Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Galvin.
Hi Kathryn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up as a child in Bakersfield, California with a big imagination and love for the creative! Fashion was always important to me even as a kid because I found it the best way to express yourself without saying a word. I loved shopping with my mom in boutique stores, vintage and contemporary. I just loved the unique pieces you could find in them and the relationships you could build with the owners.
I fell in love with theater in high school and decided it was something I wanted to pursue in college. I got accepted into the California Institute of Arts for Stage Management. I had an amazing first year there but before I could return for a second, I experienced an unexpected loss of a family member. As things like this can cause us to do, I reevaluated the path that I was on and decided to pursue my first love, fashion.
That led me to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising to study Merchandise Marketing and Business Management. Once I graduated, I went into Merchandise Planning in the corporate fashion environment to gain as much knowledge as possible, as it was in my mind to one day have my own business just like the boutiques I shopped growing up. And so, GRAU Women’s Boutique was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Experiencing loss and changing direction along the way was not an easy road to travel. However, prayer and perseverance got me through everything. I just kept pushing forward and building toward what I wanted and knew was the way I was supposed to go. I continue to push forward, pray and have patience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
GRAU is a women’s boutique in the Magnolia Park area of Burbank, California. We specialize in trendy, contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories. We strive to create a welcoming environment in which women can feel safe to be themselves and find what makes them feel their best.
There are a few things that really set us apart; one is the real relationships that we build with customers, we love to know who they are to be able to style them in what we know they’ll love but also what might surprise them. It is the best feeling when you pick out something the customer may not consider for themselves and they are surprised to look and feel great. Our goal is for every customer to leave feeling their best.
Another is that everything in the store is priced under $100 and quality is not sacrificed. We only carry trusted brands that will last season over season. It was very important to me to create that boutique environment but allow more people with differing budgets to be able to shop. Growing up boutique shopping, I realized that price could be a deterrent for those on a budget and I wanted that not to be an obstacle for my customers.
Lastly, I am very proud that our range in merchandise allows for customers with differing styles and ages to shop in the same place. Whether your style is girly or rock or somewhere in between, women of any age can find something they love at GRAU.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned that patience is something you have to practice to know that everything will come at the exact right time. It’s easier said than done but a great thing to learn and grow from to help in future obstacles.
Pricing:
- Every item retails under $100
Contact Info:
- Email: www.grauwomensboutique.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/grauwomensboutique
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/grauwomensboutique
- Yelp: www.Yelp.com/grauwomensboutique
Image Credits
Erin Lucas
