Jane McCann of Cave Creek runs Just Jane Boutique, a fashion-based business focused on handbags and accessories.
After working in fashion in London for 20 years, how did you end up in Arizona?
I met my husband in San Francisco when I was on vacation. We got married and moved to New York, where we lived for two years, and then we had a baby. I didn’t want to raise my baby in a big city. I wanted a nice family place. Our children became the focus in our lives. Also, we like the diversity of being in Arizona.
How did you get started with the boutique?
Well, I was a stay-at-home mom and I had worked in fashion for 20 years. I decided that I wanted to sell handbags, so I collected them, put them in the back of my car, went to the preschool and started to sell them. From there the business just grew.
What do you sell?
I don’t sell anything with sizes. Anything else, we sell — like handbags and costume jewelry. We are mostly known for our handbags.
How do you choose what you sell?
I involve my two boys in a lot of it. I always ask what they think because I think it’s important for them to be aware of what women like. If they like something and I don’t, I will buy it and just see how it does. They always want me to know what they think.
I also choose by wholesale shows. I only buy brand names and quality. I read a lot of magazines and always keep an eye on what the catwalk has to offer. I stay on top of what’s out there because fashion turns around quicker than it used to.
How is your business different from others?
Our business is different because we travel around and take our products to where you are. We offer a lot of choices and we focus on certain areas because we want the best of the best of what’s in the market. And if someone sees something that they want, we can get it.
What’s in the future for Just Jane Boutique?
Right now we are developing a small line for Spring 2011. It will be called MayvaJane. We also have an online store right now where we ship all around the world and I would love to see that continue to grow. We still want to incorporate other brands so we can bring in the best of the best. Also, on the first of September we are opening our first showroom, where people can come see everything all in one place.
Has the economy affected your business?
We started in a down economy, so we can only get better.
Any advice for people wanting to start their own business?
I just don’t overthink things. I never think that I can’t do something.
