lot of hours. Since covid made sales more difficult, I couldn’t afford to hire help for more than that. It was about a year before I could get down to a more reasonable work schedule. It was tough with a 2 year old & 6 month old, but my husband & I pushed through, and made it work.
We’ve been impressed with Indigo Republic Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Indigo Republic Boutique is a woman’s apparel, gift, and accessories boutique in Pinecrest, FL. We carry a specially curated mix of clothing, sterling silver & fashion jewelry, hats, handbags, candles, and other gift items from around the world. We also started offering Permanent Jewelry. I especially enjoy working with other small artists and mom & pop brands. I work directly with artisans in Mexico, Colombia, and Greece, for example. For many of them, our orders are what keep them & their families surviving. It’s a blessing that we can help, but also adds a little pressure, because you want to keep them working. When we are a little slow, so are they, and it can be tougher on them. I try hard to source items that are not carried at other stores in the area. I always look for items that are a perfect mix of quality, style, and affordability. I want to be that local shop clients know they can pop into last minute & always find that perfect outfit or gift without breaking the bank.
Our clients know that every time they pop in they will be greeted with a friendly staff, happy to help them. They know customer service is a top priority for us. We get to know our clients and offer a more personalized service. We also offer complimentary gift wrapping, which they love. We try to be an easy one stop shop where a client can pop in & leave styled to perfection with a gift in hand for that special someone.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
This is probably one of my greatest and worst attributes at the same time. I am quite a reserved person, and want to be sure everything is line before taking the plunge. I am not a big risk taker, so I tend to over think things. Sometimes I wish I was a little more of a risk taker. I tend to take my time, and build things at a steady pace. I reduce losses this way. I guess I am more of a slow and steady wins the race, than a go all in & see if it works type of person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://indigorepublic.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigorepublicboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigoRepublicBoutique/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/indigo-republic-boutique-pinecrest?osq=indigo+republic
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/NvChCzJ
