Media
12.04.08
Contact: Julie Nitchie 515.331.0039
For Immediate Release:
Julie Nitchie and Gretchen Stevenson, founders of The Pink Hippo, recently established a franchise system for the company. The company was founded in 2006 and opened their flagship store in Urbandale IA in 2007. Their second location was opened in Naperville, IL in September 2008.
The shop is an explosion of color, featuring a variety of items such as rhinestone tees, flower hats, squeaky shoes, and tights. Don’t let this fool you. This store is mostly hair bows and hair accessories. From the newborn baby with a smidgen of peach fuzz to the high school cheerleader, they have every angle covered. The Pink Hippo, Inc designs and manufactures all of their own hair products locally in Urbandale IA. They also developed a patent-pending clip system which is their signature product.
In November, the Pink Hippo sold the Urbandale, Iowa store as their first franchise location. Julie and Gretchen are now transitioning into their new production and design studio which is located at 3940 NW Urbandale Dr. in Urbandale. The company currently has 10 employees and is projecting to open 5 franchise locations in 2010.
What is the Pink Hippo?
It's a unique boutique and amazing shopping experience created by Julie Nitchie and Gretchen Stevenson, friends, mothers and motivated entrepreneurs. They plan to take on the world, one wispy haired toddler at a time.
They have a store, full of bows? How can that work?
The Pink Hippo isn't your everyday, stop-and-shop kind of a place. It's shabby-chic, it's boutique-couture, it's inviting and, honestly, it's just fun. The women have weekly regulars who are always looking for the perfect finishing touch. Julie and Gretchen stay ahead of popular clothing lines and design accessories to match. The bows are ready to buy as soon as the lines hit the stores. It doesn't stop at bows. This store is full of all things girly; boutique flower hats, tutus, rhinestone bling t-shirts, and chenille tooth fairy pillows, just to name a few. This is truly a girly mom's dream.
But seriously, hair bows?
They've not only designed incredibly creative and gorgeous hair accessories for girls, they've even developed an exclusive four-stage progressive clip system. As each little darling grows and gets more hair, she moves up to the next stage. Not only does the clip get a little bigger at each stage, so does the bow. So, the bow is always proportionate to the clip, and together they are always the perfect fit for her. Why is all of this so important? Because just designing a prettier hair bow wasn't enough. They wanted a hair bow that would actually stay in too! They are kinda crazy that way...
Bows are progressive?
If you are a mother, grandmother or have a little girl in your life, then you should know about this system. The Pink Hippo Bows are designed to fit and add flair to all heads, whether they have hair or not. The accessories can work for infants with the wispy peach fuzz to the young woman who wants to sport her soccer team's colors during the championship game. Each bow is hand sewn and made to stay in place.
More Pink Hippos on parade?
You bet! Nitchie and Stevenson are in a franchising frenzy right now. While they continue to grow and evolve, they meet their mission statement everyday. "To create only the highest-quality, most effective hair products, while maintaining a retail experience like no other, keeping a steadfast commitment to quality and function, and staying ahead of current fashion trends. We are a female-driven company, owned and operated exclusively by moms for moms."
It's just like the Hippo says, "Terrifically unique…totally boutique." Once you go, you'll know.
GET TO KNOW THE WOMEN BEHIND THE BOWS
Starting a business is never easy. It takes a unique idea, a potential market and the dedication to take a dream to reality.
Gretchen Stevenson and Julie Nitchie have been able to do just that.
The women, both mothers to girls (and even a few boys), identified a need for quality hair bows. From there, it didn’t take long for the Pink Hippo to take over their lives.
The women started their business from their dining room tables. Living next door allowed them to work side-by-side, designing bows and making them by hand. Gretchen and Julie attended craft shows and farmers' markets, selling their hair accessories and dreaming even bigger.
The first leap of faith was opening their flagship retail location in Urbandale, IA. Their second location, in Naperville, IL, opened Sept. '08. They company was established as a franchise system in October. And in November they sold their IA location as the first Pink Hippo franchise.
The Pink Hippo Bows Boutique sells not only handmade bows in a variety of styles and colors, but also a number of unique items including tutus, boutique flower hats, tooth fairy pillows and more. It's truly a wonderland for girls of any age.
It's also a wonderful place to see how two women have turned a small hobby into big business.
Gretchen and Julie are business owners who not only have taught themselves everything they know, but are interested in sharing their insight with others.
Gretchen and Julie are energetic, motivated and will not take no for an answer. They have conquered business plans and bank meetings with kids in tow. They can speak about the importance of family, dreaming big and working to balance it all.
The Pink Hippo currently has 10 employees at their production and design studio located in Urbandale, IA. To contact them, call (888) 95-HIPPO.
FOR MORE ON THE PINK HIPPO CLICK HERE!
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