GRAFTON — The doors are open at KaraMarie Boutique in Grafton, and the business is going all in on style and fun.
The newly opened shop in the former Grafton State Bank building is on a mission to deliver an experience that brings fashion, jewelry and community together in a unique and vibrant way.
Owner and founder Kara Marie Yearling has been eagerly awaiting the moment when she could add a brick-and-mortar location to her already effective online direct-to-consumer model. The boutique held its grand opening April 27.
Securing the space and preparing for the opening was a daunting task. Yearling described the process as a 100-meter sprint, with a seemingly endless to-do list. From drawing floor plans to purchasing components that would create the boutique’s distinctive vibe, it was a labor of love.
“It was like coming full circle,” Yearling said. “I was inspired at Betty’s Bead Bank, worked at a bank, and now I have my boutique in a bank! The most fun was bringing the vision to life. The hard work and sweat equity were worth it.”
In its first handful of days of operation, the boutique has been resonating with customers, and Yearling is hopeful to carry the momentum for as long as possible.
“We’ve received fantastic feedback from the local community and small businesses in Grafton,” she said. “Customers describe our shop as a fun, new vibrant shopping experience that Grafton needed.”
KaraMarie Boutique offers an array of size-inclusive women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories. Yearling’s Austrian crystal jewelry designs are particularly popular, embodying her love for sparkles and her commitment to creating unique pieces. The shop’s motto, “Life is a party — dress like it!” summarizes its lively spirit.
KaraMarie Boutique’s online presence has always been a pillar of its success, and will continue to be so as the business grows and evolves. Selling live through social media was initially daunting, but Yearling quickly realized its importance in today’s landscape.
“Social media has been the lifeblood of our business,” Yearling said. “Women have a finite amount of time, so reaching them where they are is key.”
Yearling’s fascination with style and creativity style began at age 11 during her trips to Betty’s Bead Bank in downtown Milwaukee. It was here that she began crafting jewelry for herself and then for friends, establishing the foundation of what would later become her business.
“I was enchanted by the array of beads and the limitless possibilities,” she recalls.
Her passions extended to clothing design during high school. As a junior, she began sewing her own outfits and creating styles that stood out from the crowd. It eventually led her to consider a degree in retail merchandising at the University of Minnesota’s College of Design. However, after orientation, Yearling decided she wanted to remain closer to family in Wisconsin.
Despite majoring in finance and accounting and later earning a master’s in professional accounting, Yearling always maintained her passion for design. While working as an analyst at a bank, she continued to handcraft jewelry out of a duplex on Milwaukee’s East Side.
Yearling’s goal of selling her jewelry at local craft fairs eventually expanded to major wholesale shows, where she sold to boutiques and bridal shops. It motivated her to lead to the creation of an online clothing and jewelry boutique that reached customers across the country.
Yearling endured growing pains with her business just like any other owner. Cash flow, inventory investments, payroll and balancing family life with business demands were a few common hurdles.
“It requires immense dedication,” she said. “But the support of my husband, Mark, who wholeheartedly believed in my dreams, and my incredible team, helped me overcome those obstacles.”
Her husband’s IT skills proved crucial as she transitioned to selling online, eventually running everything from a warehouse in Port Washington. Despite initial success, Yearling saw an opportunity to build a local presence and began exploring the possibility of a physical boutique. Fast forward to today, the goal has been met.
Now that the Grafton location is up and running, Yearling wants to make her presence felt in her community, and she hopes that people stop in to check out the many creative and stylish items suited for all women.
“Knowing that my small business is strong, employing a terrific team, and leaving a positive impact on my customers and community is the vision I desire right now,” Yearling said.
KaraMarie Boutique is located at 1238 12th Ave., Suite 200 in Grafton. Visit www.karamarieboutique.com for its full slate of offerings.
Kara Marie Yearling, holding the scissors and throwing her arm up in the air, is surrounded by staff, Grafton village officials and Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce officials during the official ribbon cutting for her store earlier this month.