Meet Victoria Paul-Chatman | Entrepreneur & Philanthropist aka Your Boutique Bestie

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Paul-Chatman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my business has taught me and continues to teach me, is to “Keep the end in mind.” I use this thought process to regain my focus and maintain my momentum in the many instances where things may seem unclear along the way. No-one is following a parked car and roadmap helps you reroute or stay on the right path.

When you begin with the end in mind you gain clarity, which will naturally help you become more efficient.Knowing my why makes operating as a solopreneur much easier.

Another important lesson, I would say is to “Be proactive, when I realized no one was coming to save me and do the work.
s your craft. I will always do the work. I use most if not all of my time and resources to educate myself on as much about the business, the processes and stages of development. So that when it is time to hire staff, or make significant changes I would have a proficient level of knowledge and work experiences alongside a high level or confidence that is unquestionable in your industry. Be Proficient

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a person that started this journey with a big vision and a little bit of faith watching my career grow into the direction that I had ultimately imagined is very satisfying. I am most proud of the person that this journey has helped me become. I am super grateful for the opportunity to genuinely do what I love, while also staying authentic to who I am. This is something that I try to remain conscious of.

I enjoy catering to people and hosting one of a kind shopping experiences. So fusing fashion and philanthropy into the business was a no-brainer.

I am most excited about what the future holds for me and the entrepreneurs that grow their brands through my store. My businesses model was created to provide a platform for minority owned brands who lack access to capital. By providing a space for these small businesses to display their products brand owners can focus on their business while also gaining profitability without their presence.

None of this has been easy. And I quote NONE of this has been easy. But once again, I’ve managed to keep the end in mind and when you begin to connect the pieces together, it all starts to makes sense. I feel as though every moment has prepared me for the next
I truly love Fashion, Style, Design and making others feel good. The opportunity to be generous, original stylish and hospitable is exhilarating to me.While most businesses and boutiques are concerned with profits and high-markups, my focus is on growing organically, collaborating and connecting within the community.
There has been many of Instances where I’ve given customers a major discount despite knowing that it would affect the businesses bottom line.
I can think back to the many times as a kid, where there were pieces of clothing I’d desperately want but we just couldn’t afford at the time.

After years of experience in Retail, Visual Merchandising, Sales and event planning, I set my sights on my passion project to become a specialty store owner. In 2017, I secured 600sq ft of suite space that I transformed into a boutique. By 2020, The idea blossomed into what it is now The Graytin Haus & Co Collective.

I am supported by my wonderful husband of 6 plus years, two amazing children, and a plethora of family and friends who believe in my vision. .

I believe that great companies sell feelings not products and I will always keep fashion and philanthropy at the forefront of the business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting I’d have a heavy itinerary of exhilarating excursions and mouth watering eateries to indulge in. Best friend would be in for a week full Fitness, Fashion,Fun and belly bubbling laughs.

I’d book a few days stay at the Château Elan Winery in Braselton, GA for spa services and self-care treatments.
After trekking through the winery and relaxing through the afternoon, we’d hop in our Black SUV Private Transport for an afternoon recap at Ponce City Market, downtown Atlanta,.

Then we’d hit the bustling belt line for a sweet and savory açaí Bowl at Playa Bowl . After that, we’d head over to The Shoppes at Buckhead, for some retail therapy and a few mid-day cocktails. Then we’d head over to Toast on Lenox for brunch and Bellinis.

But, Whats a week without a workout? We would of course squeeze in a Stone Mountain Hike, a stroll at Piedmont Park and a high intensity workout at Burn Bootcamp. Proceeding a week of random fitness classes, we’d pop in for some R&B and roller rink realness at Midnight Adult Skate at Stone Mountain Skates.
To detox the days away, we’d stop into SweatHouz Infrared Sauna house for Cold Plunge Tubs, Hydromassage’s, Red-light Therapy, Vitamin-C Shower, and Hyperice tools that offer a full range of benefits.
Friday evening we’d cap our week with dinner at Knife Mediterranean restaurant on Piedmont.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out four women and one good book. First and foremost, My beautiful and compassionate, mother Jennifer Paul and the three women who helped her raise me. My late grandmother, Grace Paul and my two aunts Marion Paul and Helene Paul-Damas. Collectively, these woman have showed me that despite life’s challenges, you roll with the punches and never let the rug get pulled from under you. I’ve watched each of them display admirable amounts of resilience, compassion and fortitude. From taking in my friends and family who sought solace in our homes, to multitasking at work, School, home and genuinely showing up for others. I dedicate my relationship with fashion and style to them. From sourcing the best fabrics in New York City’s markets, to perusing nearby towns for the most coveted boutiques with hopes that we’d find of a kind designs and exclusive pieces. I was also introduced to my first corporate retail job, by my aunt Helene who has spent over 25 years working in the New York Fashion Industry. She used her connections to get me hired and I worked in the industry until I decided to start my own business.

One of many good books that have contribute to my personal and business success would be the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Website: Www.tgthaus.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/tgthaus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegraytin