When Eileen Carew decided to open her own home decor shop a year ago, she took on the role in which many entrepreneurs find themselves in: the person she does. “I am the founder, the curator, the shop buyer and the strategist,” she told entrepreneur. “Aspectdo aspect, from helping the inventory to the design of the client's experience, reflects my passion for indoor and store holding crafts.”

The Carew team has since expanded to include two additional team members, allowing it to fully enter the role of CEO, allowing it to “focus on moving us forward than on daily operations”.

There is more here about how Carew built her own business and how it attracts loyal store and online customers.

Please provide the elevator height of your business.
Purchase It is a new and vintage boutique for home decor located in the historic city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and also has a great trail online. We cure the parts that mix the modern model of good quality character, ensuring that each item has meaning and purpose. We are focused on providing an exploratory experience for our community of clients, who take deep care of the personality of their homes and want everyday items to bring them fulfillment. We love inspirational customers to find parts that make their homes feel deeply personal and increase their lives. You can find us at 98 Penhallow Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, and online at Emptioportsmouth.com.

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Inspect what inspired you to create a void?
Before starting the gap, I spent over a decade working in corporate accounting, mainly in SEC reporting to publicly traded companies, maintaining different management roles. As I discovered a love for project management, I found myself wanting a creative outlet. Over time, I realized that I wanted to manage the final project – a company. This realization began to take shape when it was stuck in the podcast How would she do it?which contains the story of female entrepreneurs. Listening to their trips, they planted some faith.

So what was the first real step to make it happen?
Around that time, I had just bought my first home and found myself immersed in design and interior gatherings – passions I have been carrying since childhood. The “AHA moment” came when I participated in a vintage market. There, I experienced the joy of holding stores and I knew I wanted to create a space where people could discover their personal style, celebrate individuality, and depart from cookie cuttings. This vision became the foundation of the void-a place where creativity, quality and self-expression unite.

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When do you know this would work?
The first time I sold our most expensive article was a moment that changes the game for business. When we opened, I decided to show an ancient English table at $ 2,500 – a special part that embodied the essence of our brand and set the tone for the store signaling customers the type of quality they could expect. Not long after we opened, a woman went inside and bought it in place. This sale proved our concept test, reshaped my perspective on inventory and strengthened my confidence to invest in pieces. He taught me that when you see your inventory as an asset, rather than a cost, and focus on items that are really special, the requirement will follow. That moment turned my initial concerns into a strong conviction: great things attract excellent buyers.

Advice what advice would you give entrepreneurs who were looking to open a brick and mortar?
Be strategic with your space – it is important to be aware of square foot sales and make sure you use the space in a way that not only enhances the customer's experience, but also provides efficient inventory flow to maximize sales potential. And prioritize your online presence. When I opened the store, I looked at websites as a necessary evil, given that they contribute to approximately 15% of brick and mortar store sales. After learning that a website should not be a stagnant thing, it became more interesting to me creatively, and now I completely embrace it – and let's accept it, it helps to support the reality of physical space.

In addition to income, what are some other ways you are monitoring success?
I am very proud that approximately 20% of our personal customers return to the store, which is nearly double the average for brick and mortar stores. I attribute it mainly to our ever -changing choice of products as well as our employees. This statistic tells us that we have built a space and relationships that are really special and sustainable.

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Mean what does the word “entrepreneur” mean to you?
Being an entrepreneur is about identifying something that is missing in the market and the feeling of an obligation to bring it to life. For me, it was about mixing a love for the home with the art of holding stores, creating an environment that is both curated and inspiring.

What is something that many aspiring business owners think they need that they actually do not do?
I think business owners can get caught in aesthetics. For store owners specifically, this can mean a lot of focus on decor and design before choosing critical software to ensure operations operate smoothly. An attractive visual space is important and something I am passionate about, but I think that investing in inventory management and customer experience is more critical for business success.

Are there any special quota or saying that you use it as a personal motive?
“Everything in moderation, including moderation.” I love the game in an old saying and appreciate the memory that matters, and also taking risks and going out of the box can be very important and influential, whether in business or in life.