Local Business: Meet Kellie Scott of Divine Consign

Patch caught up with Kellie Scott, owner of two Oak Park, Ill based consignment stores- furniture boutique, Divine Consign and clothing store, Trends to learn what it’s like to run a successful small business.

What have you learned while starting and operating your own business?

I have learned many things. I would say that the biggest lesson learned is that it’s not easy. It is very difficult to own your own business. I worked for 16 years as a lawyer/partner in a litigation law firm. Everybody talks about how lawyers burn out. I would be willing to bet that the burn out rate for small business owners is far higher.

Interestingly, most people/customers never see that part of the business. I guess if a small business is run well, you hope that your customers do not see how difficult it can be. I love what I do and I plan to do it forever, but it is challenging.

How important is it for people to support independent business owners in their community?

Having the support of the community and supporting the community is crucial to small businesses. My business model for Divine Consign and Trends relies significantly on support and participation of the community.

For this reason, community support is not something we take for granted. We know if we want the community to support us, we have to support the community. We make it a priority to support community events.

We also contribute to local charities whenever we can. We are proud to say that on a yearly basis Divine Consign and Trends donates (on behalf of our customers and consignors - as a community) an average of $150,000 in money and merchandise to local charities. We have been in business for 5 years - that is over $750,000 to local charities. This is funds that flow directly back into the community. We are very proud of that fact.

What do you love about being an American business owner?

I guess what I love about being a business owner is also what makes it a little terrifying. I have the freedom to run and manage the business in what I deem to be the most successful way. This offers great freedom and fosters creativity, but it also puts a heavy price on mistakes or missteps. I think for many this realization can be paralyzing - making a mistake can mean doom, especially in this economic climate.

For me it has made me more cautious and analytical, but I still love being creative and coming up with interesting solutions to business growth and development.

I think one of the most interesting comments I have ever heard about becoming a small business owner is that it gives one an opportunity to be your own boss. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Every customer, every client, every employee (and now every social media author) is your boss.

What is the most important thing that you’ve learned since going into business for yourself?

As anybody who knows me will attest, I tend to be obsessive (compulsive even). The most important (albeit the most difficult) challenge I have had to overcome is realizing that I can’t do everything.

In fact, I have actually realized that sometimes other people can do certain things better than I can (how amazing, right?). After three years of 70 hour weeks, working 7 days a week with no vacation, I had to have a little “life-chat” with myself and re-prioritize. I had to “let go” a little. I went on vacation and the store did not explode, nothing started on fire and the walls didn’t collapse - it was an “ah-ha” moment for me.

It still is a daily struggle to try to let go of a few things, but I am working on it. I still work seven days a week, but certain days I may only work a couple hours (hey, for me, THAT’s a BIG deal).

A few years ago a friend and business colleague said something to me that stuck. We were talking about the struggle with working too many hours and being a perfectionist. He said, “sometimes 80% is good enough”. I say that to myself about 100 times per day.

How do you ensure quality in your work?

The answer to this questions is easy. Get great people to work with you. Treat the people that work with you well. Respect them and listen to what they say.

The people that work with you are the first line of defense (as it were) and not only provide you with invaluable information but really are the heart and soul of the business. People who feel pride in what they do will make sure that their work-product projects that quality as well.