Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily Kovach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Kovach.

Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Intro Boutique opened in 2016 in the 5th Street Arcades in downtown Cleveland. The idea came from my sister (co-owner) who owns a blow dry bar, Style House Beauty Bar, in downtown. So many of her clients would ask where to find shopping in town and she had no where to send them. We started thinking about Intro in 2015 and decided to go for it mid-2016. Best decision we’ve ever made. We are one of the only women’s retail downtown, 9 years strong and now with two locations. We stayed happy, successful and passionate thank you to our regular clients and the many travelers Cleveland sees.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been smooth for a majority of the time, but we’ve dealt with the COVID shutdowns and having to rebuild our shop and inventory after the May 2020 civil unrest. We see that all as our fresh start and have gotten closer to the success we saw before those events occurred recently.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am Co-Owner of Intro Boutique and Token (Cleveland’s only souvenir shop). Shops are owned with sister, Elaina. I manage most of the front of house duties, including but not limited to hiring, merchandising and customer service. I am also the main buyer for Intro, this is were I flourish and shine. I am happiest picking out new merchandise for the shop.
I think what sets myself and my business aside from others is the environment we have created. I focus on and teach all my employees on how we treat our guests. It’s not about sales it’s about how comfortable they feel. We want everyone to be a friend and have fun while shopping. We also take pride in being a welcoming and affordable boutique!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Take risks! Sometimes I second guess the choices I’ve made and if I’m doing right by the business, but most have worked out in my favor. Opening a second location and a second shop were scary, but I knew what we could offer and hopefully achieve so we just went for it!

Pricing:

• Nothing over $100, most things priced around $40
• All jewelry under $25
• Great Quality Handbags under $40
• Our Best Sellers all under $50

Contact Info:

• Website: introboutique.com and tokencleveland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/introboutique
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/introboutiquecle
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@introboutique