Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/495532
APRIL/MAY 2015 MACON MAGAZINE | 41 ADVERTISING | Women IN BUSINESS How did your career path lead you to opening Karats and Keepsakes in 1987? Julie G. Evans: I can hear my Dad saying, "Julie, you can do anything you want to do!" Those words and my Mom's never-ending motivation and energy, made me believe I could accomplish my goals in life. After working in retail as a sales clerk, a buyer and a manager, I knew owning a boutique like Karats and Keepsakes was my dream. With encouragement from them and hard work, I made it happen. And I still love what I do. What do you love most about your job? Julie G. Evans: I love when someone comes out of the dressing room with a big smile. I don't want anyone to ever walk out with something they won't wear. I want women to own their look and feel good about it. When we can help with that, it is wonderful! What's the coolest thing about Karats & Keepsakes? Julie G. Evans: I have customers who I knew when they were kids, and they still come shop here. The coolest thing about Karats & Keepsakes is it's always evolving and changing and that keeps it interesting. There is always something new. We aren't the same store we were in 2000. Fashion is always changing and so are we. Julie has seven dedicated "Karats and Keepsakes Boutique girls" who love the business almost as much as she does. These women in business each answered two of the same questions Julie answered. What do you love most about your job? Jill Dean: I have to say I love going to the mart, even if it's just going to New York for 24 hours. It is exciting and so much fun! Kate Mixon: I love that I get to model the different clothes and styles and I always laugh while I do it! Melissa Boatwright: I love helping people feel good about themselves and how they look. Sarah McGuire: I love everything: the trendy clothes, accessories, the atmosphere, the décor, my customers and co-workers. What's the coolest thing about Karats & Keepsakes? Kelley Evans: We have such unique items, especially "Free People" and handmade jewelry. It's not like any other store. Taylor Rich: It is like a party. We get so excited every time a delivery arrives – just opening the boxes to see what's inside. We really are one happy family! Libby Ellison: The coolest aspect is how unique and spunky the K&K atmosphere is. The workers and customers all know each other, and it creates such a fun environment. 4524 Forsyth Road, Ste. 202 | Macon, GA 31210 | 478.471.6688 JULIE G. EVANS KARATS & KEEPSAKES Clockwise from left: Fooling around in front of the I Love Macon sculpture are (from left to right): Sara McGuire, Libby Ellison, Kelley Evans, Taylor Rich, Jill Dean, Julie G. Evans, and Kate Mixon ... They all love Macon and Karats and Keepsakes.