I first met Karen Quinones when she walked into a luxury fashion showroom in Paris. We were working on a selection of women's wear for her boutique and I kind of fell in love. She is the kind of person that lights up a room and has the natural ability to command attention in an elegantly, understated way. Her energy bounces between tough director and sweet curiosity. She knows what she likes and is not afraid to stand behind her intuition yet open to learning about new ideas. This appears to be her formula for success. Karen has been scouting cutting edge brands for her boutique in Miami, appropriately named "En Avance," for over 20 years. She started out on Lincoln Road in Miami with a multi brand store but had the foresight to move to the Design District before any other luxury brand had even heard of it. After working with Karen on several buys; I had the chance to collaborate with her on a "Pop Up Shop" during Miami's Art Basel. The experience was like tagging along with the Mayor of Miami's Design District. She knows everything that is going on as far as business development of the district, has the admiration of local business owners and the devoted trust of her clients. The thing Karen would hate to admit is she is also strikingly beautiful and the woman who will roll up her sleeves and jump into any task, big or small, with equal dedication. I wanted to know more about Karen and hit her up with a few questions....
EP - I have never fully asked you about your background and driving force. How did you get to where you are and is it what you envisioned?
KQ - As a child I grew up surrounded by fashion. My grandmother made couture bridal gowns and my father worked at a men's store that specialized in custom suiting. Fashion is in my DNA.
My grandmother taught me how to sew and at a very early age I was making my own clothes... mainly pants. As a child I wasn't allowed to wear pants so in high school, I would change into my pants at the bus stop. Sorry Dad..
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At the age of 15 I started working in retail and never looked back.
EP - Opening a boutique is a brave venture and relocating a boutique an even more courageous act. What were the signs that helped you make that decision?
KQ - Well my decision to move from Lincoln Road was due to the fact that my building was sold and the new landlord quadrupled my rent. It was a difficult time for me as I am a creature of habit and to move my business to the Design District which at that time was mainly abandoned buildings, home interior and design firms, took a big leap of faith. I basically had to start over. Necessity is the mother of all
(re) invention
EP - How did it feel when the major fashion houses started dropping stores around you? Was it more threat of competition or justification that you have vision?
KQ - After being alone in the Design District for so long, it was great to see the majors coming in. After all, this was the plan outlined for me back in 2006, it just took a lot longer than expected because of the crash in 2008. And of course it's always great to have Hermes and Dior as your neighbors.
On the flip side, with major names come major increases which lead me to my move one block West nearly 2 years ago.
EP - You have built your business on being a few steps ahead; what brands have you pioneered and what brands are on your horizon?
KQ - I see several innovative Designers coming out of Eastern Europe. I recently saw Paskal while working in Paris and I was impressed by her laser-cut technique. She seems to be the most promising Ukrainian Designer.
EP - Do you identify as a female entrepreneur? What have been some of the obstacles and advantages of your gender?
KQ - I don't feel I have had any advantages being a Latin female in this business in fact the opposite, it's challenging to get respect in this business. I've been in business for nearly 25 years now and I still face obstacles. In my dealings with landlords, it has been especially difficult as my last two landlords were men.
EP - You are always on the go; can you share a snapshot of your travel schedule?
KQ - My travel schedule for Pre-Spring market was hectic.
I started the month of June in NYC, then back to Miami, off to Milan, back to Miami, off to Paris to wrap up market and back to Miami July 1st.
EP - Retailers are having a tough time dealing with client retention due to the expanded options offered by the internet and overall flooding of the market with goods. How do you plan to keep your business viable?
KQ - With internet shopping at your fingertips, it's very difficult at times. There needs to be regulations for online stores, especially from Europe who ship tax free but that's another issue...
In order to stay relevant, I too have an online store but I make sure I have different designers...the smaller brands that are hard to find online. Also, I think the client still wants that personal service and the in-store experience. I still need to touch the fabric, see the details and those things aren't possible online.
EP - What advice do you have for any person who has ever dreamed of having a shop?
KQ - If it's your dream, understand that it's hard work. You have to love what you do and do what you love. Never follow trends, your instinct is key along with dedication and commitment.
EP - You are obviously following your passion and that dedication has lead to your success. What have you learned by doing what you love?
KQ - I have learned that less is more. Attention to detail is most important. Also trust your instincts.
EP - Without giving too much away; what is next?
KQ - I would love to have a small store in either NY or Paris...who knows, maybe one day.
**Follow Karen on Instagram: enavancemiami
**Check out her boutique at enavance.co