If you haven’t figured it out yet, there is nothing I love more than chatting with other creative business owners. A few weeks ago an adorable little shop popped in Downtown Rockford and I knew a gal who could curate a store as lovely as it, had to be awesome as well! I am so excited we get to chat with her today! Everyone, meet Amber!
Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
I‘m Amber Kneibel the owner of (so crazy to say that) Bailey & James Boutique. I’m a Columbia, Missouri native now living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My family is my everything. I’m married to a wonderful man who encourages me every day, Mr. Brian Kneibel! Anyone that knows us thinks our relationship is absolutely insane. We are total opposites that work to balance the other. We have one fur baby, Bailey our rescued Rottweiler mix. She’s my little animal soul mate. If you stop in the boutique, you might find her snoozing behind the counter! She’s an absolute doll.
In addition to owning and managing the boutique, I also continue to work for a West Michigan City! Yes, I love to drive myself crazy and be totally consumed by work. Always have lol!
I’m a Ferris State grad (Public Relations Major)
I love cooking
Drinking red wine
Hanging with friends on Sunday afternoons
Starting multiple projects at once
My favorite movie is a tie between A League of Their Own and The Wizard of OZ
I’m terrible at putting on makeup and barely know how to operate a curling iron
I’m super messy at home and then go on OCD cleaning rampages
My car is a mobile hazard zone
I love social media but tend to use it more professionally
HGTV junky
Nora Roberts obsessed
Terrible at texting
29-year-old crazy lady…
So what is Bailey & James? How would you describe it to someone who has never been in the boutique?
We mix old with the new to create whimsy and fun home decor. Think your grandma’s cottage meets Anthropology! Bailey & James Boutique specializes in a curated collection of vintage home decor, new home decor, gifts, and items made by local Michigan artisans. We carry Capri Blue candles, Rifle paper, 15 Michigan artisans from all over the state, and a lovely line of nursery items. You will find the most unique collection that changes daily!
Bailey & James also hopes to launch design and event services very soon! My sister, Danielle and I have always dreamed of doing weddings and other social events together and we are finally working towards that dream! Danielle is a logistics queen and currently serves as a wedding and event coordinator at a large hotel and conference center in the Detroit metro area. We hope to create memorable days for brides all across the state (at least that’s the plan)!
What made you decide to start a shop, and how did you get started?
I’ve always had a passion for design and always wanted to pursue something that would allow me to be creative…but I chickened out and got a Business Degree lol! I started blogging over a year ago (currently on hiatus) and the experience finally lead me back to my true passion. Since I was a little girl, owning something of my very own always appealed to me. My sister and I use to play “store” a lot so I guess the boutique was destined!
How do you find inspiration for your blog and the boutique?
From family, friends, other creative souls I’ve met through IG and blogging. I look for the unusual, I embrace color and love mixing styles. And when all else fails…Pinterest!
What are you current favorite items in the boutique?
Oh gosh that is so freggin hard! One of my favorite things in the boutique is our foliage bar! This concept allows people to build their own little faux arrangement right in the store. We can help or let you have total creative freedom! Bring your own pot, vase, crock, or you can find something here in the boutique.
That’s a hard one….
What does an average day look like for you?
My day usually starts when I force myself to roll out of bed between 6:30-7AM (I’m not a morning person AT ALL). By 7:30 AM, I head out to one of my jobs where I serve as a Communications Manager for a West Michigan City. Typically my mornings at the City consist of social media scheduling, e-newsletter, or event planning with heavy amounts of coffee. Then by 10:30 AM I’m scrambling to the Boutique to open by 11 AM. I usually work on inventory, putting new merch on the floor, expenses, paying bills, following up on a never-ending to-do list, I try and post on my SM accounts, and, of course, more coffee. The rest of the day consists of helping people in the boutique, still fitting in a couple more hours of work for the city between customers, putting together an arrangement from our foliage bar, chatting with my Sister Danielle about an upcoming wedding, and who knows what else lol. I close the boutique around 7PM and then head home to immediately put on my sweats and t-shirt, chill on the couch with my hubby, watch Nashville, snuggle my pup, eat dinner, and go to bed my 9PM (yes I’m an old lady like that)! That’s a typical day in my life GO GO GO and I wouldn’t change a minute of it!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting new women with similar passions and helping people find the perfect piece for their homes! I also love that every day is so different and unique!
What are three must-have items for you?
Family
My dog Bailey
Bright red lipstick lol
Who are your favorite bloggers/Instagrammers/shop owners/creatives to follow?
My favorite shop is Rebel Reclaimed in GR (to die for)! This shop completely inspires me and I always envy the owners quirky and witty sense of marketing and style that they have created.
I absolutely adore LizMarieBlog.com! Her design is so effortless and cozy and she’s so honest and true. LOVE her!
My favorite IG peep, one word, Ibie…her feed is gasp-worthy. You just have to see for yourself @IFALC
One stop in Bailey & James and you will want to buy everything! Trust me! Thanks so much to Amber for joining us today! Be sure to watch for her feature in the upcoming issue of Gift Shop Magazine!
Find Amber and Bailey & James here:
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