Krista J Boyer
Krista J Boyer
Retail Strategist / Founder of Retail For The People
Downtown Los Angeles, CA
www.retailforthepeople.com
www.kristajboyer.com
instagram @kristajboyer
instagram @retailforthepeople
twitter @kristajboyer
pinterest
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a retail strategist. ”
I create pop-up shop experiences and coach retailers how to be the best they can be.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I went to college for marketing and retail management. I was a buyer for 6 years, managed and ran specialty retail in NY and LA. I am obsessed with creating spaces, specifically stores where people want to be and where they feel safe. I love and work very hard to create retail experiences that make the visitor feel something. To get to where I am at now, I have been faithful and committed to the brands and companies that I have worked for and with. This hasn't been a fast trip. I listen to at least one podcast a day, write 5 pages and read a book a week. I aim to always be learning and growing. If I am not, my business will just get stuck and I want to be the best I can be for my clients.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Empathy and the willingness to do or try things out of the "Retail Box" way.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
A podcast! About the changing world of speciality retail from the buyer/brand/ retailer standpoint discussing the how and why the shopping experience is changing. We discuss the unique cross points from technology, marketing, real estate, design, branding and AI/VR that are becoming essential to having an experience based retail store and brand.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I am influenced greatly by modern day Berlin, Roman+Williams interiors, Jane Birkin, 1920’s New York, and old rock and roll venues such as the CBGB + Al’s Bar. Recently, I have been inspired by a development and design group on the east coast called ASH NY. Their projects embody old and new with a touch of nostalgia and luxury, it’s all amazing! I personally love creating spaces and stores that embody that “lived in luxury” feeling. I was the store manager for Alchemy Works for many years, and this was a great example of what I like to call approachable luxury. It’s the well designed spaces that invite people into the story that is being told through the retailers and beg the visitor to discover something new and stay just a little bit longer :)
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Retail is my lane and has been for over 10 years. But to get more niche, I want to create more experience based, immersive pop-up shops. I have done a few but the bulk of my time has been spent in retail operation strategy, which I love, but I like the challenge of having a limited time to create a branded experience.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Cold outreach. It's hard for me to send an email to someone I don't already have a personal relationship with as I don't want to come across as being a bother or annoying to them.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Admin and industry research, well set up and manage my instagram too...
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I would have started working for myself earlier on in my working career. From a skills standpoint I was ready at 25, from a bravery standpoint I wasn't until earlier this year, 2017. Also, bravery and empathy are the most important attributes to success, only recently really realized how powerful these can be when working with others.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
AI and VR. I know this is going to be changing the retail industry very soon and I want to know everything.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Pop-Up Shops! Retail Coaching for existing retail stores or brands that need help getting back on a sales track.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Instagram influencers / youtube stars / actors or models who want to have their own short term retail store with an edit that further establishes them as a creator and trend or style setter. Just had a 6 month shop for Patrick Janelle and it was amazing and so much fun!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I charge by the project or by a monthly retainer plus sales percentage. Or an hourly rate for retail coaching and strategy assistance.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me! Or call or text! I would need a timeline and budget to scope out the project.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Morning papers writing exercise every day.
This member profile was originally published in November 2017.