We were lucky to catch up with Erin Fennell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Erin , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I had to look this one up. I had not heard of this syndrome before but boy, does this apply to me. I have to pinch myself sometimes when I look around and see what I have accomplished in my life. From achieving a masters in nursing from Vanderbilt, to working in oncology, to working for big pharma for a short period, raising two beautiful humans and to opening small business. Looking from a birds eye view, it looks dramatic and incredible. But, it is easy to get caught up in the day to day wondering. Am I good enough? Is my vision resonating? Do I have marketable talent? And this is compounded by social media and the comparison game. Am I right?
How I overcome this is a daily debriefing with my biggest supporter, my husband. We look at what is working and what is not. He consistently reminds me that this is a marathon, not a sprint. It so important to be honest with yourself. Even if it is to pat yourself on the back or to say, well that was not a good idea. Another thing that helps is watching the reaction people have when they walk in the door. The genuine appreciation of the work that goes into this business model is worth all the energy, and sometimes, yes, self doubt.
In a nutshell, I enjoy the moment. I celebrate the wins and learn from the losses.
Keep in your mind always, that whatever you choose to do, you are worth it and capable if you are willing to put in the work and grow.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
From oncology nurse practitioner to entrepreneur about sums it up.
I worked in oncology for many years and during that time I found joy in my furniture restoration/refurbishing hobby. I love all things vintage and this has translated into a business.
In 2020, we moved out of Nashville to establish permanent residence in Smithville, Tennessee, a small lake town about 1.5 hours from Nashville. This move allowed me to realize my dream of owning a business.
I wanted to give a new spin on an old idea and from there Refined Boutique became a reality. A modern twist on the antique store, we offer uptrended, refurbished vintage home decor in a curated setting. A retail model that is the antithesis of the big box stores, Refined holds true to a sustainable retail model by offering items that have history, quality and unique beauty.
Not only do we have retail offerings, but we also offer design help, the goal being to use what you already have. And we do commission pieces, giving new life to a piece that has seen better days.
Furniture artistry, design and vintage decor sum up what Refined offers. Sustainable retail , rather than blind consumerism, lends to saving items from the landfill.
I am also excited to announce that Refined has been chosen as a partner boutique offering Ella Stein Jewelry! This is a line of demi-fine jewelry, made with ethically sourced diamonds and recycled metals (silver and gold). Made by women for women and affordable.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
There are many skills in what I do everyday for the success of my business, but I would narrow action, perseverance and faith as the 3 qualities that stand as most important.
Action: Do not hesitate to try something new. This season of my life came from years of growing into my skill, which honestly, came through a lot of trial and error. So many of us have dreams, the difference lies in those who will pursue them. Take a chance.
Perseverance: I live by the motto, “Nothing worth doing is easy to do.” It is how I completed a Masters in Nursing at Vanderbilt with two small children. It is how I walk through every challenge, of being a small business owner. Are there days I feel like my creative brain and physical body are drained? Yes, but I push through. This is made easier when you have a passion for something, like I have for Refined.
Faith and grace: There are days that I wonder if this idea will resonate. If people will understand and respond to the vision. Will my idea grow and prosper? Or will it die on the vine? These doubts I offer up and proceed knowing that it will. I give myself grace in the moments of doubt.
If you can carry these concepts with you as you begin your new journey, you will be well served. Not every day will be a win, but every day is a step toward realizing your dream. Best advice? Get started.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Being a small business owner, there are daily challenges, but the one that impacts me the most is getting the word out. Foot traffic in my retail business has proven difficult considering my current location. As a result, we are working on moving to a new location with higher foot traffic.
This lends to another challenge, because this space is much larger and all of my inventory is vintage or refurbished pieces, which lands fully on me to curate, renovate and merchandise. Soon, I will need to find buyers to help me find items, and these buyers will have to understand the vision and what I prefer to offer. I can definitely be choosy at times. Because I want the space to feel curated, the items need to make sense together so they can merchandised in a way that highlights the beauty and history of each piece.
So, in a nutshell, my biggest challenge is inventory.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.refined-boutique.com
- Instagram: @refinedtn
- Facebook: @refinedsmithvilletn
- Other: Address 182 N. College Street, Smithville, TN 37166
Image Credits
Tami Studer (head shot)
