One woman can make a difference, and customers love it

By Marcy Medina | for The SKUpe

A version of this story first appeared in The SKUpe's weekly newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free, here.

Nisey Baylor of Nisey’s Boutique has been selling unique handcrafted apparel, accessories, beauty products and gifts for three decades. She tells us how, as a Black small business owner, she’s persisted by learning from her mistakes and building a supportive community within her DC-area store. –Marcy Medina

How would you describe your business?

My business is as eccentric and different as I am. I opened 30 years ago in Mt. Rainier, Md., a small city just outside Washington, D.C. It had lots of issues. I was in my 30s and felt like I could be the change the community needed. I don’t know if I call it success or that I just keep digging in, but I’d say I contributed to the area’s successes. It’s not the best location for retail, but I bring many customers to the area and I am proud of that.

What’s your secret to success?

Customers flock to my business because they see different merchandise all the time. I make them feel great about shopping with my unique type of retail. I spoil them with nice shopping bags and treats, little thank you’s to share my profits. People shop where they are liked and respected and they come back and tell other folks.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about growing a business?I have learned how to carry what my customers like, and I absolutely had to keep prices down because of this location in a small township.  I would not do a small city location again. Big lesson. Despite all the mistakes and failures I am still here, so that's the biggest blessing. Lastly, I had someone tell me that I might want to drop “boutique” from my store’s name because a lot of people see that word and they think overpriced or upscale.

What’s one thing you are experimenting with or excited to try in your store?
I’m thinking about adding stations where others can rent space and showcase their merchandise if it fits. 

Thanks for reading The SKUpe!

You can reach the newsletter team at theskupe@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you. 

Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com 

The SKUpe is curated and written  by Marcy Medina and edited by Bianca Prieto