Hidden Gems: Meet Pam Wheeler of Genevieve’s

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Wheeler.

Hi Pam, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Before resigning from the corporate world, I worked in the marketing and creative design industry. My job before Genevieve’s was to research local design trends. I was fortunate enough to join our artists, who would travel to New York, California, and other spots around the US in search of inspiration. Many of the spots we researched were locally-owned shops found online and in magazines. The minute I stepped into these incredible shops, I felt that someday I wanted to open a place similar to that. I’d thought about that dream for many years before resigning as Director of Creative Operations and decided to take the leap and open Genevieve’s. After many years of planning and prayers, Genevieve’s opened its doors in 2012. I named the store after my Grandma Genevieve. My grandparents lived on a farm in Jameson, a rural town in Missouri. My sister and I would visit my grandparents often, and my grandma always had a craft project for us to learn. She taught me how to knit, embroider and sew. We pressed flowers from her garden and made macrame plant hangers. That was a time that I cherish when time seemed to stand still. I wanted to get closer to that feeling by creating Genevieve’s – a place where my customers can be inspired and slow down. Genevieve’s carries merchandise from over 50 local artists. I think my Grandma Genevieve would have loved to see it!

Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning a small business has its challenges. It’s not a job you can go home and not think about. My mind is racing with ideas constantly. But that is also what is fun about it. It gives you a platform to try new things and experiment. We recently celebrated our 10th year of business. Through those 10 years, we’ve tested many things – new product lines, different hours, new artists, and even a new location. Some ideas work, and others don’t, but you’d never know if you don’t try them. One of my favorite things about owning my own business is the strategy and planning process – something I’ve done at my previous corporate jobs. I like to move at my own pace and not rely on corporate review and approval processes. I have only myself to blame if something doesn’t go as planned.

We’ve been fortunate to experience growth year after year, but that came with challenges. When the covid shutdown happened, I was in shock for the first week. Then once I saw we couldn’t open, I worked on our e-commerce website – something I’d wanted to do for years but never had the time to dedicate to it. We offered curbside pickup and free porch delivery within a 20-mile radius. We were able to survive and thrive during that time. Our website has been a great addition, and we still offer curbside pickup and free delivery within a 20-mile radius. It’s a service we enjoy contributing to our customers.

We’ve been impressed with Genevieve’s, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Genevieve’s opened in 2012. We are a retail boutique located in a house in downtown Blue Springs. We offer a mix of gift items, women’s apparel, home decor, and vintage and handmade items from over 50 local makers. We strive to carry products you can’t find in the big box stores. We were recently awarded Best Gift Shop in Eastern Jackson County and are currently nominated for Business of the Year in Blue Springs through the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Our mission is to offer our customers a unique shopping experience where they can gather and be inspired. This includes providing one-of-a-kind goods from local artisans while providing the artists an outlet to sell their merchandise. We also offer various classes and destinations where customers can gather, create, and learn a new craft. We hope this craft will be passed on to future generations, just as my grandmother Genevieve did for me. Before covid, we held classes each month. We look forward to opening up Genevieve’s for more classes again this year.

If you need help to make it in, check out our online store at genevieveshome.com. We offer flat-rate shipping within the US, curbside pickup, and free delivery within a 20-mile radius. Our in-store hours are Thursday & Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday 1-4.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
First, I view myself as a risk-taker by resigning from my senior-level position in the corporate world. Second, by opening Genevieve’s in 2012 after an economic downfall. Third, by relocating Genevieve’s to downtown Blue Springs after a little over a year in business. All have turned out to be good decisions.

As with many small businesses, it had its challenges in the beginning. We tested many different ideas and models. As the years go by, it is getting easier, and we are finding our niche and lane. You’ll never know unless you try out new things. And don’t try to be all things to all customers. Choose your strength and be good at that. And try not to compare your business to others. Stay in your lane and enjoy what you’ve built.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://genevieveshome.com
• Instagram: genevieves_home
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenevievesHome