Questions and Answers with Local Business Owner Kelly Partridge of Contribution Clothing in Springfield.
1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?
My name is Kelly Partridge and I am the Founder of Contribution Clothing, a mission driven online boutique that has a focus around empowering women and supporting the community through monetary donations to non-profits in the Western Massachusetts region.
2. What inspired you/encouraged you to start your business?
I've always wanted to create something that allowed me to be apart of the community in a positive way. I've actually been dreaming of creating Contribution Clothing since 2016, but this is my year. I finally did it!
3. What do you love about your work?
It's my passion! I'm having a blast meeting different women in the community, and building relationships and friendships. I really wanted to create a community a women, and a part of that is me getting out into the community and meeting people.
4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
Contribution Clothing was a dream of mine for 3 year before I actually took the step to make it into something. You could dream of starting a business all your life, so my advice would be take the first step. For me, it was talking about it. Once I started talking about the idea of Contribution Clothing to family and friends, I made so many connections and got so much support. The main thing for me was overcoming the fear of starting my business, and I feel like fear is what is stopping a lot people from making their dream happen. I found that once I took my first step of talking about it, I became more confident and was able to become motivated and excited about making my business a reality.
5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
Finding time is definitely challenging, but I have a 2 year old corgi named Lucy and we love to go for walks every morning. She definitely helps keep me active. I also practice yoga and spinning a few times a week in my down time.
6. What can we do to support you in the community?
Spread the word about Contribution Clothing! Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ContributionClothing/ and Instagram @ContributionClothing, and join our mailing list to stay up to date on sales, new inventory, and updates on the organizations we support https://contributionclothing.com/
7. Favorite spot to go around town?
That's a tough question. I love grabbing coffee from Agawam Java Stop, so if you haven't been there I highly recommend it! I'm also a wine drinker, and am a fan of the Blueberry wine at Amherst Farms Winery. Dobra Tea in downtown Northampton is also one of my favorite spots.
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