Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer McGuire.
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started The Parlor while I was working corporate retail. I wanted to open something that I couldn’t find, a visually interesting boutique with affordable options for people like me. Shopping is FUN, and I was so ready to stretch myself to see what I could bring to life.
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?
Like any small business, it has had challenging moments. We opened in October of 2021, so people were just venturing out. Our original location was in Liberty on the Historic Square. It was so beautiful, and we poured everything into the space to make it perfect for us. One day I pulled up to our building and there was a giant fence across everything. Long story short, they started knocking down the buildings leading up to mine to build new construction. After countless meetings and pleading our case to get our sidewalk reopened, we were forced to either close our doors, or find a new home. Zona Rosa was fabulous, and let us have a pop up space until our forever home opened in Historic Downtown Parkville in May of 2025. Now the sky is looking bright again!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At The Parlor, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated mix of contemporary trends, designer labels, and vintage treasures. Our newest styles are stocked in limited size runs, and every piece is hand-selected in person to ensure exceptional quality and that it passes our vibe check.
We also carry coveted designer brands like Marc Jacobs, Escada, and more, alongside one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Every item is carefully chosen and ready for its next home.
Shopping at The Parlor is about more than just finding great clothes—it’s an experience. Expect a welcoming atmosphere with great music, fresh new arrivals, and a completely refreshed sales floor every Thursday. We rotate our merchandise weekly to offer a new perspective and give every piece its moment to shine.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I had a great career in big-box corporate retail, and for a long time, it felt like the right path. But eventually, I realized I was spending so much of myself on a job where I was replaceable, and I wasn’t finding the joy I wanted in the work I was doing. More than anything, I started thinking about the example I was setting for my daughter. When I felt that pull to make a change, I chose to trust it. That decision ended up giving us the opportunity to build the life I’d always hoped for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shoptheparlor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparlor_boutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theparlorliberty/
