Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee O’Dell.
Hi Renee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In my early twenties, I had been down the entrepreneurial road before, which had failed. That led me to teach and coach at the high school level, and in December of 2018, while on maternity leave with my first child, I decided I wanted more. I wanted a career that provided but allowed for a flexible schedule, the possibility of financial freedom, and a bit of redemption. Little did I know that owning a Liberty Hill boutique was far beyond my needs. The original plan was for my parents to be silent partners, with them being the financial equity side and my promise to be the sweat equity side. In June of 2019, we lost my dad to cancer, and my mom became more than a silent partner, and I am ever so grateful. I wouldn’t be able to run the day-to-day operations without her, and I like to think my mom needs the shop and personal connections with customers just as much as we need her. The vision for Pep & Punch was to bring brands, styles, and gifts that other boutiques did not carry at the time. I knew Liberty Hill was growing, and the area needed more. All to say, the vision was vain, and what we now know and love about our shop is our community, our people. We are more than just a little blue house with cute things; we are a place where our people feel welcomed and safe; we are where people come when they are happy or sad. We have had sweet customers share tragedy and miracles with us in these four walls, and we are indebted to them for their trust and support. It’s our customers that make Pep & Punch.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a small business is always challenging. There have been many learning curves, including expensive ones. Inventory management is an ongoing struggle. However, we can learn from our mistakes and not make them again. We can keep our doors open each year, and our business will improve.
We’ve been impressed with Pep & Punch, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Pep & Punch is a luxury clothing and gift boutique with hand-selected items for our customers. We aim to be trendy and fun, all while selecting quality items for our customers. We are known for the brands we carry: Jon Hart, Brumate, Capri Blue, Bogg, Consuela, Sweet Grace Candles, plus so many others. We truly strive to bring in full-size runs of clothing (S-3X). We know plus-size ladies also want to shop in boutiques, as both owners are plus-size. Jon Hart is one of our top-selling lines, made in Texas and customized in our shop; this line is fantastic for gifting.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Being a small business is a risk all on its own. Due to my first business failure, I tend to be more conservative with risk-taking, and I learn from my failure. We risk bringing in new apparel or gift lines here and there, not knowing if customers will like them but wanting to keep things new and exciting. We must be confident we can sell something if we decide to bring it in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pepandpunch.shop
- Instagram: @pepandpunch
- Facebook: facebook.com/pepandpunch
