One of my favorite parts of editing The Evolving Mompreneur is getting to know women like Leena Kollar, who are fiercely dedicated to building something of their own while also raising a family. Leena’s story is one of resilience, growth, and passion. She’s the founder of The Quirky Giraffe Boutique, a trendy online shop that offers unique products at affordable prices. In this interview, Leena shares the ups and downs of her journey, her inspiration, and her vision for the future.
Starting with Passion and Determination
Leena and her fiance, Brian.
Alyson: Leena, thank you so much for joining us today. To kick things off, what inspired you to start The Quirky Giraffe Boutique?
Leena: I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so it’s always been in my blood. My fiancé recently opened a liquidation store, and when I saw how much fun he was having, I decided to bite the bullet and open my own online boutique! I’ve tried starting businesses in the past, but they never really “stuck.” I think I gave up too soon because I was afraid of failing. This time, I’m giving it my all. My kids are old enough now to see my hard work pay off, and they inspire me to work really, really hard.
It’s clear that entrepreneurship runs deep in Leena’s family, and it’s inspiring to see how her fiancé’s success helped reignite her own entrepreneurial spark. Many of us have faced the fear of failure at one time or another, but what’s special about Leena’s mompreneur story is her willingness to push past that fear and give it everything she’s got.
Leena and her children.
Alyson: It’s amazing how your kids have become a source of motivation. Can you tell us more about the boutique itself?
Leena: Sure! My business is an online boutique where I sell trendy women’s clothing, accessories, home décor, gifts, and even children’s products. I try to offer really unique items that you can’t find anywhere else—or if you can, it’s much more expensive! I help my fiancé with his store too, and I loved unboxing his items to see what he had. I’ve always been passionate about fashion and lifestyle products, so opening a boutique just made sense.
Leena’s love for fashion and unique products shines through in everything she offers at The Quirky Giraffe Boutique. What started as a fun experience with her fiancé has turned into a full-fledged business venture that showcases her creativity and eye for special, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Overcoming Challenges
Alyson: Running a boutique sounds like a dream, but I’m sure it comes with its challenges. What’s been the toughest part for you so far?
Leena: Definitely getting the word out and finding the funds to advertise. I’m very much a DIY-er, so I’ve self-funded everything and try to be as fiscally responsible as possible! I know that getting a business off the ground is hard, but I’m up for the challenge. I just remind myself that I’m doing this for my family. I would love to have the freedom to be my own boss one day, and I think my children will find value in watching me hustle to make it happen.
Leena’s DIY spirit is something that so many of us can relate to. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges of starting a business, but Leena is handling it with grace and determination. Her focus on fiscal responsibility and making smart choices for her family’s future shows just how driven she is to succeed.
Alyson: Speaking of your family, how do you balance running your business with being a mom?
Leena: Since I co-parent, I have days when my children aren’t with me, and I use that time very intentionally. I focus on my business goals and try to squeeze in as much work as I can. My “free” time these days is either spent working on the business or talking to my fiancé about it! I also try to involve my kids as much as possible, so they can have fun and see what it takes to build something from the ground up.
Leena’s approach to co-parenting and managing her time is truly inspiring. She’s making the most of her child-free days by dedicating herself fully to her business, and at the same time, she’s teaching her kids about entrepreneurship through hands-on involvement. It’s a beautiful balance that I’m sure resonates with many of our readers.
The Power of Resilience
Alyson: You mentioned earlier that you’ve faced some obstacles in the past. How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
Leena: It’s definitely hard not to give up sometimes, but I remind myself that quitting isn’t an option. My kids, and my fiancé, are my biggest motivations. I want to set an example of resilience for them so they’re not afraid to go after what they want in life. I’ve had to learn so much along the way—about taxes, marketing, reseller rules—but I’ve also learned that roadblocks don’t mean I’m failing. Giving up before giving myself a real chance just isn’t something I’m willing to do anymore.
Resilience is something every mompreneur needs in her toolkit, and Leena has plenty of it. She’s embracing the learning curve that comes with starting a business, and she’s showing her kids the importance of persistence and hard work. It’s a message that will resonate deeply with other women balancing family and business.
Looking Toward the Future
Grab these great items from The Quirky Giraffe Boutique.
Alyson: It’s clear that your family and your love for the business are your driving forces. What are your short- and long-term goals for The Quirky Giraffe Boutique?
Leena: In the short term, I’m focused on attracting new customers and testing out my products and strategies. Long-term, I hope to run my business full-time and support my family that way. I want to be successful enough to have time to be a wife, mother, friend—everything. I also want people to get excited about shopping at my boutique and look forward to new products coming out!
Leena’s vision for her boutique is both practical and ambitious. She’s laying the groundwork for future success by carefully testing her strategies and building a loyal customer base, all while keeping her family at the forefront of her plans. It’s a balance that so many mompreneurs aspire to achieve.
Alyson: It sounds like you’re well on your way to making that vision a reality. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to other moms who are thinking about starting their own business?
Leena: Don’t let fear hold you back! It’s scary at first, but if you make smart choices and are truly committed to being successful, I believe it will happen for you. And even if it doesn’t turn out exactly as you hoped, the experience itself is so worth it. Doing something just because you love it is just as important as succeeding at it.
Leena’s advice is a powerful reminder that success comes from a mix of passion, smart choices, and resilience. Her journey with The Quirky Giraffe Boutique is a testament to the fact that even the toughest challenges can be overcome when you have a clear vision and the determination to see it through.
Alyson Borowczyk: Leena, it’s been such a pleasure hearing your mompreneur story. How can our readers get in touch with you and shop at The Quirky Giraffe Boutique?
Leena Kollar: You can check out my website at The Quirky Giraffe Boutique, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on new products and promotions. I love connecting with people, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Leena Kollar’s story is one of courage, commitment, and creativity. It’s mompreneurs like her who remind us that the road to success is full of twists and turns, but that’s what makes the journey so rewarding. Stay tuned for more interviews and stories here at The Evolving Mompreneur.
