Today we’d like to introduce you to Liesa Hess.
Hi Liesa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have had a love for fashion since I was little. I always loved the dresses my barbies had and wanted to be able to have clothes like that one day. I have 3 kids and when they were all finally in school, I just decided to go ahead and pursue my dreaming of owning my own boutique. I started that process in April of 2019 and was set to open April of 2020. Everything was going smoothly and set to open on schedule and then the whole world shut down because of covid. Clearly, this was a scary thing to see happen and knowing that I just made this big investment into opening my store. I ended up opening May 1 of 2020 and it has been a roller coaster. I have absolutely loved getting to know all of my customers and making new friends. I get to travel for our shows to go buy for the store and love that side of the business. I get to handpick everything and that is one of my favorite parts other than talking with my customers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening a business in the middle of a world pandemic was and has been very challenging and now with the recession. I have always overcome trials in my life and will continue to do so.
We’ve been impressed with Apricot Lane Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am one of the franchisees of Apricot Lane Boutique. We are the largest women’s clothing boutique franchise with stores all over the United States. I get to hand-pick every item for my store so when my customers come in with request, I am able to look for things and find what they want. I am a place that you can shop with your daughter, mom, and grandmother and have something for everyone. I love the relationships I have built with my customers, and it makes me feel good when they tell me how much they love my store and enjoy our conversations. They always feel so special, and I make sure of that. I have built great relationships with them and have never had one tell me they didn’t feel welcome. Some days I may have someone come in that just needs an ear to listen and I do that. We get new arrivals almost daily, so we constantly have new. You will find unique things that you won’t see everyone wearing so it will set you apart.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Covid crisis has really opened my eyes more to the importance of relationship and how easily we can take out time face to face with people for granted. Every day is a gift and tomorrow isn’t promised so I like to live in the now and I love life and love my family and my circle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.apricotlaneboutique.com/marietta
- Instagram: apricotlanemarietta_
- Facebook: apricotlanemarietta
- Other: tiktok apricotlanemarietta
