Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Novotny.
Hi Tina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a teenager, I enjoyed participating in my aunt’s multi-family garage sales, where I sold my clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. Not only did I enjoy selling my pieces, but I also took an interest in how I displayed items at a sale. I recall using decorative cardstock to display jewelry and coordinating all of my clothes that hung on racks.
Several years later, I began selling my clothes and accessories at a large flea market west of the Twin Cities. As shoppers visited my booth and browsed through my pieces, many asked if I owned a shop or boutique. This question was asked by shoppers frequently and soon became a topic of conversation about starting a business. In March 2016, I purchased new apparel from a wholesale marketplace and rented a commercial space for my first pop-up shopping event. This one-day event was a success, so I continued to order merchandise and hosted pop-up events in Hutchinson and Olivia from 2016-2022.
In May 2023, I opened an occasional shop in Olivia, MN, that is open one weekend in May, July, September, and twice in November. My first opening kicks off on Mother’s Day weekend (May 8, 9, 10) and ends on Small Business Saturday. Each opening at my occasional shop is unique and special, as my amazing customers enjoy browsing all the new merchandise, and I get to connect with customers who travel near and far to attend. Though my shop can be congested, and you may have to wait patiently in line to check out or for an open dressing room, I strive to provide each customer with an enjoyable, memorable, and unique shopping experience. I’m beyond grateful for every person who walks through the door!
When my shop is closed, I hit the road May through October with my 30-foot mobile shop, which was a former Frito-Lay delivery truck. My hubby and I, along with a few others, did the entire conversion. It was quite the project, but it was worth the time and effort as it turned out great! I take the truck to select markets, festivals, and other special events. My mobile shop attracts a lot of attention wherever it goes. I’ve had women see me drive by on the road and follow behind me to an event to shop the truck.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road? Um, no. Does that exist!? With no prior background in retail, buying, or merchandising, I had to learn a ton along the way. I’m still learning today. It’s also been challenging to find a healthy balance between work and family, and simply juggling all the things that come with being a small business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I saw a need to bring fashion to our rural community by opening a unique occasional shop in Olivia, our county hub. I wanted to offer women’s clothing and accessories, as we don’t have many shopping options in our area. My storefront is open just five times a year, one weekend in May, July, September, and twice in November. Each opening offers something different as inventory is changing. Women are excited to see all the new items, and they come with anticipation. Shoppers travel near and far to attend each opening.
What I am proud of and what sets me apart is converting a former Frito-Lay’s delivery truck into a mobile shop. My hubby and I did the bulk of the conversion with the help of a local carpenter. Although there are several mobile businesses on the road, I have not seen anything quite like my truck. It’s unique. My truck attends festivals and other special events from May through October.
Both my truck and storefront offer a fun, unique, and memorable shopping experience. It truly brings me joy to serve others, and I believe in providing customers with quality goods at an affordable price. I also strive to offer items you typically wouldn’t see in a rural setting or inside a former Frito-Lay’s delivery truck, providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rev320shop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rev320shop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rev320shop
