Elephants and Giraffes, a Richmond children's boutique

November 4, 7:50 PM

Richmond Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner

Kelly Combs

Julee Evans turned her hobby into a business. A stay-at-home mom since 2001, she is the mother of an 8 yr old and a 5 yr old, and the owner of Elephants and Giraffes, a children's boutique. "I think I've always wanted to have a store," said Julee. "Growing up, my best friend and I would price everything in our bedrooms and play store. We took sewing lessons together when we were 12. I started working for custom swimsuit designer Meg Bisese of Meg's Swimwear when I was 13."

Julee went on to earn her marketing degree and work in various retail locations before becoming a representative for Kelly's Kids. Julee began asking her past customers to consign their clothing. They would bring in their children's clothing for Julee to sell and buy the next sizes up for their children. Julee's business grew from that.

One of the advantages of her own business Julee says, is being able to work around her kid's schedules, "but I try to keep it consistent. I post my hours each week on the Elephants and Giraffes website, but am always available to make appointments or having shopping parties, where the hostess can earn free clothes."

Elephants and Giraffes isn't just a children's boutique with new and used kids clothes. They also offer customized Princess Birthday parties, and sewing classes for children.

Julee's advice for other moms who want to start a business is "Be brave enough to live creatively! Consider what you want out of this, is it really a business or a hobby?" Julee warned you should be prepared to hear "no" over and over again, and not get discouraged. "If you are really passionate about it," Julee stressed, "keep it going."

FOR MORE INFO: Visit Elephants and Giraffes at 3016 Mountain Road in Glen Allen. Be sure and check the hours for the week at the Elephants and Giraffes website or phone 804-337-1749. Use this coupon to receive $10 off your purchase of $30 or more by November 30th. (Some items excluded from coupon.)

Kelly Combs