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Meet Karen Gathany of Trove Design Shop in Birmingham

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Gathany.

Karen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My background is in graphic design. I worked as a designer in advertising agencies for ten years before getting an itch to do something different. Inspired by seeing unique micro-retail in other cities when I traveled, something that I felt like was missing in Birmingham, I decided to pursue starting a small boutique gift and home goods store with a focus on handmade and well-designed products. I didn’t have a business background at all, so I enrolled in a 10-week-long business bootcamp called Co.Starters, hosted by a non-profit group here in Birmingham, Create Birmingham. I learned a lot and got more and more excited about the venture. Right after Co.Starters concluded, I tested the shop concept with a 6-week long pop-up shop in a shipping container in Railroad Park in late 2018, and then started planning and looking for space and opened my brick and mortar store in Birmingham’s Woodlawn neighborhood in June 2019.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The hardest part was finding the right space and location for my shop. I had a specific vision for the type of space I wanted, and kept coming up empty-handed in my search. There aren’t many small retail spaces available, especially in a start-up price range/budget I almost gave up, and then found the perfect space in Woodlawn. It has traditional storefront windows with beautiful natural light, an exposed brick wall, high ceilings, and reclaimed wood floors, and it’s just the right size. The space I’m in really affects my energy, so I’m very grateful to have found the right space for my shop.

Please tell us about Trove Design Shop.
Trove Design Shop sells “beautiful treasures.” I curate a mix of unique gift and home items items including ceramics, jewelry, books, stationery, candles, greeting cards, art prints, antiques, office accessories, and more. Many of the products we carry are handcrafted in the USA by small maker businesses. I don’t support “throwaway culture,” so everything is intended to last or be useful in some way. This is a great place to find something special (without breaking the bank) for someone who may be difficult to shop for, or who particularly enjoys design and unique items.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
It would be harder financially than I expected, a lot of unexpected costs. But the emotional rewards made it worthwhile.

Pricing:

  • Handmade soy wax candles – ranging from $18-34
  • Jewelry – starting at $9
  • Art Prints – average cost $30

Contact Info:

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