This Saturday we will be having our annual trunk show at Pattino Show Boutique for Small Business Saturday. It is one of our favorite shows of the year as we get to see so many friendly faces and catch up with those visiting from afar. Pattino sure has created such a great community over the years and we're grateful to be part of it. Our friendship began shortly after Sapahn was born in 2010 when we were presented with the opportunity to showcase our artisan collection in our local home town of Lincoln Nebraska.
Pattino opened its doors in August of 2006. We sat down with Pattino's owner, Jori McCarville for a chat about what its been like since then. Aside from a savvy business owner, Jori is also a wife to her husband Andy and a mother to Sam who is almost three years old and she has another on the way due at the end of December.
1) How did you get your idea or concept for Pattino?
I worked in retail all through college while I was studying fashion merchandising. I knew I always wanted to be a business owner but the idea of a women's shoe and accessory boutique came about because there wasn't really anything like it in Lincoln. I wanted to fill the void by bringing in unique brands that customers hadn't seen locally. Also, shoes, handbags and jewelry lend themselves to a wide demagrapghic. I loved the thought that someone in their earlier 20's to their late 70's would be able to find something they love in my store.
2) What is your favorite thing about owning your own business/being a small business owner?
There are so many things about being a small business owner I enjoy, it's hard to pick just one. I would say the best part is getting to hand pick items with specific customers in mind. Then getting to see them as excited as you are when they arrive in the store. Getting feedback from a pleased customer and building relationships is what I believe being a small business owner is all about.
3) What keeps you up at night?
Ha! Well, besides being a mother to a toddler and 8 months pregnant, I would say as a small business owner you have a constant running list going through your head at all times. I'm very lucky to have lots of help from employees, family and friends but the work never really ends. There is always something to do but that is one of the benefits of being a small business owner. You get to have your hand in every aspect of your business and ensure its run the way you want.
4) How did you first hear about Sapahn?
I had known Brooke through mutual friends. I have always admired her creativity, hard working attitude, and adventurous lifestyle. Once I learned all the things she was hoping to achieve through Sapahn, mainly the goal to help support artisan in Thailand, I was convinced it was a brand I could stand behind and was honored to have it sold at my store.
5) What do you look for in a company that you are thinking about carrying in your store?
Since we are a small locally owned business I do prefer to work with small independent brands. I think it's important to support each other. Generally those small brands have something unique to offer and are often working towards being an ethically noted brand.
6) what is your favorite Sapahn piece?
Probably the M Crossbody bag. It has been our best seller from the leather collections. It's style and shape is different than anything else I had seen plus the functionality of it makes it an easy sell.
7) what is unique about your business?
We really try to represent brands and styles that are exclusive to our store or at least not sold anywhere else in Lincoln or even Nebraska. We also strive to build positive customer relationships which sets us apart from a department store or online retailers.
8) If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Don't get overwhelmed with the day to day, focus on the big picture and don't loose sight of your goals.
9) How has your outlook changed over the years about your business?
I've learned to ask for help and better communicate to others what I need help accomplishing. In the beginning I had more time to be hands on in all aspects of the day to day details of the store but as we have grown and become busier and my personal life has changed I've learned that letting others help has only improved my business. It's opened my eyes to new ideas and allowed me to still really enjoy what I do and appreciate the support the community has given us over the past ten years.
Thanks for your time, Jori! Now you can see why we feel like Pattino and Sapahn have been a great fit all of these years! Come see us this week through Sunday November 27th, we would love to see you!
