Kristy Robillard

 Owner:

Boutique Cher Bebe

Robillard leased a niche in Lion's Gate to sell the book along with "Dude-related" T-shirts and items. When a larger space there opened up, the opportunity arose for her to fulfill her dream, and in August 2009 she moved in. Business was slow at first and expensive advertising was out of the question. Knowing the power of word of mouth, Robillard took the time to build personal relationships with her customers, acting as a personal shopper for busy mothers and assisting grandparents, friends and neighbors of young families in making correct gift choices.

Her advice to others wishing to start a business is to do their homework. Study locations, keeping in mind traffic patterns that will bring customers by the store and make sure the competition is not right across the street.  Small businesses really need to get the word out about their services and establish a good reputation. "Courtesy is the key to building customer loyalty," she says.

Robillard travels to the Dallas market to find retail stock, but tries to buy as much as she can from Louisiana artisans. She works full time in the business, but has hired two college students to help out on Fridays and Saturdays. She networks with other business people as a member of the Rotary Club in Gonzales. In her spare time she likes to read. Nicholas Sparks is one of her favorite authors, but she also reads fiction by Jodi Picoult, Dean Koontz, Sue Grafton, and Mary Higgins Clark, as well as true stories. Robillard believes her business will continue to thrive. "After all babies are always being born and kids keep growing."