*My Interview With* Lauren Craig

Eccentrics Boutique Owner, Lauren Craig

Fashion is always of the time in which you live. It is not something standing alone. But the grand problem, the most important problem, is to rejeuvenate women. To make women look young. Then their outlook changes. They feel more joyous. ~Coco Chanel

Name:  Lauren Craig

Occupation:  Boutique Owner

Store Location:  Carterville, IL

Website:  www.eccentricsbylauren.com

Geek Sheek:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you decided to become a boutique owner?

Lauren:
During college, I studied Fashion Merchandising/Marketing.   I was so intrigued by fashion and everything about it!  My goal was to open my own boutique.  The summer of 2010, I decided I was ready to move forward with launching Eccentrics.   I soon realized this was not going to be as easy as I thought.  One year later my online store launched www.eccentricsbylauren.com and my storefront launched a few months later.  I was very excited to open the store because it’s what I love and it feels great to do something that I’m so passionate about.

Geek Sheek:  How did you come up with the name Eccentrics?

Lauren:
Eccentrics is a combination of styles, unique personality, a person with character.   I want customers to embrace their personal style.  When you look good you feel good.   So Eccentrics means express yourself, buy a statement piece, and accessorize often… “Be You, Be Eccentric”

Geek Sheek:  How would you describe your store?

Lauren: 
I strive to have a welcoming, friendly, inviting atmosphere where customer service is always the top priority.  The style is very whimsical, girly, & fun!     

Geek Sheek:  What brands do you carry?

Lauren: 
All accessories~ everything from hats, jewelry, handbags, shoe clips, beauty, and gift items!  Some of my popular brands are Mary Frances, Mudpie, Natural Life, Treska, & so many more.  I always have new lines arriving. 

Geek Sheek:  What is your biggest seller right now?

Lauren: 

Right now the Good Works bracelets are selling well. I admire the Good Works mission to make the most fashionable, inspirational, and empowering merchandise that inspires doing Good Work(s). Their movement is to spread random acts of kindness and encourage doing good works to help children and families in need. They are committed to donating 25% of net profits to good causes.

Geek Sheek:    How do you choose what is sold in your store?

Lauren: 
I listen to my customers, and subscribe to every fashion magazine to stay up to date on trends. 

Geek Sheek:  What is your favorite part of owning your own business?

Lauren: 
I love to come to work everyday!  I take pride in what I do and how I represent my boutique.  It’s more than a job to me its who I am.

Geek Sheek:  What advice do you have for someone wanting to open their own boutique?

Lauren: 
Have patience everything takes time.  It’s truly a trial & error process. Just keep a positive “I can” attitude.  Hard work pays off. Make your business your top priority.  Do your research, take classes, be innovative, pay attention to details.  Give it your all then you will never look back and have regrets.

Geek Sheek:  What are your future plans with Eccentrics?

Lauren: 
To continue to carry unique, eccentrics items for my store and to expand in the future.

Geek Sheek:  I see you’re on your way to Mommy hood. When are you due and how excited are you about becoming a parent?

Lauren: 
I’m ecstatic I can’t wait to meet baby C!   I’m due October 11^th.   I’m looking forward to everything even diaper changing.   I enjoy a fast pace lifestyle, so I will utilize my day runner maximizing mommy duties and work.  October is going to be a month to celebrate our new bundle of joy and the 1 year anniversary of Eccentrics.

Geek Sheek:  What are some things you GEEK out over?

Lauren: 
Everything Vintage!  I love antiquing and finding new ways to re-do displays for my store. 

Eccentrics Boutique
209 W. Commercial Dr. #C
Carterville, IL 62918
{In the loft above your Jeweler}
Email: info@eccentricsbylauren
Website: www.eccentricsbylauren.com
Phone: 618-559-2308
 

~Randi Jean
(Head Geek)