CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES

Lisa Disbrow

Scout & Molly's
Raleigh and Chapel Hill , NC
www.scoutandmollys.com

When you walk into Scout & Molly’s, a high-end clothing and handmade jewelry boutique, you will see an abundance of colors, textures, and fabrics. The boutique is skillfully decorated with antique furniture and modern art. Among the art hangs a painting of the boutique’s namesakes, the owner’s two Labrador Retrievers. Five years ago, the boutique was only a dream for owner Lisa Disbrow, but she will be the first to say “I would not be in business if not for the SBTDC.”

When Lisa worked part-time at a boutique during graduate school, she learned that she had a passion for sales and fashion. “I loved the sales aspect as well as the interpersonal aspect of getting to know the customers. I thought Raleigh needed another women’s boutique so I decided it was a good time to take a chance and open my own store.” Scout & Molly’s was her dream, but Lisa knew she would need some help to start the new venture. A friend who was a South Carolina SBDC client told her to contact North Carolina’s SBTDC. Lisa sprang into action. She contacted the SBTDC and was soon working with business counselor Mark McKnight.

Lisa and Mark first discussed her business idea and business plan, then analyzed the financial, marketing, and operational needs for this type of business. He shared useful tools and information including marketing plan outlines, and loan and financial advice.  Since Lisa was in the beginning stages, Mark stressed the importance of marketing to get the word out about her business well in advance of the grand opening. She followed the marketing plan outline to spread the news of her 2002 grand opening in local newspapers and magazines, and eventually developed a website that mirrored the style and elegance of her boutique.

Since the initial stages of the business, Lisa has worked with Mark through the grand opening and her relocation to Raleigh’s North Hills Mall area in 2005. And when she first considered opening another boutique in Chapel Hill’s Meadowmont Village, she contacted Mark.

Mark knew that having another store could present challenges. To help Lisa become more prepared, the SBTDC arranged for a UNC-Chapel Hill law intern to complete a legal audit of the business. This was important in analyzing corporate/limited liability company issues, sales documents, accounts receivable, human resources issues, intellectual property protection, website issues, leases, and financing issues.

Today Lisa’s dream is a very successful reality. Since Scout & Molly’s first opened, sales have increased 225%. The newest venture in Chapel Hill is also doing well, and is continuing to grow.

Lisa’s willingness to seek assistance in the early stages of her business planning and throughout its progression has made a huge impact on her success. She is gracious in her appreciation of Mark’s counseling.

“Mark has helped me immensely over the past five-and-a-half years. His help has been truly priceless, and he is a great means of professional support for me.”