We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Chakerian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly below.
Kelly, 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 have been a stay at home mom for the last 8 years, so imposter syndrome has been something I’ve had to overcome (honestly daily) since venturing out to start my own business. I’ve wrestled with the thoughts of since I have been at home with my kiddos for so long, what do I have to offer professionally in a career, let alone a small business. It turns out that not only has stay at home motherhood fully equipped me for this new venture, but is often the guiding factor in how I source inventory, build my business and am able to build for scaling in the future.
I will always struggle with imposter syndrome because I am doing this all from scratch! I know nothing! But I also have been gifted uniquely in my own way and no one else can offer that except me. One day at a time is what I tell myself now and what I’ve told myself in my last 9 years of motherhood.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am first and foremost a wife to Steve and mother to 4 precious boys, Cade, Mack and my twins Trey and Chase. I most recently felt a calling to open a home shoppe as we were looking for an office space for my husband and stumbled upon a darling cottage with Dutch doors in Old Town Murrieta. I immediately felt like God opened the floodgates of vision for a local home shoppe to fill all the places you abide with beautiful things. The daily tasks of the home aren’t going anywhere, so why don’t we find a way to find beauty in the mundane? The home is a place of community, traditions, family, comfort and so much more, it’s such a valuable place. That is where the vision of Abide Home Shoppe began!
After being accepted for the lease on the cottage, I quickly got to work on becoming a formal business, acquiring wholesale accounts and sourcing my inventory.
I struggled to find time to build the business while also still caring for the needs of my family, but it turned out that caring for my family is exactly what gave me vision in what I needed to carry in the store! While I washed the dishes, I dreamt of beautiful trays and dish soap and brushes, as well as beautiful and absorbent kitchen towels. While I did the laundry, I dreamt up a beautiful laundry station with quality detergents and cleaners. While I vacuumed the floors I dreamt of stunning rugs to ground a space. While I read my Bible, I thought of gorgeous studies, journals and devotions that could not only be of use in your daily walk, but a beautiful piece to display on your coffee table.
In March we had our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening. Abide Home Shoppe is now a reality and we are so thankful we not only get to be a part of the community, but part of peoples homes. It is an honor and a privilege!
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?
Creating a Customer Experience- the best marketing is a happy customer. So think like one! What would make you happy as a customer? A great bag? The smell of the store? A warm greeting? Strive to create an experience for the customer rather than a transaction… that makes a happy customer and that’s what will spread word of mouth to your community!
Everything is figure-out-able. If you wait to start until you have all the answers you’ll never start. Just begin and figure things out as you go! You’ll be so proud of yourself for all that you learn instead of being paralyzed by what you don’t know.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions from people who have done business before! It is great to learn from successful people who are in business. Take time to see how other people do business and learn from their success! Now take what you’ve learned and make it your own!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Take a breath. Pause. Go spend time with your family, take a minute alone to clear your mind and remember why you started.
I often can get overwhelmed with family schedules, work and the things I need to catch up on. It’s good for me to remember that if I want this business to be for the long haul, I don’t have to do everything RIGHT NOW. Taking a moment to slow down gives me clarity of mind + the ability to plan for what’s next.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abidehomeshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_abidehomeshoppe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61553104234766
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/abide-home-shoppe-murrieta
Image Credits
Amanda Fietz Photography
