Our first feature is Jack & Jill Children's Shoppe-- a super special company with 2 locations and a fantastic website!
Their stores:
5 North Jackson
Frankfort, IN 46041
(765) 654-4660
33 E. Pine Street
Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-9100
Visit them on facebook & check out their website!
Now, let the learning and loving begin! Meet Carol, the superstar owner of Jack & Jill Children's Shoppe.
How long have you been in business? How did you get into this business?
I opened my 1st store in Frankfort, Indiana, in May 2005. At the time I had 2 small grandchildren and could not find "cute or unique" clothes for them. I found most of the apparel I liked in small boutiques that were not close to our home. There was an empty building for sale in the downtown area of Frankfort so I bought it, gave it a name, and started my business. At that time I knew nothing about retail, I just knew what I wanted in my store. Boy, did I learn fast. I recruited my daughter, gave her the title of co-owner and we went forward, somewhat like two lost sheep.. Bob Detty was one of the first reps we worked with and I am not sure how Beth (my daughter) came to find him, but thank heavens she did.
I opened my 2nd store in Zionsville, IN out of desperation. A year after I opened in Frankfort they tore up the main street in downtown causing my store to become part of an obstacle course. Six years later I continue to have a nice little business in this family oriented village. Lots of grandmas and believers in supporting the local businesses.
On to my next venture - a new store (should be ready for occupancy in March) in a new area of one of the most affluent areas of Indianapolis.
What are your favorite color combinations for this Spring?
Of course pink has to be my #1 choice - what little girl doesn't want pink! Actually I am rather tired of it but I have no choice. For spring it is always the cool sherbert colors. My walls in the new store are going to be hot pink and lime and a little silver glitter.
What is your favorite style trend for this Spring?
I can tell you what I don't like more than I can pick out something I do like. The rompers for bigger girls is definitely not a favorite of mine. Tunics & leggings are always good and popular. Dresses that twirl - gotta have those.
What do you most attribute your store’s success to?
Great window displays attract people as much as anything. I had a gal stop in the Frankfort store today just to tell us that she loved our windows. It always makes you feel good that they get noticed. We offer great customer service which is a must. Customers expect more than a clerk at the cash register - we are not Macy's and don't want to be. We have a wonderful and expansive inventory - something for everyone and it does not go without comments - lots of oohs & aahs!
What 3 items could you not live without?
Hair bows, Little Giraffe blankets & anything Mud Pie.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I loved paper dolls and designing clothes - didn't turn out to be a designer. I was a high school librarian (media specialist and computer coordinator) for 28 1/2 years. I really wished I had gotten involved in this industry earlier. The downside of this is the investment to get a truly great business going and keeping it going.
What do you think is the most over hyped trend in parenting/children’s wear?
Dressing little girls like adults or movie stars!
What is your favorite kids book or series and why?
I love Nancy Drew! A fashion conscious young girl who had an exciting life. Good clean reading material.
We asked Carol to share a recipe with us (we are always looking for something new-- Pinterest anyone?) and she sent us this delightful recipe for a simple and fantastic appetizer! I made some the other night-- and I highly recommend them. They were creamy, tangy, cheesy and gooey! And they made the house smell delicious!
Carol's Appetizer
Mix: 1 cup mayo
4 strips of crisp bacon crumbled
1/2 - 2 oz of sliced black olives
1/4 cup grated onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Place a teaspoon of mixture on top of a piece of party rye or pumpernickel bread
Bake at 375 for about 10 minutes - until they are a little bubbly on top.
Let us know how you like them!
Above: A picture of my finished product. I went wild with the olives (LOVE them!) and I used whole wheat bread. I used a mix of cheddar cheese and Monterrey Jack, too! - Holly
