Meet Melissa Willmert: Owner of Shipp to Shore Boutique

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Willmert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I was a stay at home Mom with both of my children for many years. Even homeschooling them for the middle school years. When they got old enough to not need me as much, I started chasing my dreams. I believe that work life balance is the aspect of running my business that has challenged me the most. The Mom guilt that we sometimes all feel is real. Before I was able to hire staff and was a one man show I missed things I hadn’t ever had to miss. I think my number one tip on work life balance would be that family is first. Before I built a team, I closed my store from 3:30- 4:00 every day to pick up my youngest from school. It was important to her. So it was important to me. Making a plan for someone to be at every game, concert, meeting, etc was also crucial. My husband and parents always made sure someone was there. Involving my family in my business has also made a difference. They all have a piece of ownership in the company now. As I have grown into 2 stores and a dozen staff members work life balance has changed. I now have more freedom to come and go as my family needs me. With the freedom comes more work so the work life balance has changed because I work more from home. Shutting work off when its at home is a struggle. I make sure to not answer emails after dinner. I try to wrap everything up to spend quality time with my family. Work life balance will be a struggle for as long as I own a business but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the oldest sibling and first grandchild. I’ve always been a take charge kind of girl. I loved fashion growing up and knew one day I wanted to own a boutique. I started out online at my house. I hosted open houses for people to come look at and try on my clothes. I outgrew my office in 10 months an opened a brick and mortar. And now 3 years later have 2 storefronts and a large online following. I think what sets us apart from others in our industry is personal touches. We can monogram everything. In the south that is really important! We make custom gifts. We offer a $10 tee of the week every week. These special things make Shipp to Shore different from any boutique around. It is also in our employees job description to learn something new about a customer every day. We know our customers kids names, where they work, their favorite brands, etc. This creates friendship and family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love when friends come to visit! The first place I take them is to Martins for a biscuit (always with gravy on the side). Pre Covid we would go to Mary Macs tea room and then the Fox for a show, We would definitely spend a couple days winery hopping in North GA too. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My maiden name is Shipp which I used in my store name. My greatest treasure in life is my family. Last week I lost my Pie (grandpa) to Coivd. He lived across the street from me and about a mile from my first storefront. We all loved seeing his white caddy pull up because we knew he was going to make us laugh. My success is because of him supporting me and pushing me. He will always be my greatest hype man.

Website: shipptoshore.commentsold.com
Instagram: shipptoshore
Facebook: Shipp to Shore

Image Credits
Savannah Rose Photography