Meet Kimberly Purchase | Personal Stylist & Closet Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Purchase and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been in the retail/fashion industry for 20+yrs working for both major and privately owned retailers. Through the years, I was able to gain the experience and knowledge of retail that goes beyond the sales floor and customer service. I was able to experience buying as well as the wholesale side of markets/trade shows. While I worked for a private retailer, I was given the opportunity to work directly under the owner’s wings, learned the business aspects, running a district of stores and even learning what it takes to find a location for opening a store. It was with that company, I decided to take all the knowledge, experiences, lessons and took the risk to fulfill my dream of opening my boutique. Uneeke Boutique”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I opened my storefront Uneeke Boutique after doing pop-ups around San Diego as Uneeke2 for almost 4yrs. After getting the brand out there, making connections and establishing a customer base, a storefront was the next step. Looking for the right location required a detailed checklist which brought me to my current location. Since opening the storefront, Uneeke Boutique was voted Best of La Mesa Gold Winner last 4yrs. As a small business, it definitely is not easy. For myself, I wear many hats, as the owner, employee, buyer and everything else. I try to maintain balance, time management and to remind myself at the end of the day, “if I give it my all & do all I can do” then that’s a good day. Even though tomorrow isn’t promised, if we’re fortunate for a new day, then you get up, refocus & give it your best!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That is a hard one because living in San Diego, you have the beaches and then you have a cool little towns like Julian that is known for great Apple Pie & Cider. I definitely would visit Coronado Island for the obvious reason The Hotel Del  (besides a gorgeous hotel, on a cool beach, the haunted stories about a certain floor/room is pretty cool). We would grab lunch or dinner at a few spots like Miguels or Peohe’s. We would drive up to La Jolla, visit Mt Soledad, walk around Prospect Street for shopping & drinks at La Valencia.
A day at the San Diego Zoo, is a must, a stroll around Balboa Park is nice. For a lil nightlife, downtown San Diego is fun but dinner at Mr A’s with the stunning views of our skyline is a must. There is definitely so much to do, no matter your vibe, it’s here in San Diego.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest supporter, cheerleader, motivator & my purpose is my Mom. She has been my rock through the highs, lows and everything in between and I am so blessed to have her as my mom!

I am also so grateful for all the opportunities & all the experiences I was given while working for Richard Lazarus out of Hialeah FL (@ the time he owned 26 retail stores & did wholesale).

For many who I have seen risk it all to go after their dream, make it their reality and became successful with hard work, determination. & sacrifices, I Thank You!

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Yelp: Uneeke Boutique

Image Credits
Shannon