She literally is living her “Maybe One Day” dream come true.
Like some little ladies hope to become a princess or a queen or a world-famous performer, Ingrid Loy played “store” when she was single-digit years old. If she had friends with her, they were the customers, but if not, then imaginary patrons were just as inquisitive and picky and appreciative.
And there were purses and dresses and bracelets, too, and of course, the perfect pair of shoes and earrings and rings to go with the flair that made her imagination sparkle.
Her dreamy aspirations to conquer the retail industry, though, weren’t based on success that’s measured by wealth, but sure, balancing the books month after month has made it pleasantly realistic. Instead, when a younger Ingrid imagined a successful career as a boutique owner, it was based on smiles and satisfaction and saving the day for those desperate for last-minute gifts for holidays such as, as a matter of fact, Mother’s Day this weekend.
Well, that’s exactly what she and her staff will be doing today and tomorrow at Nini’s Treasures in the Town Centre area at The Highlands in Ohio County because, if you ask her, it’s something of a life-long calling that only came true about six months ago.
Nini’s Treasures was for sale, and a friend also involved with retail let her know of the opportunity, but initially she stayed silent. She’s been a Marketing and Retail professor at West Liberty University for a couple of years, and she really enjoys talking the talk after working for a number of companies “in industry” for more than two decades.
But then she mumbled something to her husband, Chris, and, after careful thought and thorough examination of all things financial, he soon replied, “Well, WHY NOT us?”
So, now, “walking the walk” is on her resume, and playing “store” is as real as it gets.
Are you still nervous about owning your own boutique at The Highlands?
Great question. The more I get familiar with The Highlands, the more excited I get about being a part of The Highlands family. Our shop location is sometimes forgotten about, but word of mouth and social media are really helping with awareness of our destination shopping boutique.
Our Nini’s Treasures peeps are finding us.
As a Marketing and Retail educator at West Liberty University, what are you now “practicing what you teach” as the owner of Nini’s?
Preparing for my classes has definitely changed for me. A lot of the information I am delivering is ‘real life’ actions for me. It has given me a different perspective of delivery of my material and the projects we create for students.
It actually makes my delivery style more dynamic.
What has your hands-on experience in business taught you as a college educator?
For education, being a small business owner has reinforced how important it is to know the basics. To understand the basic consumer buying process, the importance of a mission statement, the importance of a vision, the importance of a plan with action, the importance of understanding finance, and knowing that if it can be measured, it can be managed.
My dual efforts have reinforced that ‘foundational knowledge’ is a powerful tool in small business ownership.
What song can you listen to over and over again? Why?
“The Best Is Yet to Come” – Frank Sinatra. I love the beat, I love the elegant feel of Frank Sinatra’s songs, and the lyrics. He always had the mindset that it was a great time, but also that even greater times were coming.
What are the best parts about raising a child in the Wheeling area?
The Ohio Valley is such a great place to raise a family; West Virginia is such a great state. Our kids have so many adults looking out for them, it is like a large extended family.
I feel like there is so much available in our area. I wish there were a better communication system for all the things that are available. We truly live in a fabulous community.
