Editor’s Note: Findings Boutique is a sponsor of Chambanamoms.com
Today we introduce you to Ali Clapper, owner of Findings Boutique (located at Old Farm Shoppes, Champaign), and mom of 1-year-old daughter Leni. Find out how Ali will spend her store’s sixth anniversary, and read to the end to find out how you can win a $100 gift certificate to Findings! What an amazing prize!
Tell us about Findings Boutique.
Findings Boutique specializes in women’s contemporary clothing, jewelry & accessories, handbags and now BABY (up to 24 months). My goal is to provide women with a selection of clothing and accessories that is unique, quality, versatile, and wearable for years. I believe in investing in items that are of quality that will last rather than stuffing your closet with items that won’t make it through the year. I believe that when you invest in quality, you can build a better wardrobe that will give you options for years to come.
How has the vision for your store changed since becoming a mom?
My vision for the store since having a baby has changed. I decided to add baby clothing when I had a hard time finding items for my baby girl that were unique and comfortable. There is definitely a place for the recognizable “big brands”, but as my baby grew, I had a hard time finding separates, and clothing that felt like something I wanted to put on my baby. A baby’s skin is so delicate, and I wanted to dress Leni (my daughter) in the softest fabrics, while also having options! For Findings BABY I have worked hard to find brands that are of great quality, at good price points that offer little boys and girls outfit options!
How have you balanced being a mom and owning your own business?
Balancing being a store owner and a mom at first was quite a challenge. Leni was a difficult baby for the first four months, and cried morning to night because of colic. All I wanted to do was be there for her and doing anything else, while walking laps around the house (she would not let us sit), was nearly impossible. I know that there were certain aspects of my business that were affected by my time off for maternity leave, but I think every mother knows that ultimately, all else is secondary to your children. Owning a business and having a baby now, is quite wonderful. My hours are such that I get to spend quality time with her in the morning, and can look forward to seeing her after work. I can pick and choose if I need a day off just to snuggle with her, and I am so excited for the day that she is old enough to come to the store with me and hang out in the back, just coloring, helping me “organize”, etc…Owning a business is not easy. You don’t “leave work at work”, but having a baby has changed my perspective considerably. Work is no longer at the forefront of my mind. If I have a bad day, I come home, and there is this bright eyed, beaming girl who just captures my heart and reminds how glorious this life is.
Congratulations on six years of being in business. Tell our readers about your anniversary plans.
April 19 of 2013 marked my store’s fifth anniversary! While most years that would be cause for a big celebration, last year on April 18th I gave birth to my daughter Leni…so I was too busy celebrating her to have a party for the store! So, this Thursday, April 24 from 4-8pm we will be celebrating Findings Boutique’s 6-year anniversary! There will be sweet treats, yummy drinks and great deals and we will be debuting our BABY selection! We have more BABY on the way, but this will be a fab introduction! We would love to see familiar faces as well as new faces for the event and hope that you will join us in the celebration!
Help Ali celebrate six years of business with this fantastic giveaway- $100 gift certificate by leaving a comment (mandatory) and tell us: what did you dress your child in when you brought them home?
For a second entry, be sure to ‘like’ Findings Boutique Facebook Page. Come back and tell us that you did (or already do).
For entries 3, 4, 5 etc. share this post on your favorite social media site and make sure to tag Findings Boutique. Be sure to come back and leave another comment to let us know that you did, with a link, please, every time.
Ready, Set, Go!
No purchase necessary. Contest will be wrapped up by 8 p.m. Monday, April 28. Winner will be picked at random by random.org. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Prize valued at $100 (no cash value).