Meet Carrie Vanderhoof

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carrie Vanderhoof. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Carrie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

It is without a doubt I inherited my work ethic from my family. My mother and father passed down traits they inherited from their parents, as well as clear expectations to be a kind, compassionate, and hardworking member of society with strong sense of oneself and a high regard of ethics and morals in all actions and undertakings.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Originally from Syracuse, NY, I moved to the Albany area in 2007 for an Engineering job with NYS. After roughly 8 years with the State of NY, and a previous 9 years as an Engineer with Onondaga County, I decided to pursue my dreams of opening my own business! With a passion for art and fashion, my husband and I set off to open a bohemian inspired store, with a warm, up-cycled shabby chic interior.

Boho Chic Boutique opened in Waterford NY in April 2015 and was a new venture for both my husband and I. After three years we relocated the shop to Ballston Spa NY in April 2018 and are celebrating our 10 Year Business Anniversary this April ! We are planning a big celebration on Saturday April 5th, 2025, full of cheer, complimentary refreshments, giveaways, and more. We are so excited to celebrate this monumental milestone and we look forward to many more years of Boho Chic Boutique.

Boho Chic Boutique focuses on carrying products by artists near and far. We feature New York State Artisans in our shop that produce goods including soy candles, small reclaimed wooden housewares, jewelry, hand painted wine glasses, pottery, fine art, photography, all natural body care, knitted accessories, tea towels, small furniture, hair accessories and more. We also focus on carrying lines that pay it forward, donating proceeds to education of underprivileged children or the education of women in India and Africa. We strive to carry mostly USA made items and even we produce items for sale on the floor. Other products featured are homemade soaps, greeting cards, t-shirts, scarves, jewelry wooden housewares and Fair-trade companies. We strive to carry socially conscious and eco-friendly products to promote sustainable living.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1.Confidence/Believe in yourself – Leaving a near 20 year career in Engineering, I heard a lot of “are you sure?”, “do you know what you are doing?”, “why would you leave?”, after I announced my resignation. I had keep the idea of Boho Chic Boutique in a close knit circle, consisting of just my husband and myself. I didn’t even tell my family until I handed them the invitation to the Grand Opening. I knew in my gut I had something when I created Boho Chic Boutique, and I knew I had the gumption and determination to make my vision into a reality. I listened to that inner voice and never looked back.

“Our doubts are traitors and cause us to miss the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt” – William Shakespeare

2. Authenticity/Stay Genuine – Staying true to my vision, my concept and my end goal has helped me create long lasting relationships with my customers and followers. When I was creating Boho Chic Boutique, I was dedicated to being one of a kind, not conforming to trends, or the next new fad. I wanted to feature only goods and products that fit my business model, my conviction to authenticity, transparency, quality and originality. I did a lot of research on all products, artists and creators before bringing them into the space of Boho Chic, making sure to stay in my lane, to not overlap or compete with an existing store front or created competition between artisans in my own space. I wanted every single piece to shine in my shop in a unique and beautiful way, and for me to know my products thoroughly.

Since I opened my doors, I have seen many businesses take the easy route of just shopping others, stealing brands and creating unwanted competition due their lack of vision, originality, and willingness to do the work. There is no shortcut to success, and those looking for said shortcuts often see limited success.

3. Moral & Ethical Integrity – A strong moral compass and a commitment to being truthful, fair and honest are at the core of my character and my business. My background as an Engineer and Public Servant built on traits handed down from my family. Engineers must take an oath to abide by a code of ethics called the “Obligation of an Engineer”:

“I am an Engineer. In my profession, I take deep pride. To it, I owe solemn obligations.

As an engineer, I pledge to practice integrity and fair dealing, tolerance and respect, and to uphold devotion to the standards and dignity of my profession. I will always be conscious that my skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of the Earth’s precious wealth.

As an engineer, I shall participate in none but honest enterprises. When needed, my skill and knowledge shall be given, without reservation, for the public good. In the performance of duty, and in fidelity to my profession, I shall give my utmost.”

— ”Obligation of an Engineer”

Having practiced Engineering for 17 years, all of which were in Public Service, these values were on display daily and it gives me great pride to practice them now in my business. My friends, family and followers know with confidence they will get treated with respect, honesty, and integrity. Immoral practices and behavior tarnish your reputation and your soul.

“No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all. Integrity is everything.” – Unknown

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Not shielding me from the truth or the harsh realities of life. Life isn’t going to be fair, good things happen, and plenty of bad things happen. It is how you act in the face of adversity that defines your character, builds resiliency, instills compassion, and strengthens your foundation.

I would not wise adversity or pain on anyone, but in my short time on this earth, those that have faced adversity shine differently and are more beautiful for it.

“The ugliest thing that I have ever seen, is a human being without compassion.”- H. Milne P.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

taken myself

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,