Meet Kristen Couperus | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Couperus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Being in business is all about taking risk. Having the courage to take the risk is the first step and knowing that you have what it will need to be a success is the next. Confidence is crucial and having the ability to adapt. You must remain consistent, be persistent and never stop digging. I am grateful I have the vision to see the success beyond the initial risk. I think that this has allowed me to put myself in the position to be successful in business and enjoy the rewards of being an entrepreneur. I think it is true to say we think a little different than most. Some would be terrified to put it all on the line while an entrepreneur sees the risk in a whole different light.
\
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am Kristen, owner of The GypSea Cottage. Since I was a very little girl I remember playing “store” every chance I had. I wanted a cash register every year for my birthday or Christmas until my parents finally gave in. I grew up in family business and knew from a very young age this was my destiny. I spent decades working in small private retail business, I opened stores and created business partnerships. I worked corporate management, and was a buyer and visual merchandiser. As the years past there was no doubt I was formulating in my heart and mind what the ideal store would look like. Each path I took in one way or another led me to where I am today. I always stayed true to my passion and kept on the retail roadway regardless what others thought or may have said about my line of work. When it is said “timing is everything” the opening of The GypSea Cottage is just that. During the stay at home order amid the Covid-19 pandemic, despite so much uncertainty of our future, everything within me said this was the time to do it. These uncertain and “quiet” times gave me the moments to evaluate and reflect on my career and life. It gave me time to slow down and truly think about where I was going in my career and what I wanted my life to look like when we were able to go back to work. Without hesitation the answer came over me like nothing I had ever experienced before. I spent the remainder of the stay at home period confirming a store location, building out the interior of the brick and mortar and buying merchandise and products for the store. I was presented so many unique variables in opening during the pandemic that it really validated how ready and prepared I was for this next step. Today we have been in business in historic downtown Stuart, Florida for over 2 years. I did not let the pandemic sway my vision, change my mind or scare me away from chasing this dream. I knew the opportunity in this thriving and growing beach town needed what I had to offer and I never looked back. The pandemic created many unique opportunities for my business and I am happy to say that some good things came out of such a sad and scary time. We have grown continuously month to month, year to year since the day we opened our doors. We staff a team of 5 amazing and talented individuals, all of who have been with us over a year or more. I appreciate more than ever how important stong team leadership is to the success of my business. Today I reap the benefit of chasing this dream everyday. My “job” never feels like work and it is the most rewarding and full filling achievement I have made to date.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Start your morning in Stuart, Florida off right with a coffee from Stuart Coffee Co. If you happen to come visit on a Sunday, you’ll have a chance to experience the Market on Main in downtowns Flagler Park as well as Rock’n Riverwalk, a live music festival on the Riverwalk. Bring your chair and listen to this free entertainment with a beautiful waterfront backdrop. Grab a ride on the Tiki Taxi Boat where you can order a cocktail on board their open air floating tiki bar all while you cruise on the St. Lucie River. Head back to town and explore The GypSea Cottage on the beautiful Stuart Main Street, known as Osceola St. You’ll be welcomed into our boho, seaside paradise full of amazing finds from the perfect coastal sundress to furniture, home decor and gifts. On Main Street you’ll find our cozy shop, as well as, an eclectic group of shops, galleries and so much more! After all that exploring, you’ll probably be a little hungry. Check out some of our favorite bars and restaurants like The Black Marlin, Spritz, The Gafford and Riverwalk Oyster Bar. After you’ve tasted some of the amazing food and drinks Stuart has to offer, stroll down to Sunset Marina to enjoy a beautiful Stuart sunset at Gilberts Coffee fire pit or listen to live music at the waterside bar at Sailors Return! We may be biased, but these might be the best sunsets in Florida 🙂 Now that’s a perfect day spent in paradise if you ask us! It’s no wonder we have been voted America’s happiest seaside town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout: To my Mother and Father for instilling a strong work ethic in me and allowing me to learn first hand what it takes to operate a successful business from such a early age. To Rebecca, the boss who saw my talent in corporate retail and put me in every position to earn promotions and watch me grow. To my amazing staff, none of this is possible without each of you. I am so grateful to have built such a strong team with so much potential. To my husband for believing in me and supporting all of my crazy ideas. You are our go to handyman, stock boy or sales associate and wear all those hats so well. Most importantly you are my very best friend and I couldn’t do any of this without your help.

Website: thegypseacottage.com

Instagram: @thegypseacottage

Linkedin: kristencouperus@gmail.com

Twitter: kristencouperus@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegypseacottage

Yelp: The GypSea Cottage

Image Credits
D Barbour Photography