Today we’d like to introduce you to Karin Wiseman.
Karin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started making jewelry as a hobby about 15 years ago. That hobby slowly turned into a business over the years.
In the last five years, I have been selling my jewelry in small local shops around Dallas. I was able to work in some of those shops and that fed my desire to have my own shop. I was in the right place at the right time when the opportunity to take over retail space in downtown Garland opened up and it felt right.
I have turned my 1200 square feet into a boho/global style boutique, a working jewelry studio to continue my jewelry design and classroom space for craft classes for adults, kids, and private parties.
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?
The desire to have a shop of my own was present for a long time. The decision to open the shop was made rather quickly. I said “yes” in early January, got the keys to the building on January 15th and we were open for business on February 2nd.
I got my LLC, opened a business bank account, got insurance, ordered inventory, and redesigned the retail space all in those two short weeks. I could never have done this on my own. My husband is 100% supportive of this adventure and I have amazing people in my life who gave up so much of their own time to help my dream come true.
You don’t know what you don’t know. But I just kept moving forward and checking the boxes that I did know I needed and quickly learned there were many more boxes to check before you can even begin! I kept asking questions and taking advice from others (even if I did not always follow it!) and it all fell into place.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I want a visit to Karin Wiseman Collection to be more than just a retail shopping trip. I want it to be an experience.
I want the shop to smell good (we have lots of home fragrance options and soaps and bath bombs) and I want soothing music to greet you. I want the store to be visually appealing and to be updated frequently. I never want it to feel stale or for your eyes to be bored. I want to greet everyone with a smile and a hello. Everyone is welcome here.
You will usually find me sitting at the table in the middle of the room. Working on social media, shopping for new items for the shop, getting inspired by new craft class ideas. I welcome you to pull up a chair and I can offer you a cup of coffee.
Are you running in quickly on your way to a party or need a quick hostess gift? The shop is filled with great gift items and I can quickly package it up pretty with tissue paper and a handmade bow.
Some days, you will find me in my studio space working on custom jewelry designs or designs for the upcoming season. There is a lovely vintage sofa next to my studio table if you would like to sit and talk jewelry.
What were you like growing up?
I remember always having a lot of friends. I still love having friends around.
I have always been a maker as well. My grandmother was and my mother is still a maker. I am sure I got it from them.
Pricing:
- Kids Art Project (2nd Saturday of each month) $5
- Adult Craft classes range from $25 – $50
Contact Info:
- Address: 915 Main Street
Garland, TX 75044 - Website: www.karinwiseman.com
- Phone: 469-626-1715
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: karinwiseman
- Facebook: karinwisemancollection
Image Credit:
Take to Heart Images
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