Today we’d like to introduce you to Kym Milburn.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As Cute As A Button has been in business for over 25 years. Opening in Mission Hills in the early ’90s. I was designing clothing and could not find quality buttons in San Diego. My Shop opened with 1000 styles and now has over 8000 button styles. My website, www.ascuteasabutton.com, was launched in 1999 and has shipped over 60K button orders around the world. The strangest places I have sent buttons to are Iran and North Korea but typically I am shipping buttons to the US, Australia and Canada. I try to find small companies and individuals that are producing unique quality buttons for my inventory. I like supporting small businesses and designers.
My customers vary from men replacing blazer buttons, knitters, costumers, dry cleaners, clothing designers, etc.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are pros and cons to having such a niche business. Until recently I had the best business ever and very little online competition. Now there are many cheap companies from China that sell online. My products are not cheap so I need to focus on better quality, quick shipping and great customer service.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My buttons are better quality. So I focus on that. I have many styles but just to point out a few.
1) Czech Glass that are made in the vintage technique using vintage molds and hand painted.
2) Southwestern nickel silver buttons from a designer in Colorado.
3) Hand carved buttons from India
4) Beaded buttons from Guatemala………and more
I am proud of great customer service.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
San Diego is a good place for certain businesses. It is a city that is growing and gets many tourists. So if you are in a business that can take advantage of those things then you could be successful. Also, being so close to Mexico can have its advantages too. I think San Diego could support their artist more. Similar to Portland, OR and other places that promote the arts in their city.
Contact Info:
- Address: As Cute As A Button
1286 University Ave #857
San Diego, CA 92103 - Website: www.ascuteasabutton.com
- Phone: 619-223-2555
- Email: info@ascuteasabutton.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatbuttons
Image Credit:
Kym Milburn
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