We're always excited to be highlighting the beautiful retailers that we partner with that help make Rylee & Cru what it is. Each one all over the world has it's own look, feel, and story so this is where we get to share that local feeling with all of you and the inspiration behind the store.
For our next installment, it felt fitting to spotlight one of our very first retailers, Murray & Finn, just in time for our collaboration with our new Rainbow Tank, which is exclusive to both of our stores, launching May 16th! Enjoy.
For our next installment, it felt fitting to spotlight one of our very first retailers, Murray & Finn, just in time for our collaboration with our new Rainbow Tank, which is exclusive to both of our stores, launching May 16th! Enjoy.
Tell us about Murray & Finn! What made you decide to open up your own retail space?
We opened our doors in the Spring of 2014 (I honestly can't believe it has been four years). The idea for the shop really came about because I had such a difficult time trying to find shops close to me carrying the types of clothing and toys that I fell in love with after having Josie. There were a few online shops out there but nowhere nearby that I could touch and feel the pieces and really fall in love with the fabrics, colors, and quality in person. I was on a mission to create my own little shop carrying all of the things I loved. I played store in my basement until I was a sophomore in high school so there was no way I was giving up easily on this dream lol. I did tons of research, saved up money, searched for the perfect space (which took over a year), quit my job, and made that little dream come true. And here we are four years later.
We love that you’re a mom-owned store supporting other small shops. What do you look for when deciding to bring a new brand into the shop?
Awwww thanks! I really love supporting other small shops and when they are mom-owned it makes it that much sweeter. I love finding new brands for the shop, it's honestly one of my favorite parts about having a store. I try to find things that you can't buy in many places. Things that are well-made, timeless, unique, and really thoughtfully designed. I tend to be drawn to brands that are simple yet beautiful. I am really drawn to earthy, muted tones which you can see in most of the brands we carry.
How has becoming a mom influenced you as a business woman?
Becoming a mom has changed almost every aspect of my life really. I'm the same old me but my priorities and views are quite different. Having kids has taught me to slow down a bit and appreciate the small things in life. It has made me more conscious of what is really important to my family and the world around us. I do believe that less is more especially when it comes to fashion, toys, decor, etc I try to really reflect that in the way I raise my girls and with the pieces I pick for the shop. Ethically made, sustainable, organic pieces from natural fibers have been big in the shop these days! We have even added a vintage section which I am really excited about!
What is your favorite thing about running your store?
I love getting to meet new people everyday. I have made some really amazing friendships over the last 4 years that I will honestly cherish forever. The shop has become a place to hang out in some ways with the people I have grown close with. From coffees, to lunches, to many bottles of champagne on workshop nights, we love to hang and it's all so fun. I also love watching families and their little ones grow. To be able to help mamas come and buy for themselves while they are pregnant (with multiple children at this stage) and then for their children when they are born is just something so magical. It makes my heart so happy. One of the reasons we have added womens clothing to the shop is because I wanted them to be able to shop for themselves after baby was born.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The shop is open 5 days a week and I am there 4 of them. I recently hired an amazing gal Amy to run the store for me one day a week so that I can have a family day with my hubby and the gals. This has been a game changer and was so needed for our crazy schedules. On days off when we are closed, I am running errands, cleaning, doing school drop off and pick ups, placing orders, answering emails, playing with LOL dolls, reading books, making meals, and just being a mom. And on work days I try to get as much of that in before and after the shop is open. I will say, running the shop is tons more work than I had ever imagined but I can truly say that I love what I do and I wouldn't change it for the world. The girls even come to hang out a few hours a week with me which was very rough at first but now honestly so much fun (well when they are behaving). Let's just say I always keep a box of lollipops handy.
If we had one day in your hometown, where should we visit?
Definitely Scotti's Record Shop for both new and vintage vinyl. I was gifted a record player last year and it honestly has been a game changer for our family. Our television is on way less and there's pretty much a dance party everyday. I would also suggest Boxwood for some amazing coffee!
Definitely Scotti's Record Shop for both new and vintage vinyl. I was gifted a record player last year and it honestly has been a game changer for our family. Our television is on way less and there's pretty much a dance party everyday. I would also suggest Boxwood for some amazing coffee!
