Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Vogel.
Hi Kelsey , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Kea Roze Boutique while I was in college as a junior. Although I wasn’t going to school for fashion, I realized I had a true passion for it and wanted to pursue something I genuinely loved. At the time, I figured there was no better opportunity to take a chance than while I was young and still figuring things out. I didn’t feel like I had much to lose, so I launched the boutique completely online to get it off the ground.
At the end of my junior year, COVID-19 changed a lot of things, and I ended up finishing my final year of college remotely. That unexpected shift gave me the opportunity and flexibility to open a brick-and-mortar storefront in downtown LaSalle. A brand-new space became available, and I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I opened our storefront in October 2021, and we’ve been there ever since.
Today, we’re open five days a week in the heart of downtown LaSalle. Over the years, we’ve grown so much both in-store and online. A few viral TikToks and Instagram videos really helped expand our online presence and reach new customers, while we’ve also built an amazing local customer base and community in person. It’s been incredible to see how much the business has evolved from something I started during college into what it is today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the first major challenges was opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although I opened after the full shutdowns, it was still a time when people were wearing masks and many were hesitant to shop in person. Starting a retail storefront during that uncertainty was intimidating, but I knew it was something I wanted to pursue, so I pushed through it.
Since then, I’ve experienced a lot of the normal ups and downs that come with being a business owner. You quickly learn that not every day is going to be incredibly busy, and there are naturally slower seasons and tougher periods. Another big part of the journey has simply been figuring everything out as I go. Owning a business involves a lot of trial and error — learning what works best for you, your brand, and your customers. I think adaptability has been one of the biggest lessons throughout the process, and over time I’ve learned to trust myself more as both a business owner and decision-maker.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Kea Roze Boutique, we specialize in trendy, fashion-forward pieces that feel unique and different from what you typically find in our area. One thing that really sets us apart is that customers know when they walk into our store, they’re not going to find boring or overly basic items. We focus on carrying pieces that feel fun, elevated, and current while still being wearable for everyday life.
I think we’ve become known for offering trends in a way that feels approachable and easy to style. We want people to walk in and genuinely love what they see, whether they’re shopping for an everyday outfit, a special event, or just something that makes them feel confident.
Another thing that really sets us apart is our social media presence. We’re very active online and put a lot of effort into creating fun, engaging content for TikTok and Instagram. That’s something I’m especially proud of because it’s become such a creative outlet for me personally, while also helping grow the business and connect with customers in a more authentic way. Social media has allowed us to build a strong community both locally and online, and I think that connection is a huge part of what makes our boutique special.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think opening a small business in general is one of the biggest risks you can take. Especially in today’s world, where everything is expensive and the financial side of things can feel uncertain, choosing to open and run a business is definitely a leap of faith. From the beginning, I understood that there would always be risks involved, but I also knew it was something I truly wanted to pursue.
I do consider myself a risk taker. A lot of times I’ll have an idea that I know is a little risky, but I feel strongly enough about it that I want to see it through. At the same time, I try not to give myself the option to fail. Once I commit to something, I do everything in my power to make it successful and turn that risk into a reward.
Of course, not every idea or decision works out perfectly, and that’s part of owning a business. But I believe that if I gave something my full effort and learned from the experience, then it was still worth taking the chance. Every risk teaches you something, and I think that mindset has helped me grow both personally and professionally throughout this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kearozeboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kearozeboutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kearoze
