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What makes a community the perfect place to launch a business? In this episode, Ashley from Apricot Lane Boutique shares her why, and it's something we continue to hear echoed throughout the town.

Having moved from Connecticut to Florida years ago, Ashley found herself drawn to Vero Beach for its unique ability to maintain a small-town atmosphere despite continuous growth. "No matter how big Vero Beach gets, it still has that hometown feel," she explains, referencing the perfect environment she's found for raising her family and building her boutique business.

The conversation weaves through Ashley's favorite local establishments– from the delicious Cuban Paella at The Wave to the irresistible buffalo cauliflower at American Icon Brewery. But the heart of the discussion centers on community support and what it means to shop local. As Ashley puts it, "We all have to support each other to keep our businesses open."

When asked about launching a retail store in the challenging post-COVID landscape, Ashley offers wisdom that transcends business: "Tell the people who are going to be on your side and support you, then wait until you've done it and tell everybody else." This strategic approach speaks volumes about her entrepreneurial mindset. Looking forward, she's excited about potential collaborations with other local businesses like Night Owl Coffee, strengthening the web of community connections that make Vero Beach special.

Are you ready to experience Vero Beach shopping? Stop by Apricot Lane and mention you heard Ashley on the podcast!

Presented by Killer Bee Marketing
Helping local businesses in Vero Beach connect with their neighbors.

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Be sure to connect with us on Instagram at @myverobeachdotcom

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Step behind the racks and discover the fascinating world of boutique ownership through the eyes of Ashley, the passionate owner of Apricot Lane Boutique in Vero Beach. During this conversation, Ashley pulls back the curtain on juggling motherhood, caring for both a four-month-old baby and a 17-year-old daughter, while running a fashion boutique.

What makes this boutique special? Ashley's approach to creating a multi-generational shopping experience is to offer something for everyone: "a 17-year-old can walk in and find something, her mom in her 30s or 40s can find something, and then grandma can find something too." This vision stems from her own shopping experiences with her daughter, where they'd often have to compromise on which stores to visit. Ashley's determined to solve this common frustration by curating a diverse collection that spans generations.

During this episode, Ashley shares some information about her styling services that help customers break out of their fashion comfort zones, explaining how the right guidance can transform someone's wardrobe and confidence. Whether you're interested in retail management, fashion, or love learning about local businesses, this conversation offers a refreshing look at the passion and purpose behind one of Vero Beach's shopping destinations. Listen now to gain a new appreciation for the thought and care that goes into every piece of clothing you try on at your local boutique.

Presented by Killer Bee Marketing
Helping local businesses in Vero Beach connect with their neighbors.

Support the show

Support The Show
Keep It Local. Keep It Going

Be sure to connect with us on Instagram at @myverobeachdotcom

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Ever wondered what it takes to leave the corporate world behind and open your own boutique? Ashley Borenz of Apricot Lane Boutique in Vero Beach shares her journey from big box retail manager to independent business owner.

After 15 years in Vero Beach and years working alongside her husband at Lowe's, Ashley took the entrepreneurial leap. Her motivation wasn't just about being her own boss, it stemmed from a desire to create a genuinely personable shopping experience where customer connections matter and employees love coming to work. With her best friend Jamie by her side, they set out to build something special in the community they love.

Ashley offers insights into the franchise model, explaining how Apricot Lane differs from traditional corporate retailers. Unlike cookie-cutter chain stores, her boutique maintains complete autonomy over inventory selection, allowing her to curate styles specifically for Vero Beach clientele while still benefiting from valuable franchise guidance on the business fundamentals.

Perhaps most compelling is Ashley's raw honesty about facing unexpected challenges. Opening the boutique while pregnant forced this self-described "control freak" to learn delegation faster than anticipated. Her initial vision of strapping her newborn on her back while working 10-hour days quickly gave way to a more realistic approach– trusting her team and asking for help. "Opening a business and having a baby taught me to ask for help," she reflects, crediting her infant son with teaching her to relinquish control.

Ready to discover more about Ashley's retail journey and how she's building community connections through fashion? Subscribe to the Vero Beach Podcast and join us next time as we explore the day-to-day operations behind running a successful boutique!

Presented by Killer Bee Marketing
Helping local businesses in Vero Beach connect with their neighbors.

Support the show

Support The Show
Keep It Local. Keep It Going

Be sure to connect with us on Instagram at @myverobeachdotcom