One of Savage Mill’s success stories is the charming independent business jules + kate. Five years ago this fall, owner Leslie Alacbay joined the Savage Mill family, bringing to life a store that focuses on quality goods for everyday living. We stepped inside the warmly-lit store to congratulate Leslie with a fresh flower arrangement from Apricity with the Chesapeake Flower Exchange and to chat a bit.

This fall marks 5 years of jules + kate. How does that feel?

You know, it feels a little surreal. Most days I can’t believe I have been here this long. But then I think about the experiences I’ve had and how my business has matured, and it doesn’t seem so surprising.

You didn’t start out in retail. Can you talk a little about your background and what led you to deciding to open a retail shop?

I wanted to own a retail shop ever since I was a teenager, working my first retail job at Sears. Unfortunately, finding money to start a business was not easy back then, especially for a young woman. My career path led me into the world of printing and graphics, and I eventually managed the in-house printing department at a DC bank. When the bank was sold, I accepted a position with the company Hooked on Phonics, overseeing the domestic and international manufacture of all their learning kits and workbooks. After Hooked on Phonics was sold to a larger children’s educational products company, I moved to a direct marketing agency that helps area non-profit organizations raise funds. When I lost that position during downsizing as a result of the pandemic, I decided to leave the corporate world and look for a place to finally realize my dream and open my own shop.

You started your business here at Savage Mill, first in the center kiosk, then across the hallway, and now here. What’s the experience been like over that time?

I was drawn to Savage Mill because it has the aesthetic I was looking for, and it wasn’t too far from my home. The Mill management worked with me, extending me an offer for a six-month trial in the kiosk. That felt like a reasonable risk to take while I tested the waters. The level of success I had there allowed me to make the move to my original location when it became vacant. After a couple years, I moved into my current space. It has a little larger footprint and a dressing room, so I have been able to expand my product line to include women’s clothing, which customers seem to like.

What is unique about your shop and products?

The majority of my products come from other small independent businesses, many of which are women-owned. I also feature many hand-crafted products like jewelry, bath and beauty products and cork handbags. When a customer comes in the store, I enjoy sharing some information about the product and the business that produced it. Those stories add a personal connection to the items, and I find that customers appreciate learning what makes my products special.

What is one of your favorite items currently in the shop?

The collection of earrings from Bijou by Sam, a maker in Montana. Her designs are simple but elegant and use natural semi-precious gemstones.

What training and support have you found useful?

One of the most useful things I discovered was how technology has made it easier for small businesses — both in terms of retail point of sale, but also in facilitating relationships between makers, wholesalers, and retail businesses. There are online platforms that allow me to find and connect with the other small businesses that I source my products from. I have also received wonderful support from the Mill management. They have worked with me over the last five years to help me be able to move and expand.

Why is your shop called jules + kate?

The shop is named after my two nieces, Julia and Katelyn, with whom I’m very close.

Now to dogs: you love giving out dog treats! What would you like your canine friends and their owners to know? 

Dogs know me and come in. I look forward to their smiling faces and eager greetings! I get to know many of them personally. Some that come to mind are Cookie, a white pit bull, black-haired Sully from The Bonnie Wee Bookstore just down the hall, and Rigby, who drags her owner from Yet Analytics in every chance she gets! I love my dog visitors – and that they bring people into my shop who may not come otherwise.

Your shop is full of rich color. Do you have a favorite one?

Navy blue, because it is dark and moody like me. 🙂 That’s reflected in many of the products I carry, and in the paintings on the walls, which inspire and rejuvenate me every day.