Exploring Life & Business with McKena Van Keuren of Urban Farmgirl

Today we’d like to introduce you to McKena Van Keuren.

Hi McKena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My parents, Traci Van Keuren and Jim Van Keuren opened a business up for themselves when I was a kid called Modern Farmhouse that was located in Millersburg, OH. I always helped in all of my families business endeavors but especially when it came to Modern Farmhouse which was a home goods store that ranged from gifts, clothing, and home decor. My mom let me take on more of the clothing part of the business when I was in college and I asked them if a space opened up in Historic Downtown Millersburg if they would help me open a boutique for myself and they supported me all the way. Then the rest was history, I opened Urban Farmgirl in June of 2022 when I was 20 years old and it truly has changed my life and am so blessed for everyone in my life that have supported me, but my parents have truly been my biggest cheerleaders. Now the boutique is 3 years old and we are expecting an expansion later this coming year along with more presence on socials, including a website to shop on!

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?
I would say overall things have been smooth which is something I am very thankful for. My mom and I have a very close relationship and she has really helped guide me in the right direction of the do’s and don’ts with running a business and that has really helped me take challenges on with an open mind and to always know those hard times are just part of the process. What I have realized is you need to go into each day with an open mind and appreciate that even on the bad days there is always something to learn and to find growth in.

We’ve been impressed with Urban Farmgirl, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Urban Farmgirl is a woman’s clothing boutique located in Historic Downtown Millersburg, Ohio. The boutique brings a fun cowgirl/boho feel to the town. We sell apparel, footwear, leather/cowhide bags, genuine Native American Turquoise jewelry and sterling silver pearls, home goods, and much more. I have curated the boutique into my own personal style and passions and that is a big part of why Urban Farmgirl is what it is now. I grew up on a farm and I am a big horse lover! I wanted to implement that into the shop and customers seem to love it. My goal was to stand out and be different than other boutiques and we really show that through our decorating process by repurposing a lot of antique display pieces, our clothing racks are made by my dad that are all repurposed barn wood. We decorate with a lot of botanicals and greenery to bring out those bohemian vibes. Everything we do we try to make it different and that is where my mom and I will really put our heads together to create something unique and my dad is the one that will always take our idea and make it into something beautiful. My mom, Traci has so much experience when it comes to displays and decorating so I am very thankful I am learning from the best! We have really become known for our Native American Turquoise Jewelry selection. If you know me personally you know I am usually always decked out in my turquoise jewelry and have gotten so many compliments over the years that I then wanted to incorporate it into the boutique. I just have so much respect for the makers and generations of families that have continued to make these beautiful one of a kind pieces. What I have learned is my customers love and appreciate it just as much as I do and I have built so many great relationships with people through turquoise that they continue to come back. Those are truly some of my favorite days at Urban Farmgirl when I get to see those amazing customers again! What I want your readers to know is you don’t need to be a country girl to find something at Urban Farmgirl. We have a broad range of apparel and would love to help style you, if you let us! The vibe in the boutique is always welcoming and we want you to leave inspired!

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have a hard time when it comes to change and I believe opening this boutique has truly brought me out of my shell even more and made me realize that change is truly an amazing thing that should be appreciated. I am a young business owner and I need that change to learn and grow from. I am going to make mistakes and that is part of my journey. Another big lesson I have learned is that everyone is going through their own phases of life and you truly don’t know what people are going through. So when customers come in I always try to have a bright smile on my face, to know a little bit about them and to hopefully leave them happier than before they came in. I have learned that it takes such little effort to make someones day so I am always wanting to make people happier!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanfarmgirl.boutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083236905182

Image Credits
McKena Van Keuren Photography