Hidden Gems: Meet Alexis Murphy of Fox and Hound Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Murphy.  

Hi Alexis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
During a college summer, I worked at a local boutique as a sales associate in our small touristy town, Harbor Springs, MI. This is where I started to imagine myself as a business owner. A couple years later, I graduated with a marketing degree and decided to fulfill another little dream of mine, working and living on Mackinac Island, MI. I ended up staying on the island for four seasons, working for a few women-owned businesses where I took in a lot of information of the small business world. These women became not only friends but my mentors. After much time researching and planning my future business, I decided to take the leap. I found a building for rent in Petoskey, an area I know quite well, and began the process. It was a huge learning process – working with the bank, creating the brand, working with vendors, you name it. On May 22, 2021, I opened the doors to Fox and Hound Boutique, where I was welcomed by the community I grew up with, a great accomplishment! 

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?
There have definitely been obstacles! Many came in the beginning stages of starting a business. Remodeling a store is not something I would want to deal with again. Setbacks come easily when remodeling, and it took a bit more time than planned. Then there’s always the continuous challenges of the general learning curves of starting a business on my own. I am learning that it is ok to not know everything all at once but to look back and see how much I have learned along the way! 

As you know, we’re big fans of Fox and Hound Boutique. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Fox and Hound Boutique specializes in modern everyday children’s wear that highlights earthy tones/neutral colors, which sets us apart from the other children’s clothing stores in our area. We offer sizes newborn up to 8/9 years old for both boys and girls. We not only offer clothing, but we also have a unique selection of nursery decor, baby/children accessories, and a small selection of toys/learning products. 

Fox and Hound focuses on finding comfortable, high-quality clothing brands for your little ones. Whether it be locally handmade or a bigger brand that we trust, we want to offer the best options with of course, the cutest style! 

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk is needed to be successful, as well as failure. I believe as a 27-year-old woman who decided to open a business all on her own was the biggest risk I have taken! It can be hard to be taken seriously around that age and let alone being a female in a “business world”. I am proud I took the leap and was able to prove myself that I, as a woman, can accomplish anything I work towards. 

Pricing:

• $30-40 average item cost

Contact Info:

• Website: www.foxandhoundkid.com
• Instagram: @foxandhoundboutique
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxandhoundboutique/