Baby Best Friend Boutique Children’s Clothing featured in Fem Kollabs
Rena Gomez, Owner of Baby Best Friend Boutique
Located: 342 Cooley Street
Hours of Operation: Monday–Saturday 10 AM-6 PM
Rena was born and raised here in Springfield. She attended Central High School and then she attended MCDI. Rena graduated from Job Corp. After graduating from Job Corp Rena began to look at what she wanted to do with her life.
She decided she wanted to get into the medical field, initially as a pharmacy technician. Rena is still pursuing her education in the medical field.
She was not really looking at going into business at that time. However, once she had children, she began looking into owning her own business. Children’s clothing made sense due to her having children. Her children have been talking to her about having their own clothing line to make their own money.
Rena uses her children as models, both she and her children have fun dressing up and Rena uses her platform to learn about the business as well as instruct her children while incorporating their ideas. Rena explains that each of her children is different therefore they provide her with different ideas and styles of clothing. Currently, Rena’s inventory is from sizes newborn to 7 or 8 and she is looking to expand to larger sizes soon.
I asked Rena how she came to collaborate with Sandra at Feb Kollabs, she stated that her sister had products featured at the store and was able to introduce her to Sandra Gonzalez. Sandra and Rena talked which resulted in Sandra offering her an opportunity to exhibit her unique children’s clothing in the store.
Rena was happy to have her clothing featured in the store as no one else was selling what she had. She says she loves the collaboration with the other women, they support each other and purchase from each other. She explains “I love Sandra, she keeps us informed about business, gives us tips on business as well.” She says Sandra helps them to be their best.”
I asked Rena if she ran into any obstacles while pursuing her business, and she explained that she had difficulties when getting her LLC. She says she did not fully know the process, but she was able to seek out assistance from people who were more familiar with the process, and they were willing to help her.
Rena understands that support comes in various forms. She says her fiancée is incredibly supportive. Rena realizes that those close to her may not be able to support her by purchasing her product because everyone has their own level of financial hardship, however, they support her by spreading the word, as word of mouth is extremely valuable in business. Rena does not discount her prices, she understands she is in business to fulfill a need and make money to support herself and her family, she says “You have to understand your worth.”
As we were wrapping up the interview, I asked Rena what advice she would have for the younger generation or anyone wanting to go into business. She said ”Make sure if you are going into business, you do it with the intention of being great,” If someone is doing the same thing that you are doing, that does not mean you cannot do it.” “There are a thousand brands of toothpaste, however, everyone does not use the same one, people have diverse needs and preferences so go for it.” “Get the best support and push yourself, “get out there and meet people.” She continues, “Find people that are in business, these people can support you when you are going through the difficulties when sales are not where you want them to be, or when you are not meeting goals you made for yourself, they will understand and provide the support you need.“
