Business Description
When you need that perfect card, Sincerely Yours Boutique is a place where you will find it. People travel from miles away to purchase from over 17 thousand hand-selected cards. Choose from their collection of unique, unusual, witty, hilarious, or sensitive cards. You will experience emotions from laughing-out-loud hysterically; to tear-jerking lump-in-throat reflex; to heartfelt warm and fuzzy feelings. The search is part of the experience. Also enjoy their popular Local Artist’s cards, which are often difficult to keep in stock due to their high-demand! Each card is individually signed by the artist.
Meet Josie Poole, Lovely Owner of Sincerely Yours Boutique
For this purpose of this blog I had the pleasure of meeting with Josie Poole, an entrepreneur who owns a cute boutique on Bruce Street in Thornbury. Josie had fallen in love with the community long before she had decided to open her business. She purchased a ski chalet to enjoy the winter mountain life, and enjoyed shopping in all of the unique boutiques in Thornbury. One of her favourite places to shop was Studio 16, which ended up being the same location Josie decided to open her store and make her vision come to life. All of Josie’s previous experience in the corporate world that she obtained both technical and sales skills, lead to the vision of her opening up a unique business in the area. She had a distinct hobby for making crafts, and with the help of her supportive husband she made her dream become a reality.Below are some of the questions I asked Josie when interviewing her about her wonderful business and experience in the Thornbury community.
What was it like when you first started?
“It was a dream come true for me, I was not afraid of failure or success but rather excited to make my vision finally come to life in the community. I had an excellent teacher and role model to assist me along the way named Carole who taught me everything I needed to know, and showed me the ropes of running their business. I caught on to the working aspect and developed my philosophy and mission quickly because of the prior experience I had shopping in many boutiques throughout the world, ranging from places in Europe to the Caribbean.”
What has surprised you most when owning a business?
“The strong local bond in this community has surprised me in a positive way, and the fact that everyone supports each other and the local businesses is an amazing aspect of the area.”
What would your customers say they love most about your business?
Many people are drawn to the store because of the positive energy and good vibes. Customers have said they love the personal assistance the staff gives them, and the individually hand picked cards that are unique to the store in the sense that no other store carries them. They also price all of their products extremely reasonably and affordable, which has been a plus for many buyers and loyal clientele.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?
“A customer came in and said she was drawn in by a card that had a butterfly on it that was displayed in the window, the customer was accompanied by an older gentleman. When the customer opened the card it said “Believe” and she started to cry. This made me feel comforted as one of my cards had given hope to this woman who was going through a difficult time. Whatever this customer was experiencing had lead her to my store and coincidentally to a hopeful card that lifted her spirits after releasing some of her inner sadness.”
Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?
“I am always introducing new card lines to my boutique to keep the variety and choices plentiful in the store. Speaking of new card lines, I am thrilled to announce that recently one of the unique lines I created got acquired by one of the top greeting card companies in Canada, and now will be distributed to the U.S, Canada, and hopefully the UK. As a result of this growth, more selection in the store will be available.”
What is something most people don’t know about the business?
‘The original name of the business was actually Studio 16, and I changed it to Sincerely Yours to represent the uniqueness of the store and the ability to purchase a gift or card that represents any person in the way they choose. The wide variety of special cards and other clothes/fashion accessories leaves for unique interpretation and gift choice, while giving someone something special from you, which highlights the name choice of ‘Sincerely Yours’.”
What do you like most about being an entrepreneur?
“The ability to make your own decisions and envision ideas, while having the freedom to make a business tailored to your passions.”
Do you have any advice that you want to share with other entrepreneurs?
“Ultimately follow your gut, if it feels right to pursue then do it and don’t wait a long period of time because you may create irrational fears of failure.”
What do you love most about the neighbourhood?
“The amazing community atmosphere and the way that everyone cares about everyone, like one big family.”
Where are your favourite places to go in the neighbourhood?
“I Love to go to all of the restaurants, cafes and boutiques in the area. I personally love every business in this community as it has something special to offer everyone.”
What are your favourite things to do in the neighbourhood?
“Golfing at Lora Bay, shopping at all the unique shops, spending time with family and taking care of my shop.”
Why do you think it’s important for people to shop local?
“From January to April traffic in the community substantially decreases, therefore it is critical that all local businesses support each other and send each other referrals to new clients. This helps keep the economy in the community thriving”
