Life and Work with Claudia Mielke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Mielke.

Claudia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After I had my first son, I decided to leave my job and become a Stay-at-Home Mom. My aunt had given me some advice to continue doing something to keep my mind active. It took some time to figure it out because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but knew that I wanted to be able to work from home. One day, I came across a clothing boutique that inspired me to start my own. Finally, I had found something that excited me as well as something I could do from home. I brought up the idea with my husband, and he was very supportive. By then, I had our second son and, at the time he was about seven months old. Every afternoon at naptime, I would do some research, and I figured out what steps I needed to take to start creating my business. In the process, I was trying to think of a name and I wanted it to have a special meaning. I thought long and hard for a name. One evening while I was admiring my babies who both born in June, and I thought to myself, “What adorable little sweet peas I have,” and that is how the name “Sweet June” came to be.

As I started working on my business, I realized that my computer skills were lacking and after having two babies just 24 months apart, my brain was foggy. However, as I continued to work, the fog cleared and my computer skills improved. I was really learning to think in ways I had never thought before. That is when I realized that I had to keep moving forward with this business idea! At that same time, my husband, a software engineer, started building the website and, WOW, I never had a clue how much work and detail went into creating a website from scratch! Even though it was challenging, we stuck with it and still enhance and maintain it for sales and marketing.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the beginning, I struggled with managing my time between home and work because I love to spend time with my boys. I feel that they are only little once, and I want to make the best out of these years. My advice to other young women who are just starting their journey is to surround themselves with other like-minded business owners with the same dreams and goals. I have gained so much support and knowledge through networking with individuals who own their own businesses.

Please tell us about Sweet June Boutique.
Sweet June is a clothing boutique specializing in women’s fashion apparel and accessories. My goal is to find fun and trendy clothes at an affordable price for women ranging in ages from early 30’s to late 60’s. I do most of my wholesale shopping at the Denver Mart, where I hand-pick unique, quality items. I prefer to shop in person to ensure the quality of the clothing that I sell. One challenge of shopping wholesale is the large quantity requirements but at the same time, it is so much fun and exciting. I have a natural high the entire time.

I sell at various pop-up shows throughout the year. I love styling women in outfits that will make them feel beautiful! I believe what sets me apart is that I handpick the clothes for uniqueness and quality and, throughout the year, I donate part of my proceeds to various organizations and charities.

Starting in February, you can shop Sweet June in person at Details Boutique, located in downtown Littleton!

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
My advice for young women is that if you have a business idea, then go for it! However, make sure to take your time, do your research and make good network connections. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and support required to own a successful business. The best advice I have received is to see other similar businesses as learning opportunities rather than competition. When I meet other boutique owners, it really excites me and I love talking with them about their business. I hope to learn from them and I hope they can learn from me as well. I’m so glad that I decided to jump in and start my own business, I have learned so much and it has been such an amazing and fun journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: sweetjuneboutique.com
• Email: sweetjuneboutique@gmail.com
• Instagram: @sweetjuneboutique
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetjuneboutique/

Image Credit:
Nadine Ramsouer with Gemini Photography

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