Once Upon a Child franchise growing in Oak Brook
Interview with Rachel Gutierrez of Once Upon a Child in Oak Brook.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A. Once Upon A Child buys and sells quality, gently used children’s apparel, baby equipment and furniture, books, toys, and more. At Once Upon A Child, parents can get brand name necessities at great values, and can take their gently used brand name items and turn it into cash. Unlike a typical consignment store, Once Upon A Child provides customers with extra cash in their pocket on the spot.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: With more than 15 years of marketing experience, I started looking for a business opportunity that would allow me to have the work-life balance I had always dreamed of. As an avid shopper at Once Upon A Child, I love the value and service it provides customers. So when I began to look for a business opportunity, Once Upon A Child seemed to be the perfect fit. It allows me to utilize my marketing skills while having a business that allows me to spend time with my daughters.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: I have truly enjoyed the process of beginning my business and feel that I have been given the opportunity to achieve that work-life balance we all hope for. I’m now more involved in my daughters’ lives. Truthfully, some days feel a bit more “balanced” than others and I am in the learning stages of this skill set. When I first began the business, it took some readjusting to learn how much time and effort truly goes into operating a small business. I am learning more and more about myself and my abilities each day, and that is the best part of owning my own business.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: I truly enjoy seeing the customers come into my shop and watching their faces light up. Children’s clothes are expensive for every family and they are outgrown daily, so to provide a business that is in such high demand in Oak Brook is a fantastic opportunity. We have received such a positive response from the community who are excited about the store and are impressed with our selection and what we have to offer.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Since high school, I wanted to get into advertising. My new business allows me to utilize the skills I learned in school and apply it to my own business.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: I am and will always be a mom first and foremost. I am constantly making sure that I am maintaining that quality time with my girls.
Q: You could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Research. Research. Research. Before owning my own business, I shadowed many Once Upon A Child franchise owners to learn more about their day-to-day operations. I wanted to make sure that I knew what owning my own business would entail. I asked a lot of questions to prepare myself to understand what other business owners have gone through.
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Once Upon A Child
<B>Name:</B> Rachel Gutierrez
<B>Business:</B> Once Upon A Child
<B>Address:</B> 1600 West 16th Street in Oak Brook
<B>Owner: </B>Rachel Gutierrez
<B>Year business started:</B> 2011