Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Herbold
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have wanted to own a boutique ever since I was a little girl. The magic of retail has always inspired me. Shopping brings people together and helps them celebrate all of life’s magical moments. I graduated from Baylor University with a business degree during the recession and I landed in big box retail. This first job opened the world of retail for me. I always say retail is in my blood because it’s truly the only way to survive small business life in this day and age!
Eden Lifestyle Boutique opened in 2017 with a vast array of women’s and gift items. We have had the privilege of serving the city of Frisco for many years. Providing Happy Style for your Beautiful life is our mantra and we are so thankful for our customers and clients for allowing us to be a part of the moments that shape their story.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Small business ownership is never a smooth ride! I always say, if it was easy then everyone would do it. In 2019 we opened our second location in Plano right before the pandemic hit. We were forced to close our doors for months and lay off all of our employees. I remember originally thinking that it would be just two weeks and then life would resume back to normal. Boy, was I wrong. The amount of stress and struggle we went thru as a small, family owned business was enormous but we made it to the other side with bright skies ahead! Unfortunately, the original Plano location did not survive the pandemic but I’m happy to say that after all these years we are opening a new Eden Lifestyle Boutique in Lakeside Market. New Address, Same happy styles you have all loved!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Eden Lifestyle Boutique has always been focused on the local community. I would describe our shop as the boutique version of Cheers. When you walk in to get a new top or pick out a fun gift, you are bound to run into a friend or neighbor!
We have had the privilege of watching our customer’s children grow up and jet set off to college. The twirling dress she wore when she was ten turned into a gameday fit as she is off to Arkansas.
We carry bright and colorful styles mixed in with everyday staples. Every Fall I start to get requests for “Mom Uniform” looks that are easy and perfect to take you from carpool to happy hour with the girls.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience. There have been so many days where I did not see how we were going to make it but we always did. I remember during the pandemic everyone kept saying,”I don’t know how you do it! You’re working alone and hustling and delivering all across town.” The answer was, I didn’t have a choice! My family needed income and I truly could not afford to fail. It just wasn’t an option and I think that mindset is powerful. I also know that the Lord has given me strength to persevere and allowed me this opportunity to do what I love and bless a community of women. It’s not just clothes to me. Building confidence in women is so important especially now with such a rise in mental health issues across our nation. A new top really can change your day! If you haven’t popped into one of our stores, we would love to meet you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.edenlifestyleboutique.com
- Instagram: @edenlifestyleboutique
Image Credits
Carol Riell Photography
