Today we’d like to introduce you to Jes Peterson. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Jes grew up in Rochester and always had a passion for retail. One of her first jobs was at Vanity working with clothing learning a lot about customer service and visual merchandising. She went on to a variety of shops and found her love for home décor and design as a manager at Pier One. The recession in 2008 hit hard and Jes was raising three little ones on her own she found herself in need of a steady career. She got a job as a bank teller, went to college, and received a degree in Business Management.
Having an entrepreneurial spirit and a new education she thought she would write a business plan and be on her way to something great. After being laughed out of several banks she gave up and kept on working and networking in her community. Jes had been in Kismet several times over its 19 years in business but little did she know that day would change her life forever. Penny the previous owner of Kismet simply said “I hear you want to buy my business?”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It took about seven months of agents, lawyers, bankers, and deliberation to finalize the purchase. Included in the purchase of the Kismet business were 4 parcels and a parking lot. The buildings are aging and have a variety of issues and upkeep.
Taxes are high, as parking for shoppers, and tenants, and the dreaded snow plow bill. Being the face of a company with a change in ownership has its challenges. The need to earn the trust of not only the employees but the customers and consigners as well.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Kismet is a magical place and is known for its unique merchandise. They have 2500 square feet of on-trend, high-end, and vintage fashion. Shoes, purses, and jewelry. Another 2500 square feet of home décor, furniture, antiques, art, and other quirky fun things.
Kismet is a consignment shop which means consignors bring items in and when they sell there is a 50/50 split on proceeds. It’s amazing what people bring into the shop and it has a way of curating itself into a beautiful and fun place to shop and explore. Kismet “is meant to be”.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Rochester is wonderful to raise a family, is diverse, and has many visitors. I feel the “city” doesn’t value the past and preservation of Rochester’s history. Many people say there’s nothing to to do but there is a wide variety of options for dining, shopping and entertainment. You are only as bored as you are boring, get out and explore it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kismetconsignment.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kismet_consignment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KismetConsignment
