Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Hutcheson and Christie Shepard.
Chris and Christie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Dear Keaton was launched in May of 2016. We both have experience in retail, home furnishings, interiors and fashion and had both owned small businesses in the past. After working alongside each other 5+ years at an Atlanta based textile company, we both had that entrepreneurial itch and decided to create something of our own. We had a very clear vision of an online marketplace offering a highly curated selection of furniture, home decor, apparel, and accessories – all with the look and feel of a high-end resort. We both love to travel and wanted to bring the relaxing, laid back feel of ‘vacation vibes’ to everyday life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We don’t think anyone would say running a business is smooth sailing, but we have been pretty fortunate to have had some amazing success early on. Two months before launch, we had a fateful encounter with Elizabeth Cook, the founder of Domino Media Group, at the Southern Coterie Conference in Charleston, SC. Partnering with Domino early on was one of the best business decisions we’ve made. Within the first six months, we had numerous features in regional publications and even landed in the January 2017 issue Coastal Living. Press recognition was vital to establishing our brand in the crowded e-commerce market. Some of the struggles we have encountered relate to keeping up with that growth. We are 100% self-funded, so managing our cash flow and projecting sales for future growth is a constant battle.
Dear Keaton – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Dear Keaton sells a curated mix of furniture, lighting, rugs and home decor as well as apparel, jewelry, and accessories. We are proud to say that many of our products are artisan made and fair trade. Our product assortment and styled photography are truly a reflection of who we are and is what sets us apart from other online retailers. Our product mix is a bit coastal and a little bit global, with a relaxed, yet refined feel. We don’t try to be everything to everyone. We simply want to offer our customers a beautiful assortment of unique products to elevate the everyday.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
We are always adding to and editing our product mix. We look forward to sourcing new unique product lines so that we always have fresh, new offerings for our customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dearkeaton.com
- Phone: 1.800.935.7556
- Email: HELLO@DEARKEATON.COM
- Instagram: dearkeaton
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
