Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Mar.
Valerie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This might be a little long, but let’s do it! ……A handful of years ago, I started spending a lot of alone time. I became more aware of who I was as a person and what I wanted out of life. I was reading some amazing self-help books at the time. A few including Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and Awakening to your Life Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. This was somewhat of a turning point in my life because I realized it was perfectly ok to dream big and create a life that I wanted for myself. I craved something magical & fun, yet balanced & creative. Something out of the “norm”.
I had a pleasant upbringing. But within my Hispanic culture, there comes this idea of “getting your life together” and setting yourself up with safety shortly after high school or college. “Safety”, meaning, you get a secure job, perhaps one where you will climb the ladder and work for 30 plus years to secure a retirement plan, find a man that is financially stable, get married, buy a house, have children, etc. You know what I mean! It was a way to stay in a safe zone for the rest of your life, whether you were happy or unhappy. Well, I didn’t quite believe in that and I wasn’t going to settle. I wanted a life full of authentic happiness, full of exciting experiences, adventure, risks, changes, & freedom.
After graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree in social work (w/an emphasis on the aging population), I worked as a case manager for a 55+ homeless shelter in Denver. I seen it all. As much as I loved it, it became very challenging for me emotionally. I started bringing those emotions home and could no longer leave them at work. I then became a caregiver for the elderly. It was much more fulfilling & pleasant, but still very draining on my heart. I knew that if I didn’t step out of the field, I would eventually break down.
Throughout the years, I was able to maintain a lifestyle that satisfied my so-called expectations on what worked for me. This meant: no Monday through Friday 9 to 5 jobs, no sit-down desk jobs, and no jobs where I couldn’t ask for days off or have good communication with bosses. I needed my employer to understand the importance of living a fulfilling life vs being a robot to it.
As time passed by, I gained experience in several work environments. I worked for a Dental office for a handful of years, where I learned how to do Dental billing, learned customer service, treatment plan presentation, and administrative duties. Then I started working part-time in Field Marketing positions as a brand ambassador; eventually making my way up to Team Lead and management positions. These positions really brought out a whole new side of me I had no idea was even there. They were event-based positions where I learned how to really engage with consumers and sell products to them. It was also an extremely social and lively environment. Somewhere along the line, I ended up reconnecting with an old colleague from when I worked at the Levi’s store in my college days. She told me about a position opening for a new business that had recently launched and were looking to hire. This position ended up being for a Boudoir Photography studio. I was hired on as their Sales/Studio Manager. I was super excited yet nervous because it was commission based. I thought I would never dare take a commission-based job. But there I was. I had to believe in myself and have faith in my new position. This position was everything! We had a makeup/hair artist who would glam up the clients before their photoshoot. An area full of fun lingerie to play dress up in. Rooms full of different backdrops and displays & Tea and coffee were offered upon arrival. French music playing in the background, The full deal! I loved it. When clients came in to view their photos, their jaws would drop. They had no idea that a simple photo could make them feel so beautiful, empowered, and confident. Fast forward a bit. I got promoted to travel for the company to launch new studios all throughout the major cities in the United States. My position also changed as their interior decorator. My job was now to create beautiful feminine spaces with unique vintage backdrops and decor. I was so intrigued by how a business could grow so fast and super impressed with everything about it. I loved merchandising the lingerie, I loved working with clients, and most of all, I loved being in a position to empower women and make them feel beautiful.
When the tour was done, I started networking with the fashion industry in Denver (where I lived at the time). I started getting small gigs to style photoshoots and assist in small projects. During this time, I was still taking on small contract gigs in field marketing, and also working for the studio. There were a lot of changes going on at the studio and I wasn’t sure how much longer I would have there. A few short months later, I ended up accepting a full-time position in Field Marketing. But I knew my journey in empowering women and having fun in the feminine environment was not over. After a handful of years of working in field marketing, I had been missing retail, the merchandising, the fun, and the styling. I started questioning my career moves and started asking myself what my ideal position would be and what it was that I wanted. Was it even feasible? With my love of clothing; having a boutique had always sat on my chest, but I had never really thought of the possibility of it becoming a reality. How? When? With what money? Should I? Could I? Not now, too scary! But is it something that can really be done? ……Those questions tugged and tugged at me. The idea sat on my chest for about five years before I made any moves on it.
At the start of 2017, I finally decided to do something for myself. I wanted to get this little ambition off my chest and at least give it a try. I started researching how to start an online boutique. I knew financially, there was no way I could immediately start big and pursue a brick and mortar. I knew I had to start small. Five months later, I launched La Mar Boutique to the Denver market. I had a few pop-ups at my live-work space apartment and continued to have pop-ups and a few fashions show throughout Denver that first year. It was a blast! After the momentum died down and my life got busier with a more responsible full-time position, the online boutique was not getting much attention. I continued to buy minimal merchandise, but it was not moving fast enough. I knew I had to stop and re-think all of it. I didn’t know what to do. My job was taking up my time and my head space was no longer with the boutique. It wasn’t necessarily what I wanted but I knew my priority was to be successful at my current position and I could not do both.
Fast forward again to August of 2018. I decided to make a big change in my life. I was ready to move back to the city that I came from. I was born in San Diego. I grew up playing at the beaches, eating at taco shops, and enjoying the beautiful weather. I always knew I wanted that back in my life. Plus, my parents had retired at the nearby city of Hemet a few years back and I wanted to be closer to them. I was tired of the cold in Denver. The cost of living in Denver was getting just as high as San Diego, so why not live in a city that I love near the beaches if it was almost equally the same cost of living. I made my move in August 2018, and boy oh boy. The intention of finding a full time long- term position was quite a challenge. I was being pretty selective, but didn’t know it was going to be that hard. Month after month after month and still no luck.
