Dragonflies and Ladybugs

Robyn Johnson owns a brick and mortar and online children's clothing boutique called Dragonflies and Ladybugs Boutique.  They sell a variety of designer fashions for infants and children to age 10 years both boys and girls.  They also sell some gift type products such as Noodle and Boo baby care products, Bla Bla Dolls, Monkey Toe Shoes, and a few more MOM creations in our brick and mortar boutique. 

Robyn started her business in December 2004 after she had her second daughter.  I wanted to originally do something from home.  Before I realized it, I had a full-fledged business venture.  We incorporated in 2005, and we opened our Brick and Mortar here in Reno in September 2007.

After doing this business for four years, I have carried and stopped carrying a lot of different brands of clothing over the years.  I actually draw inspiration from my customers.  I have a lot of loyal customers that recommend designers to me, and if I like the look and feel of the clothing and prices are good, then I usually will try them out for a season or two.  For example, the brand I carry now Misha LuLu was recommended by a customer of mine last Spring, and so I tried out a few pieces of her clothing in the store, and it was a HUGE hit.  So now, I have grown very fond of Karen and her husband Joe, their story, and their design philosophy, so they are one of my biggest clothing lines in the store.  Other brands are "staples" I know they are made very well, the prices are good for boutique style clothing, and they always sell well from year to year.  I try very hard to cater to a variety of customers by carrying something from each end of the spectrum in boutique fashion and affordability, then I usually try to do  a middle of the road conservative style.  This way I have something that will fit any little personality out there.

I love all the clothes that I carry, especially now that I too am more experienced in buying the clothing lines.  I love going to Los Angeles or Dallas and viewing each new collection, and now having the confidence in myself to make the right choices for my store.  But I would have to say my favorite experience is always the beginning of each season when my repeat customers say to me..."your new collections are Gorgeous!" or "You did a really good job this season".  Then I love when I get the NEW customer that will email me and say "I love your store, it is so cute and I love all that you carry"  Even if they don't always purchase... it makes me feel good to know they are looking and love to "window" shop even if it is online.  That is the MOST rewarding for me.

What are Robyn's plans for the future? I would love to do this forever, as it is fun and stressful.  The stress keeps me young and on my toes... and it brings a little bit of excitement into my life.  However, since my husband deployed with the Army to Iraq, and I am now a single mom of two girls in school.. my life has taken a bit of a turn.  My main focus is my girls, so I am not sure what will happen come Fall 2009. 

I would LOVE to become a sales rep for designers and sell to other boutiques someday too, or possibly write a book on "how to" own your own boutique, whether it be children's or women's clothing.  I think I made every mistake that you could possibly make in this business, and I have already helped and advised newer owners that are just starting up.  I have no problems sharing my knowledge with other women, as that is the only way we can grow.  I wished that I had someone four years ago that would mentor me in this business.  So those are thoughts that I toss around in my head.. consulting, buyer, or writer... I would like it to revolve around this business though, because I think I am good at it and I love it.  That is what is important.

Visit www.dragonfliesandladybugs.com. and http://dandlboutique.blogspot.com.   Reno, Nevada