Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Pechal.
Cindy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Kindred Soule Marketplace was created to offer goods for an inspired lifestyle by showcasing exclusive talent; to offer unique finds; and to promote small business trade. Over a couple years, a lot of conversations and a lot of scratchpads, the idea for a bricks and mortar store with online convenience was launched on April 29th, 2016.
We love to shop, forage, and hunt for goods that simply speak to the heart and soule. The goal was to create a shopping experience to rediscover the art of gift-giving.
As the marketplace concept evolved, we wanted to create more than an engaging customer experience and discovered it’s really a gathering place. And that is how the workshop space, tea bar and eatery was born a few months after the store launch.
After more than 25 years in the Corporate world, I decided to dedicate myself full time to this endeavor in September 2016.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a business person for most of my career, of course I had a business plan, completed tons of research, and sought advice from veteran retailers. However, I don’t think anyone could have prepared me for the roller coaster of retail sales cycles, the challenge of finding passionate employees to be the face of Kindred Soule and the sheer exhaustion from minimal resources that I was accustomed to in a Corporate environment.
To take a dream, build it out in excruciating detail and make it a fully operational business takes great fortitude. To create a brand that develops customer loyalty and continuously improve their experience requires daily goals to strive to continuously improve our quality, service and offer distinctive products. Thankfully I love doing what they say can’t be done and rarely back down from a challenge.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kindred Soule Marketplace story. Tell us more about the business.
Kindred Soule is a retail experience specializing in unique finds and not just products bought in the market mainstream. It offers an average price point that appeals to a wide range of consumers, yet still a broad selection of exclusive goods.
With the goal to invite its customers to re-discover the art of gift-giving, the shopper can learn about the product: its maker, hear a story about its uniqueness or quality and not simply purchase something that can be found in large box stores or in every town in America.
Set in a restored historic building, it is unlike any other establishment in downtown Ennis that is under revitalization. The eatery offers a fresh, simple menu with hand shaken teas. It offers large portions making it a regular lunch spot for men as much as women. It is a favorite lunch ‘n shop destination with friends, a place for locals to bring out of town guests – it’s a place they are proud to say exists in their hometown. We are known for our Strawberry Salad, a spicy BLT on Jalapeño Cheese Bread and fresh from scratch soups that change weekly.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure luck would be a major factor. I have been fortunate:
– In life with a husband of 33 years, with 2 grown married children and now blessed with 2 grandchildren, he has always supported my adventurous ideas. After more than 25 years in a variety of Corporate roles and frequent travel, creating this business required a lot of his “community service hours” from building props to hanging window dressing.
– In business, timing is everything – I came along with an idea, a little money and stepped into a building ready for renovation with amazing potential. Everyone has ideas, opinions but at the end of the day – it starts and ends with a lot of hard work, confidence and support of a community who has been desirous for someone to take a risk and help to breathe life into Ennis’ downtown.
Contact Info:
- Address: Kindred Soule Marketplace Tea Bar & Eatery
200 W. Knox Street, #100
Ennis, Texas 75119 - Website: www.kindredsoule.com
- Phone: 972-876-4202
- Email: simplysmitten@kindredsoule.com
- Instagram: @kindredsoulemkt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KindredSouleMkt/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