I had to move back in with my parents in Hemet to allow myself some time to think. To reflect on my dreams, ambitions, and what I wanted. I was feeling this sense of urgency. Like somethings gotta give right now!! I was feeling restless. I don’t have much time, I thought to myself! I think im having a midlife crisis!… Now, what are you going to do about it? Is what I kept asking myself.
During my time of reflection, my dream of having a boutique quickly popped up again. Within the next day and no plan at all, I started driving through the streets of Hemet looking for vacant/leasing signs on buildings. There were a few but nothing that caught my attention. I had to brainstorm local cities to drive out to. I spent a few days in Temecula and Murrieta, but nothing. I would only take pictures of the possible number to call. A few days later, Palm Springs came to mind. I love going shopping there so why not go check it out.
While walking through the streets and visiting a few shops, I realized nothing was vacant. Not a location that caught my attention at least. I sat at a bench and brainstormed what other options I had with my boutique. I knew we were nearing the holidays, and I had some holiday dresses in my inventory that I wanted to move (sell). I thought, perhaps partnering up with a local boutique and having a holiday pop- up would be a good idea. The problem was, which boutique? And who here is really going to want to partner with me. There was no way I was going to be able to pull this off!, were actually my thoughts. I started entering the boutiques again. To see if any would fit “my style” of merchandise.
After about six boutiques, only one had stood out. I entered again and asked if I can speak to the owner. I wanted to pitch my idea. She was not there, but the nice gal gave me her business card to email the owner. Within a few weeks, I was back in her store, showing her some of my merchandise for the possible pop-up we were planning. Next thing you know, I was setting up my holiday pop up at her store!!! I was pumped! I expressed how thankful I was and that my dream has always been to have a boutique of my own.
At the end of December, I stop in at the boutique to check on my merchandise and the owner tells me the pop up has been doing well and items have been selling. She shares with me that she has been thinking of selling her boutique because she wants to spend more time with her three-year old daughter and is in need of a big change. I took it lightly and didn’t think much of it. I told her to follow her heart and do what is best. I walk away and tell her ill be back to visit in a week to possibly wrap up the pop-up. I leave there with a feeling of wonder. Like, wait a second. Did she just say she wants to sell her boutique? Was she serious? If so, is this an opportunity? Is this the universe trying to tell me something?
These thoughts don’t leave my head for a few days. I decide to text her. I don’t remember exactly how I approached it but basically asked her if she was serious. A few days later, she wanted to meet to discuss the possibility of selling her boutique. She said there were a few other gals interested but wanted to chat with me about it first. She wanted to know my background and get to know a bit about me before any decisions were made. Days later, she tells me I would be good fit for it and we start talking business. Paperwork starts within days and by February 1st, 2019, I have a boutique I get to call my own!
The point in sharing my whole story is that every little action in life leads to something new. Something bigger and better. You just have to surrender to the possibilities, take action, take control, take risks, and have no fear. Sometimes its much easier said than done, but at the end of the day, every job, every experience, every turn, every downfall…..it all leads us to where we are now. Embrace it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, Absolutely not! It has been a huge rollercoaster ride! But I could not be more thankful for the struggles. Because that’s where you learn the most. My first struggle came in the slow season. Palm Springs is a desert city, which means it gets extremely hot during the summer months. During those summer months foot traffic slows down a lot, which leads to lower sales per month.
My second struggle was finding the right merchandise for the wide range of visitors that come in. I was used to buying for one specific type of clientele. Now I had to focus on women of all ages, older, younger, teenagers, tourists, and even the large LGBTQ community that lives there.
My third struggle is now the worldwide pandemic we are currently living in. We had to shut doors on March 18th due to city orders. I have no idea what the future holds for the store front. We are pushing to stay in existence online and will continue to do so. I keep everyone updated on social media and enjoy having fun with the audience! We have great support and I could not be more thankful.
My advice for young women starting their journey is to keep dreaming, keep pursuing, keep pushing, and keep going. It doesn’t matter how or when. If you believe it, It will happen.
Please tell us about La Mar Boutique.
We are a women’s clothing boutique in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs. We specialize in unique, quality pieces of all ages and styles. There is no other boutique in Palm Springs similar to us or what we offer, which is what sets us apart. The biggest compliments we get from customers are our prices, styles, and store ambiance.
I am most proud of how I select the pieces being placed in the store. I visit showrooms to make sure I physically touch the quality of merchandise and accessories. I am also proud of the space I created at the store. Our customers love the open feeling of shopping without feeling clustered or even pressured to buy.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I personally use a lot of online resources to mentor myself as well as social media webinars that are offered. I also make sure to look at other boutiques to spark creativity in my space.
Finding an actual mentor and networking is something I need to add to my list. I do believe it’s very important and can improve many areas of your business and life. I consider my support system as a huge part of my drive. I make sure to surround myself around like-minded people, positive individuals, and those who motivate me to create bigger and better. The ones who tell me to keep going and not give up.
Pricing:
- Nothing is over $80
Contact Info:
- Address: 146 N. Palm Canyon Drive
- Website: www.LaMarBoutique.com
- Phone: 3035871017
- Email: lamarboutiqueshop@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamarboutiqueshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lamarboutiqueshop/
Image Credit:
Manuel Gaitan Photography
MGibias Photography
Model: Ashlee Arnold
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