I Am the Princess Gives the Royal Treatment
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Karen Herbs believes, “In the heart of every girl is a princess in all her royal splendor!” She has turned her belief into a retail fantasy showplace and online royal marketplace for little girls that dream of sparkling tiaras, fairy tale kingdoms, and magical, wonderful adventures! Karen’s love of all things twirly, girly, pink and princessy adorns her royally demonstrative store name, I Am the Princess, That’s Why! With hard work and dedication, and maybe just a touch of pixie dust, Karen shares her “magic” formula for retail success.
How did you get started in children’s retail?
“I owned Country Haven Creations. We carried upscale designer body products, candles, dips, and all the things women love. My two daughters liked it also, but wanted something closer to their age group. They told me things they would like and that is what started “I am the Princess, That’s Why.”
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What was your background prior to this business?
“I had already owned a Web-based business and managed a golf course and state parks.
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What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting up?
“Suppliers that could supply items were my biggest challenge and still are today. Some change their items so quickly that one cannot keep up with them, and others have unbelievable minimums. I have finally decided to start removing those suppliers and manufacturers, as they are not profitable for the retailer.
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What is one thing you would have done differently?
“I would have just done drop shipping from manufacturers and suppliers had I known it would be this hard.
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What do you feel are the three biggest keys to your success?
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- I work at it constantly and have no life. It is every waking moment 7 days a week.
- I try my hardest to make every customer happy.
- I try to find the very best products that are out there, not cheap or chintzy.
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How do you evaluate and choose new product lines to pick up?
“When we choose a new product line, usually either the company will send me something to try or I have a family member order an item and ship it to me to check out myself.
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What types of marketing are most effective for your business?
“The most effective marketing for my business has been paying Google.
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How do “green” or eco-friendly concerns weigh into your business decisions?
“Green and eco-friendly concerns do hold a lot of weight in our business, but sometimes it is just not feasible. We look at where and how products are manufactured when possible.
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What is one trend you’re currently seeing with customers?
“One trend I am seeing with customers is baby products. We are getting more items in for babies.
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How does your business make use of the Internet?
“Our business makes use of the Internet every way we can. It is our #1 means of communication and advertising.
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What is one change/addition that’s had a positive impact for your business?
“One change that has been a positive impact this year for our business has been the removal of a couple of suppliers and the addition of several more.
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If you had one piece of advice for someone entering children’s retail today, what would it be?
“I think my advice for someone entering children’s retail today would be:
- Be very careful.
- Make sure you can afford to loose a lot of time and money. It is very hard, but if you are one of the few to make it through, it is worth it!
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More About I Am the Princess
The I Am the Princess kingdom includes a retail store location in Phoenix, NY, and a pretty-in-pink Princess Internet site, both specializing in princess costumes, tiaras, crowns, wings, wands, tutus and other magically fantastic finds, including princess furniture, room décor and decorating accessories. The store also entertains little girls on their “big” day, with princess-themed birthday parties that sparkle with glamour and memory-making fun.
I Am the Princess also carries baby items, party and wedding supplies, castle bunk beds, outdoor play houses, tea sets, pettiskirts and other delights for the princess within!
Karen Herbs, Owner & Proprietor:
I Am the Princess, That’s Why
Country Haven Creations
9364 Dinglehole Rd
Phoenix, NY 13135
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