Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Jolis.
Hi Lucy, can you introduce yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I decided to have a boutique while working in one the summer before college. The thought came to me one day, seemingly out of nowhere – and it never left. And over the next ten or so years, I never questioned it. It felt very matter-of-fact. This was what I was going to do. I didn’t know when, where, or how, but those details didn’t concern me.
For years, the store that lived in my mind was something I kept private. I didn’t discuss it much, but it was a never-ending creative outlet. It sounds a little silly, but it was almost like a lens through which I saw the world. I was living in NYC, and everything was an inspiration – the sidewalk, stickers on street poles, random artists I exhaustively researched after seeing a single image on Tumblr. I tore pages out of magazines and filled folder after folder of them. This went on for years.
Then, I moved to Austin. I had been there for about a year when I went to an event at Uchiko, and a few days later I got a call from someone I had chatted with that night. She asked if I or someone I knew might want a tiny retail space on South Lamar. She was interested in a space for herself, but it came with a separate little space she would need to sublet if she took the larger space. I saw the space with her the next day and couldn’t think of a reason not to take it, so I did it.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
It’s hard to say. I could give you an answer right now, but if you asked again in an hour or two, I most likely would have a different answer. But has it been easy? No. Hard no. Absolutely not.
But as cliche as it is, every challenge has been an incredible learning opportunity. I firmly believe growth comes from facing challenges head on. But I don’t think we’ve dealt with anything out of the ordinary – except the one six-figure fraudulent sale. That one was fun.
We’ve been impressed with SUNROOM, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
We specialize in not being boring (kidding). We specialize in offering our customers something different that they haven’t seen before, something that makes them FEEL. The dopamine-producing, smile-inducing capabilities of the things we choose to put on our bodies are real – and that’s what we’re focused on.
We partner with incredible designers. Their creative processes are authentic and intentional; they produce responsibly and run businesses that positively impact their communities. I’m proud to be the point of connection between our designers and customers. And the love, support, and inspiration – coming from both sides – are the fuel that keeps the whole thing going.
Do you have any big plans?
Well, these are also the kinds of things I like to hold close. I’m more of a show-er than a tell-er, so you’ll have to wait and see!
Contact Info:
- Website: shopsunroom.com
- Instagram: _sunroom_
Image Credits
PHOTO 1 Credits: Chase Daniel, PHOTO 2 Credits: Wynn Meyers, PHOTO 3-4-5-6-7 Credits: SUNROOM
