Inspiring Conversations with Sarah Maltese of Urban Elm Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Maltese. 

Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my business on my 30th birthday. That was the day I had enough courage to apply for my business name with the state of Michigan. Before that, I was running my other business with my husband, Main Street Auto Wash of Plymouth. We are the second generation in my family to own it and we are going on our 6th year since we bought it from my parents. Being an entrepreneur has always been in my blood. From there I did endless amounts of research to prepare myself to launch the Urban Elm Boutique. I renovated a space in my home to create a studio for me to work in. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Retail Buying from Madonna University so it’s safe to say I was always heading down this path. I’ve always had a knack for styling and being able to create life out of clothes. I officially launched my website in April of 2021. Since then, I have working endlessly to grown my business organically and connect with my customers. I had my first Finders Keepers Vintage Market Show in Belleville, MI in October, and was probably my best day since I launched my business. The energy I felt that day ha fueled me to keep pushing and growing my brand to help other women feel amazing. I also have my collections in a wonderful shop in Milan, Magnolia’s on East Main. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nope! I honestly wanted to quit the month of August, I thought I was failing. My sales were dropping and so did my spirit along with it. I know I’m still in my first year, but I was giving this everything I had. I felt like I wasn’t being seen in the way I imagined. Mentally owning your own business is a struggle in itself. There is no one there to say ” hey great job today”, you have to be your biggest cheerleader. You have to always believe you can do anything even on the days you don’t want to. Failure is part of the process. Learning and not dwelling on your mistakes is the only way to grow as a person and as a business. I still struggle somedays, but every time I get a new order, I feel like that person is saying I believe in you. 

We’ve been impressed with Urban Elm Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Urban Elm Boutique is a place that women can come t0 find something that makes them feel alive again. Our bodies are a canvas and clothing is our paint. We tell a story with what we wear and the power of a good outfit on a bad day can change your entire prospective. We specialize in offering chic clothing that is comfortable, there I said it. I have sent countless clothing back to vendors because as a mom if I can wrangle a toddler in my outfit, it’s not gonna fly. I give my community options that they can take to work, wear at home, or go out on the town. I think/hope what sets me apart from others is the passion I put behind each and every product I carry. If I wouldn’t wear it, I can’t sell it. I’m most proud of the community that the Urban Elm has created. The people I get to interact with on a daily basis are what inspires me to keep going and give them a place that they know when they receive something from the Urban Elm, they are getting more than just clothes. They get the feeling that they are beautiful, powerful, and inspiring. Being an online-only business (aside from markets and pop-ups) requires you to build a relationship with each and every person that orders from you. Helping moms figure out their new bodies after babies or someone who has recently lost weight and isn’t sure how to style this “new person”, I can help with that. I myself have been every size from 16 down to 4. 

What were you like growing up?
Personality-wise growing up I was what we refer to my daughter as spirited. I’m the youngest of 3 and if you ask my sisters, they will say it shows some days. I use to change my outfits 3-4 times a day because the world was my stage. My mom allowed costumes be a part of my everyday look and never judged me for it. I have always had a sense of independence. I started babysitting at 11 so I could make my own money, Thankfully the family I first worked for had a fiercely strong & independent mom who taught me that women can do anything. My parents have always been my biggest fans and I’m so thankful for them to teach me that hard work & perseverance will pay off. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopurbanelm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopurbanelm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopurbanelm