LOU LOU: Interview by Rhonda Sargent Chambers
(Published September 25, 2009)

How does a private boutique keep their head above water these days?  I asked owner Molly Thayer, of Lou Lou on Lovers Lane, her key to success on her fifth anniversary.  So that we can all learn from a successful entrepreneur, I asked her...
"Rhonda's TEN Curious Questions!"

1.  Tell us about your shop where you used to live and where?
I owned a shoe boutique called Head Over Heels in Baton Rouge, LA- my hometown. I opened it with a business partner in June of 2001. I sold it to her in July of 2004, moved to Dallas and opened Lou Lou on October 2, 2004. Best decision of my life!

2. What do you love about Dallas?
What I love about Dallas is that Dallas has welcomed me and my boutique with open arms. I have had so much support from day one, October 2, 2004. I cannot tell you how truly thankful I am to be here. I LOVE a big city and Dallas is a big city with a hometown feel. That, to me, is the best of both worlds.

3. What is the key to your 5th year anniversary success?
I think the key is customer service; a warm, friendly, and fun vibe when you walk in. And probably most important, incredibly fabulous fashion at a reasonable price. You do not have to pay a fortune to look great. I find chic and expensive looking items at market that are easy on the wallet.

4. What is your motto as a business woman in the fashion world?
Life is too short not to look fabulous every day. Work hard and look great doing it. Be afraid of no one.

5. What advice would you give an entrepreneur?
People think it is glamorous to own a boutique and while there are glamourous parts to it, it is a lot of hard work, risk, luck, and dedication. People have often told me how brave I am to have moved from Baton Rouge where I knew virtually everyone while leaving a very successful business behind to Dallas where I knew virtually no one to open a business on my own. My answer to that is, "I don't think I am brave because it didn't scare me to do it. I somehow knew it would work. I was never afraid. I was so excited to move from Baton Rouge to Dallas, I got a speeding ticket in the first 30 minutes of my drive!"

6. What is your hottest selling item this fall?
Boots and platforms. We always sell wedges for a casual look, but I think people are wanting to step it up a notch and buy something fun and statement making.

7. What is a secret tip you give to your customers about dressing or shopping?
Buy things that excite you. Fashion can be found everywhere. I mix items from my store with items from higher priced and lower priced stores. It is all about how it comes together. Be confident in your choices.

8. Tell us something that we may not know about you.
Almost every pair of shoes I own is gold. I adore gold shoes and gold jewelry.

9.  Where did the name Lou Lou come from?
Lou Lou is named lou lou for 2 reasons: 1. One of my precious Yorkies is named Lucy and I call her Lou Lou and 2. I am from Louisiana...so I spelled it Lou Lou for Louisiana and for her....a combination namesake

10. Other than your big three day anniversary sale that ends on October 3rd, why should we shop at Lou Lou?
I view lou lou as my own personal closet that people can come and play and explore.
www.louloushoe.com
lou lou
4417 Lovers Lane
Dallas, TX
75225
(p)214-521-8833
M-F 10:00-5:30
Saturday 10:00-5:00
Closed Sunday