Meet Jill Callan of Petit Parker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Callan.

Jill, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a children’s wear designer in NY for almost 20 years. In 2008 during the economic downturn, I decided to take control of my career and opened my first children’s boutique. About three years ago, life brought me to Colorado. When I discovered there were no children’s boutiques in the area, I knew what I was going to do, open my own children’s shop right here in Parker, bringing the community another level of a shopping experience. In 2020, I opened up on Main Street in Parker and it’s been amazing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been ups and downs, but I always press on because I love what I do! The biggest struggle is of course money. This year I secured a small business loan from the Colorado Enterprise Fund and was the first to receive an SBA loan from the business development fund in Parker. As for downs, I apparently manage the pick the worst years to open a business, 2008 and 2020! However, in this year’s case I have restructured my store to gear it towards baby products as I expect there will be a significant rise in pregnancies.

Petit Parker – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Petit Parker is an amazing children’s clothing and toy boutique. We carry items for newborns all the way to age 10. I search high and low to find merchandise that you just can’t find anywhere else, usually smaller brands, some local, or an emerging designer. I do this to provide a unique selection of products and price points to assure there is something for everyone. Quality and style are my main focus when preparing a collection for the store.

I absolutely love what I do and look forward to coming to work every day. I enjoy meeting new people, especially babies, and talking with people about their journey into parenthood. Along the way, Petit Parker provides them with something special to make life easier such as innovative items like magnetic sleepers or memorable items for picture perfect outfits.

I try to create an experience rather than just shopping. It’s all about personal connections, especially now in the online era of shopping. As a mom and pop shop, I provide a face, personalized help, and interaction with customers. The customer can touch and feel the fabrics and know they are getting something special.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as being happy. I love what I do. Many people go through life dreading going to work as I did for many years as a designer just for the outcome years down the road. I want to enjoy the entire journey. It’s difficult at times being an entrepreneur, especially as a single mom, but I am instilling important values in my kids. Overall, even during difficult times like a pandemic, it’s still all worth it to see moms, dads, grandparents, kids and babies smile with they are leaving my store. It makes me feel like I did my job and therefore successful!

Contact Info:

• Address: 19555 Mainstreet A
  Parker, CO 80138
• Website: www.petitparker.com
• Phone: 720-296-6191
• Email: shop@petitparker.com
• Instagram: petitparkerandco
• Facebook: petitparker

Image Credit:
Raemi Rue Photography, Jennifer Lynn Photography, Nicola Jane Photography, Jessy Witte Photography

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