Introducing a guest post from graphic and web designer Kim Timothy of Boutique By Design. Over to you, Kim!
Not long ago, the word “boutique” evoked visions of a small, exclusive retail shop that sold women’s clothing and accessories, cosmetics, or gifts and novelties. In fact the word “boutique” derives from a French word meaning “small shop.” Many of these shops were owned by women, even in the days before women had the significant presence in the work force that they have today.
While the more traditional definitions of “boutique” are still valid, many other types of businesses these days proudly carry the “boutique” label too. “Boutique” has become a trendy descriptor for small, independent or niche/micro-niche businesses in a wide range of industries. Accordingly we have boutique hotels, boutique breweries or wineries, boutique investment firms, boutique film production companies, and so forth. Some of the businesses have brick-and-mortar retail locations or offices, some only exist online, and some have both a physical and online store. Some are strictly home-based, scaled with an online presence. Some boutique businesses are a part of much larger operations, but many remain independent. The growth of boutique businesses is a positive trend and offers many opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Here are five reasons explaining why so many women are successful in boutique businesses. As it happens, these are the very same reasons that a boutique operation is a great choice for a woman thinking of going into business. Continue reading “5 Reasons Why Women and Boutique Businesses Are a Good Match”