As part of the ongoing series, Thriving Under Thirty, I have a motivating interview with Lara Kocerka for you today. Lara and her husband Steve own two adorable boutiques in St. Augustine, Florida: Hello B. and Declaration Boutique. I met Lara back in my intern days for a wedding planner. She had designed and constructed some of the sweetest place cards for a wedding I was helping with at The White Room. Shortly thereafter I discovered her first sweet little shop in downtown St. Augustine, Declaration Boutique. The store is full of items for the perfect gift and useful souvenirs you will be actually proud to give or happy to keep for yourself. :)
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Fine Art from Kent State University. It was always a dream to open a shop, and one day, I just went for it. I have always loved fashion, art, gifts and design and hoped to bring my love of those into one. Over the four years of owning Declaration, the business model has changed. I have adapted to the area and grown to find a little niche. Same goes for Hello B., because we couldn't fit both store concepts into a small space, we expanded into two!
How do you keep organized and multitask for 2 shops?
Planners, morning coffee meetings and lots of to-do lists!!!
Any advice on working with your spouse?
Communication is key!! You must be on the same team and always work toward the same goal. We both have different roles in the shops and try to keep with a routine in order for everything to run smoothly. Steve and I are best friends and truly love what we do!
What are your 3 most favorite things in your stores right now?
We have been working on a collection of our own products in Declaration. After four years of ideas, we have turned our designs into a line of sweetly curated gifts. Our greeting cards, buttons and quote necklaces are my favorite! Each design is fun and unique and inspired by the things we love and live by.
How do you pick your new inventory, what are the major influences? I'm sure there's some science to it other than just ordering what you like.
I always trust my gut. I truly stand behind everything I order for both shops and always search to find fresh new pieces as often as possible. I am influenced by our "beachy" town, plus the wants and needs of our customers.
What is your current favorite fashion trend?
I like to keep the shops full of classic pieces, but right now I can't seem to stay away from stripes and neon!
Follow Lara on Twitter and Facebook to stay current with her shops' new products and promotions!
I plan to continue to bring you interviews with successful women under the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might be interested in being featured please email meaghanmae@gmail.com.
(Free Advertisement for you!)
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| Lara and her husband Steve at work. This entrepreneurial couple definitely "passes the cute test!" |
I have a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Fine Art from Kent State University. It was always a dream to open a shop, and one day, I just went for it. I have always loved fashion, art, gifts and design and hoped to bring my love of those into one. Over the four years of owning Declaration, the business model has changed. I have adapted to the area and grown to find a little niche. Same goes for Hello B., because we couldn't fit both store concepts into a small space, we expanded into two!
How do you keep organized and multitask for 2 shops?
Planners, morning coffee meetings and lots of to-do lists!!!
 |
| Greeting card and buttons from Declaration Boutique. |
Any advice on working with your spouse?
Communication is key!! You must be on the same team and always work toward the same goal. We both have different roles in the shops and try to keep with a routine in order for everything to run smoothly. Steve and I are best friends and truly love what we do!
What are your 3 most favorite things in your stores right now?
We have been working on a collection of our own products in Declaration. After four years of ideas, we have turned our designs into a line of sweetly curated gifts. Our greeting cards, buttons and quote necklaces are my favorite! Each design is fun and unique and inspired by the things we love and live by.
 |
| Cute Necklaces available at Declaration Boutique. |
I always trust my gut. I truly stand behind everything I order for both shops and always search to find fresh new pieces as often as possible. I am influenced by our "beachy" town, plus the wants and needs of our customers.
What is your current favorite fashion trend?
I like to keep the shops full of classic pieces, but right now I can't seem to stay away from stripes and neon!
Follow Lara on Twitter and Facebook to stay current with her shops' new products and promotions!
 |
| A few of the designs available at Declaration Boutique. |
I plan to continue to bring you interviews with successful women under the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might be interested in being featured please email meaghanmae@gmail.com.
(Free Advertisement for you!)
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What a neat series! I'm going to have to go back and read about some of the other ladies you've featured. :)
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