Meet Innovative Woman Karen Halaszi, Owner of Karen Michelle Boutique
How and why did you begin your business?
I have been in retail sales for over 20 years. I love being with people every day and the boutique was a way for me to show my creative side. Though I realized very quickly after opening the boutique there were few items that fit me so I created and manufacture right here in Los Angeles the Karen Michelle Basic Plus Clothing Line…Clothes for Plus Size Women.
What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge since the beginning is how to balance being a single working mother and a woman with her own business. I lessened the challenge by always making time for my private life so it balanced everything out. The one largest specific business challenge has been how to promote and advertise the boutique and the Karen Michelle Basic Plus line of clothing. I have overcome that with excellent customer service, a great buyer, and strong quality control when manufacturing here in Los Angeles so I can be part of each step.
How do you define SUCCESS?
Vision, success, and perseverance. My success and personal reward is doing what I love every day and meeting such wonderful people along the way.
If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
I wish I would have known that business mistakes I made in the past were really just learning tools not to make them again and were not a personal reflection of myself.
What makes you an innovative woman?
I feel I am confident enough to say what a lot of women won’t say about loving who they are, their bodies, and feeling good at their OWN size.
Learn more about Karen and Karen Michelle Boutique by visiting her website here!