Each month Studio T features one of our retailers. This month we caught up with Daphne, founder of Babinski’s Baby in Salt Lake City (and Sandy!), Utah. Learn about her store philosophy below.
How did you decide to take the leap and open your own store? How long has your store been in business?
When I became pregnant with Lauren sixteen years ago, we had a hard time finding just the right products for our new little bump. Although neither Sean nor I had any experience in retail, we both had a love for the business and decided to take a leap by opening a baby boutique. We have tripled the size of our store since that day and have recently opened a second location. We knew having a baby would change our lives, but I don’t think we had any idea it would change our livelihood, too!
What is something that your customers would be surprised to learn about you?
Sean and I took a year “off” before we had kids. We quit our jobs, sold our house and bought one way tickets to Europe. We traveled wherever the wind blew us and enjoyed visiting amazing destinations in Europe, India, Thailand and Nepal. It changed the way we looked at life and is a part of who we are today.
What is your favorite part of your day at the store?
I love being in the store before we open in the morning. Those quiet moments are my most productive, as they give me a chance to look at the store objectively and move through as a customer would. I also love any time that Sean and I are at the store together. I feel so lucky that I get to work with my best friend every day!
We know how special and unique all of our stores are, what makes your store unique?
I think our store vibe makes us unique. People are always meeting up at at our store, friends and family alike, to share in this amazing experience of parents to be. There’s always lots of laughter and fun energy. Couple that with our amazing staff (they really are the best!) and you have a pretty great vibe. It is awesome to be a part of that excitement every day!
At Tea, we “Go There”, how do you share in that mission at your store and/or in your life?
Tea travels to wonderful destinations and weaves together local colors, patterns and textiles to create a special clothing line. We venture out to find the very best for baby and then weave these things together to create a special store . In the end we have both created something bigger than a clothing line and baby store; we have created connections with people.
What is the biggest trend you see right now in either shopping or kid’s fashion? What are people coming in for?
People care a lot about their shopping experience these days. Most products can be purchased online and in discount stores; but shoppers still make the trip to their favorite specialty retailers. That’s because shopping today is about more than the products you buy. It’s about your experiences. And having a baby is one of the best experiences you can have in life. We are lucky to have that on our side!
What do you do in your “spare” time? Laughable right?
We have a tiny cabin in the mountains where we love to go and hang out with our girls. We can be there for less than 24 hours and connect in such a way that there is a shift in our priorities. Life is not about the next thing on our list…it’s about our relationships.
How do you balance it all? What tricks can you offer us?
I used to plan my life way out into the future. Now, I just look at my list and ask what absolutely has to happen next. When those things are finished, I am more open to whatever comes next. That element of spontaneity often brings my life more joy than the next thing on my list would have.
