Happy Monday! Today’s dose of inspiration comes from CoChic Cool Chick Hallie Borden, owner of Milk Handmade, a women’s boutique in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. Hallie and I met a few years ago when she opened her boutique. My boutique had been open for a year, and we shared mutual vendors (jewelry and clothing designers) that we carried at our respective shops. We easily connected since we had a lot in common, as Hallie also left her 9-5 job to open her shop, and we both have an affinity for supporting local designers. Hallie has curated Milk Handmade to perfection: it is full of beautiful pieces from independent designers and handmade goods. Hallie is the buyer, handles all of the operations, and works on the sales floor, as well. Read on to learn more about this Jane-of-all-trades and what it’s like to be a shop girl.
If you are new to CoChic Cool Chicks, every Monday I feature a woman entrepreneur who inspires me, who I am lucky enough to have in my girl boss network. These women are doing great things and whether you aspire to be an entrepreneur or not, I hope that they inspire you to do great things, too. I encourage you to check out their businesses, websites, and social media. And reach out to them, ask them questions, say hello. They’d love to hear from you!
Tell us about your business!
Milk Handmade is a Chicago boutique filled with pieces from independent designers. We focus on clothing and accessories that are made locally by emerging artists. Milk is located in the Andersonville neighborhood, at 5137 N. Clark, right across from Hopleaf.
Follow Milk Handmade on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
What made you decide to take the leap to become a business owner?
Owning a store was a lifelong dream, but the idea always seemed too fun to do for work. Work is something you suffer through so that you can enjoy the weekend, right? Well I hated the feeling of wanting time to pass faster during the week, and I realized how awful it was that I was basically wishing my life would go by more quickly. I wanted to enjoy every day, and work on something I felt passionate about. Once I ditched the mentality that work couldn’t be fun, I was so invigorated that I ran full speed ahead and never looked back.
Where did the name Milk Handmade come from?
Before I opened Milk, I had a lot of vintage milk-related tchotchkes, because my last name is Borden. I was thinking I’d love to put some old Borden milk crates in my store’s window display, and then it clicked. I love that it invokes femininity and a relaxed, farmhouse vibe.
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Being involved with a community of designers, and helping them succeed. This may sound strange, but my favorite part of the week is paying the artists I work with. We share the same goals, so it makes me happy when their work sells well in my shop, and I get to cut them a big check.
What’s the most challenging thing about being an entrepreneur?
In a small shop, sales fluctuate—sometimes wildly—and that can be stressful. When I first opened, I’d be so bummed when we had a slow day. And then we’d have a great day, and I would rush to buy more inventory, which is also a problem. I’ve made peace with the ebb and flow of business now, but it took a long time, and can still occasionally be a struggle.
Photo c/o Michelle Starbuck
What do you love most about owning a shop?
I feel like I’m not supposed to say “the clothes,” but yeah… The clothes. I love seeing sketches and samples months before things are actually produced, and occasionally being involved in the design process is very exciting.
What is your best piece of business advice?
A lot of entrepreneurs stick to the mantra “I only sell things that I want myself.” I think that’s bad business. Your customers aren’t all exactly like you—they have varying styles and are looking for different things. You can remain true to your vision while catering to a wider audience. I have some regular customers who are 25, and some who are 65, and it’s important to me that they both find clothing that makes them feel like their best self—not my best self.
Photo c/o CHC
Do you have any tricks of the trade you could share with us?
I follow the opposite of Coco Chanel’s advice. I always look in the mirror before I leave the house and ADD one thing. Life’s short. Accessorize.
How would you describe your personal style?
A lot of neutrals and a lot of jewelry. I switch between feminine, flirty silhouettes and a more minimalistic and edgy approach, depending on my mood. I tend to wear the same outfit or slight variations on it for a few days in a row.
What does being CoChic (comfortably chic) mean to you?
Feeling like yourself. It’s easy to get wrapped up in wanting to look or act or think like someone else, especially in fashion. To me, CoChic means being comfortable, confident, and content.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I run Milk Handmade with my retired racing greyhound, Sauvie. She is an excellent business partner, although she’s often caught sleeping on the job. Stop on by and say hello to the both of us!
Hallie, thanks for sharing all of your business advice and letting us in on a day in the life of a shop owner!
Be sure to visit Hallie and Sauvie at Milk Handmade: 5137 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60640!
