Meet Karen Holcomb

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Holcomb.  

Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been told I was born stubborn and determined. I grew up poor, in a single-parent home after losing my father to a brain tumor and cancer when I was 12 years old. After losing my father, I completely lost myself. From there, I bounced around from detention homes to foster care just trying to navigate my new world. 

You can say my life pivoted in 2002 at the age of 17. I had my life all planned out. As soon as graduation was over, I was heading off to be a Marine Biologist. I have always dreamt of being a Dolphin Trainer. I didn’t realize it at the time but sometimes dreams quickly fade when life doesn’t go as you planned it. Shortly after I graduated, I prepared to become a young mom. Marriage and baby number two quickly followed. Before I knew it, I found myself a single mom of two, working two jobs and going to college at night for my Marketing Degree. 

In 2009, I finally landed a job that paid enough for me to work one job and finish my degree. By 2012, I found myself laid off and tired of making someone else rich while I worked for less than my worth. I knew I wanted to do the things I loved and believed in myself enough to be successful. So, I opened Great Lakes Parrot Place (GLPP), where my motto was, “Raising baby parrots in a home, for a home!” Shortly after, I moved to a larger city and married my now husband. It was a lot of change, but we were creating a beautiful fairytale for our family. 

In 2016, my husband’s company changed some rules which allowed us to live anywhere we wanted. Because our kids were still young, we decided to move back up north to be closer to family. Although successful and highly demanding during our summer months, we closed down GLPP and decided to open up my second company running an online women’s Boutique. I quickly found my tribe of women who also learned I had a degree in marketing. I found myself helping other Boutiques with their marketing for free. I loved it, and it was my passion, so I truly enjoyed it. During this time, one of the Boutique owners asked me, “Why are you not running your own Marketing Agency?” For someone who always has something to say, it was shocking, but I was speechless. After all, I had college debt and wasn’t putting my degree to use. So, in 2019, I put my Boutique aside and focused fully on my Marketing Company! 

Boutique Marketing Studio is focused on Boutique Owners and Small Business owners who struggle with time, money, resources, and expertise. We are here to help all business owners generate new sales and create repeat customers. The best advice I have ever received is, “Do what you do best and hire the rest!” 

My company helps others reach their goals without the owners having to sacrifice their precious time to do the stuff that they love doing! 

We have been blessed to work for so many women-owned boutiques all over the world. We are helping other moms achieve their dreams and to me, that is priceless! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have been so fortunate to have such a large tribe of women who belong to Facebook groups that I am affiliated with. This has allowed me to reach out to millions of business owners. Because of these groups, my clients have all been able to find me, and I am so thankful for these groups! When I first began my company, I did worry that I would not find the clientele needed to be successful. However, I truly believe that once I realized what my purpose is and what I was meant to be doing, opportunities just come along for connections to be made. 

Navigating Covid and our current economy has been my biggest challenge today. We are blessed and still have clients that have been with us from day one. We see clients who need more services added to their current package; however, the unknown economy has life pretty much on standby mode. But that is okay; we aren’t going anywhere. We are staying strong and praying for miracles every day! With a positive attitude, there isn’t anything that we can’t accomplish! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Boutique Marketing Studio is focused on Boutique Owners and Small Business owners who struggle with time, money, resources, and expertise. We are here to help all business owners generate new sales and create repeat customers. The best advice I have ever received is, “Do what you do best and hire the rest!” My company helps others reach their goals without the owners having to sacrifice their precious time to do the stuff that they love doing! 

We help with Email Marketing, Text Marketing, Website Design, Influencer Marketing, Logo/Business Card designs, and Social Media Marketing. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, Kevin, and my two sons, Austyn and Dylan, for loving me even when I missed out on memories. To Krystle, for always riding the waves in this industry with me. Kimberly, for putting up with my late-night and last-minute blog edits. To my mother, for installing hard work and dedication in me. To my Coach Minessa, for believing in me and forcing me out of my comfort zone. To my best friend Mel, for being amazingly understanding when I have to cancel our coffee date two weeks in a row. Without you all playing a part in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boutiquemarketingstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_holcomb_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingstudio

Image Credits
Hello Pretty Photography