Each month Studio T features one of our retailers. This month we caught up with the lovely couple behind Sweet Pea in Traverse City, Michigan!
How did you decide to take the leap and open your own store? How long has your store been in business?
We were looking for a change in lifestyle that would allow us more flexibility. Retail was something we knew and a children’s store was what we felt was needed in our downtown. It was an easy decision! We will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary this May!
What is something that your customers would be surprised to learn about you?
That we do not spend any time stressing about our Tea orders! We have an awesome rep and the brand sells itself! We love the line and find it to be our easiest and most profitable line we carry.
What is your favorite part of your day at the store?
We both agree that it is in the morning when the store isn’t open yet. There is time to go through everything and it is quiet!
We know how special and unique all of our stores are, what makes your store unique?
We have a great Facebook following and a strong community that believes in shopping local. We are both pretty laid back with running the store which keeps the atmosphere fun! We have an awesome downtown with numerous festivals and activities bringing thousands of people to us!
At Tea, we “Go There”, how do you share in that mission at your store and/or in your life?
Our store was a “risk”, but the reward has been worth it! Don’t be afraid to “go there” because you only get one chance at life 🙂
What is the biggest trend you see right now in either shopping or kid’s fashion? What are people coming in for?
People enjoy spending money on their kids. They want quality clothing, shoes, toys etc. and we are constantly making sure that we are offering that to our customer.
What do you do in your “spare” time?
Our spare time is spent with our kids! We enjoy traveling with them or taking advantage of beautiful Northern Michigan! We really try to make sure there is separation from the store and our family.
How do you balance it all? What tricks can you offer us?
Jeff and I each have different “duties” we are responsible for at the store. It can be hard to run a business as husband and wife when you both want to be the “boss”. But when each of our job descriptions are different then that works smoothly for us!
