It’s such a reward to work in a place surrounded by amazing people and wonderful influences. A few weeks ago, we happily introduced you to Catherine, one of the two awesome owner’s of Waterlily. This week, we would love for you to get to know the other half of the perfect pair, Abbey.
The first thing I think when I think of Abbey is creativity and art. She has such a creative mind. She is inspired. She is colorful. She is imaginative. She is innovative. The list seriously goes on. It’s so fun watching her revamp the store, she makes it look easy! Abbey recently took a trip to Bali with her husband, Adam, and her creative juices got flowing. She is planning another exciting trip back to Bali, with her focus on Waterlily- be on the look out for some incredible things happening within the stores this summer!
Abbey cherishes her time spent with her husband and their adorable little sons, Trevor + Finn. They are the ultimate beach family!
Take a further look into Abbey’s life:
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Q: How did you get into fashion?
A: I have been into fashion since I was a little girl. When I was little my mom used to put me to bed and after she would turn out the lights I would change into a tulle skirt, leggings and lace gloves (I was heavily influenced by Madonna as a child). I had a massive collection of rubber jelly shoes, from flats to high heels. I also went through a more than slightly embarrassing hat phase - think Nickelodeon's Blossom TV show - it was bad. My mom was always into fashion & beauty and it definitely rubbed off on me. I have always loved prints and lots of color. I think I got serious about fashion as a career after taking some business classes and realizing there is a legitimate fashion industry out there that you can make a living working in. I always assumed that fashion designer was your only option in the fashion industry - but there are so many opportunities on the business side!
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Q: What does the day in the life of a boutique owner look like?
A: Where do I start... I tend to be a bit disorganized. A lot of that stems from the fact that as a business owner my job is to do anything and everything the business needs to keep running. There truly is no 9-5 when you own your own business. I start checking emails early in the morning before my kids wake up. I'll be in the shop all day (most of the time I'm stuck in the back trying to wade through all of the order, invoices and bills). Then after I get home and put the kids to bed, I will be up late at night working on orders or our website.
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Q: The best part of my job is...
A: There are so many wonderful things that I love about my job - I couldn't nail it down to just one thing. I love that I can bring my kids here and teach them about working and business, etc. It sounds corny, but it's rewarding to have someone compliment the shop or find that certain something they have been on the hunt for. That is why we come to work everyday. I love that we (Catherine and I) built this. I love that I control my fate and there is no one else responsible for my success or failure but me.
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Q: My go to outfit is...
A: My go to outfit (right now) for everyday is Blank NYC jeans and a super cozy t-shirt from Splendid or Velvet and a cute pair of Free People booties. Although I do have my eye on a cute chambray dress from Bella Dahl we just got in....hmmm. I have to be comfortable. I love easy and casual.
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Q: Favorite place you've traveled?
A: Put me on a tropical island and I am happy. But my favorite place so far is Bali. I am a beach girl. I love the sun and the ocean - which Bali has in spades, but my favorite thing about the island is the atmosphere. There is so much culture and creativity there.
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Q: Favorite Book?
A: I love to read, and I like so many different kinds of books. My husband laughs because I will order everything from a super cheesy novel to a textbook if a subject interests me. I would say the book that has left me with a lasting impression was "How Children Succeed" by Paul Tough. It's a really interesting look at how children develop and learn, and how parents and educators can help shape children though building their individual character.
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Q: If you were a song what would you be?
A: If I was a song I would be Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" covered by Swell Season
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Q: What is your favorite way to spend your free time?
A: My favorite thing in the world is to be at the beach with my kids and husband.
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Q: If you were granted a one way ticket where would you go?
A: OMG - I would need weeks to research that! My gut says somewhere in the Caribbean but there are so many places I would still love to travel.
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Q: Three things you can't live without?
A: My family, some good music and chocolate.
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Q: What is something you would love to learn to do?
A: There are so many thing and so little time! Screen printing, weaving, how to use illustrator, tile laying (my bathrooms are desperate), but I would say if there was just one thing it would be sewing. I can hem a curtain but I am kind of winging it. I made a few bathing suits in high school but I was always afraid to wear them outside of my backyard for fear that they would fall apart at an inopportune moment. I would love to learn the proper stitches and basic garment construction.
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