Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Miller.
Meredith, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career started in the Advertising industry. I spent 15 years working at ad agencies in Los Angeles and New York, before becoming a retailer. My love of marketing and creativity was a natural fit for the retail world. My husband, Michael, and I purchased the iconic Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain in South Pasadena, and we transformed it into what it still is today – a landmark of the West Coast! Fast forward and I also created a few jewelry lines; especially notable, Poker Chip Girl, which was sold throughout high-end Las Vegas casinos and other specialty boutiques. I also spent a few years as a retail marketing consultant with clients that included the California Gift Show and several retail businesses.
In 2010, we purchased Webster’s Community Pharmacy in Altadena Ca. I knew immediately that I wanted to give it the “Miller Transformation” and create an updated neighborhood drug store complete with a Post Office and an abundance of trendy and nostalgic gifts, toys and of course, retro candy! Webster’s has been in Altadena for 91 years and it’s our honor to continue the legacy of this unique, independent business.
In 2014, we expanded our footprint and opened up Meredith M, a trend-friendly women’s apparel and fashion accessories boutique that also features a selection of gifts and clothing for babies and toddlers. This was my long-term dream! I grew up in a fashion-focused home and always loved clothes and shopping – who doesn’t!
Giving back to the community is a very important part of my story. I believe in the “be the change you want to see in the world” philosophy, and that it starts right in your own backyard. I’m active in the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Collaborate Pasadena, the Pasadena Humane Society and many other projects in my community.
Being a small business owner has shaped my life, my family’s life and everyone else around me. I wouldn’t change anything about it!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Business is never a smooth road, if it were, everyone would be happy and successful! For me, learning from mistakes and staying emotionally distant has worked well. The phrase “it’s business, not personal” has to become part of one’s vocabulary in order to be focused and forward-thinking. Small business owners are always putting themselves out there, taking risks and learning as we go along. But, it’s really important to know when to keep going and when to let go and try something different. I prefer the word Challenge to the word Obstacle!
Please tell us about Webster’s Community Pharmacy and Meredith M Boutique.
If I had to pinpoint one thing we’re known for, it’s our amazing customer service. This is true for both of my businesses. We know your name, your kids’ names, how your family is doing and we really care about you. I’ve always treated my customers like family, and vice versa. We’ve developed close friendships with some of our customers over the years, and that is super special.
Webster’s is filled with highly curated one-of-a-kind gifts and toys. We are the place everyone runs to when they need that special something and need it in a hurry! We always gift wrap, and we’ll even send it out via our in-house Post Office. Of course, our pharmacy is highly modernized and our pharmacists always have time to consult with our patients.
Meredith M
We specialize in “trend-friendly” fashion and accessories at super affordable prices.
These days, most women want to add fashion into their wardrobes that doesn’t cost more than their groceries, so we’ve found great quality, easy fit clothing for most shapes and sizes at reasonable pricing. My philosophy is wear it one season, then feel no guilt trading it out for next year’s newest color and trend. It’s what we do! Our baby department is brimming with high quality and mom-approved clothing and gifts. From Jelly Cat to Milkbarn, we’ve got the latest “baby trends”! We also love to party at Meredith M and Webster’s RX, our Happy Hours and other Holiday Events are community favorites.
We’ve won the prestigious Pasadena Weekly “Best Of” Awards for both of our businesses for two years straight. That is no small feat, considering we’re in Altadena, north of Pasadena proper. We’re proud of our wonderful team, our customer support and most of all being successful independent small businesses in today’s challenging world!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Without a doubt it’s the many trips I made to Disneyland with my Father! It was newly opened back then and my dad indulged my 6-year-old obsession to go and go and go! He also had to sit through endless rides on Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and of course It’s A Small World! Thanks Dad!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2450 N. Lake Ave.,
Altadena, CA 91001 - Website: altadenarx.com, https://shopmeredith.myshopify.com/
- Phone: Webster’s RX – 626-797-1163 Meredith M- 626-204-2677
- Email: meredithm.altadena@gmail.com
- Instagram: Meredith M – https://www.instagram.com/meredithm2450/
Webster’s https://www.instagram.com/websterspharm/ - Facebook: Meredith M https://www.facebook.com/meredithm2450/ Websters https://www.facebook.com/websterscommunitypharmacy/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
