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Mama Bear Boss: Meet Melaney Houle

By Kelly Pramberger, Publisher Mom, Macaroni Kid Springfield March 13, 2019

Questions and Answers with Mama Bear Boss Melaney Houle of Lotus & Compass Inc!


1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?

My name is Melaney Houle, and my business is Lotus & Compass Inc - a trendy online boutique located in Chicopee, Ma. Our website is www.lotusandcompass.com and our Facebook community is facebook.com/groups/lotusandcompass

2. What inspired you/encouraged you to start your business?

When I was about 7 months pregnant with my youngest child, I decided to join a major multi-level marketing company selling women’s clothing. I was working at the time as a licensed social worker at a local Boys and Girls Club. While I felt very inspired and fulfilled by my work as a social worker, I found it extremely difficult to balance the responsibilities of my job and also my role as a mother to my son and my expected daughter. I launched my boutique in April of 201 and when I left for maternity leave in May, I turned in my notice and intent to not return in the fall. It was the best decision of my life. Six months into my journey, my husband was able to leave his full- time retail management career to come home and take better care of his health issues and help me run my business and raise our babies.

After about 2 years of working our business under the umbrella of a direct sales company, we decided to take the very scary leap into independent boutique ownership. We launched Lotus & Compass Inc in the fall of 2018, and it was the BEST DECISION we have ever made!! We now have full control of every aspect of our business, and I am able to personally select every single piece of clothing, marketing/branding materials, piece of jewelry- EVERYTHING! It is now completely our own- and the fulfillment and joy that this has brought both me and my husband Brandon has been immense.

3. What do you love about your work?

I would have to say the BEST PART of owning a boutique is all of the amazing women (and a few men) we have had the pleasure of meeting. At every single community event, drop in shopping time, Facebook live sale, etc, we are privileged to meet new individuals and hear parts of their stories. We are able to connect with people on a very real level- and we truly consider our customers to be dear friends and an extension of our family. I love seeing the look of pure joy and CONFIDENCE radiating from a customer’s face when they find that outfit or accessory that truly makes them feel their very best in the skin they are in.

4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?

There are so many things that I could say in regards to this one. I have dabbled in entrepreneurship since childhood as my parents were also both small business owners. I would say to hone in on your core values in life and allow those to be reflected in your work and brand.

For us, it is kindness, integrity, and empowerment. Those are the core tenets that our business is based upon, which makes our company a natural outpouring of our daily life. Being genuine and authentic is SO incredibly important in the world of small business. It creates trust and confidence with your consumers, and it also creates a sense of community with those who follow your business, and it makes them truly feel a part of something! Most of the time, people chose a service provider/business based on the vibe they get from it. If they feel accepted, valued and connected to the business or its owners, they will tell their friends and continue to support your work.

5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?

My favorite form of self care is definitely exercise. I love going for long walks in the nice weather, and being outside as much as possible. Thankfully, one of the perks of entrepreneurship is the flexibility with your schedule. So we work that time into our daily routine. I have also started practicing yoga on a regular basis, as I find it really centers me and helps me to manage my anxiety- which can be a huge interference when you run your own business. I schedule self-care much like I would a doctor appointment or other important meeting. It is an integral part of fueling my mind and body to accomplish all of the tasks I have before me each day.

6. What can we do to support you in the community?

Word of mouth is ALWAYS the best form of support and encouragement. When our customers share with their friends how much they love our boutique- it generates a really positive buzz and makes other people curious to check us out as well!

7. Favorite spot to go around town?

We feel like we have a PLETHORA of amazing spots in Western Massachusetts. Locally, one of our favorite small businesses to support is Goodworks Coffee Shop in Chicopee center. I have lived in Chicopee my entire life, and I just love supporting fellow small business owners who are working to improve the experience in our city! We also love hitting Tandem Bagel in Northampton with the kids for a yummy breakfast sandwich before going for a walk on the bike trail.


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