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Now or Never: Style, Heart and Following Your Dream with Becca Brisiel · A Lifetime to Learn

• Becca Brisiel [00:00:00]: I think as moms, we really take that guilt of we should always be putting our kids first. But I also, I have a daughter. You have a daughter. You have a daughter with the same name. And I think that, you know, I do want to show her that she can follow her passion and she can also be a really good mom. Leslie Zanoff [00:00:21]: This is a space where presence meets purpose, where we explore the moments that shape us, from entrepreneurs and change makers to women in leadership. It's about learning out loud, together with honesty and humor, where luminaries with real stories remind us how to live by our own rules. Because progress doesn't come from having all the answers. It comes from staying open. And we've got a lifetime to learn. I'm your host, Leslie Zanoff. Let's get started. Leslie Zanoff [00:00:56]: There are women who dream about owning a beautiful little shop someday. And then there are women who actually do it, who bet on themselves, build something from nothing, and then they just keep building. And Becca Brisiel is that kind of woman. She's the owner of Maude Boutique in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a store that she opened in 2007 and has grown from a single storefront into a multi-channel retailer with her own private label jewelry line. And if you haven't been in, Maude is the kind of place that feels like it was curated just for you, because honestly, it was. Becca is a wife and mom to two kids, building a business and life at the same time, which if you've ever tried to do both, you know, is its own kind of art form. And I'm so glad that she's here. Becca, welcome to A Lifetime to Learn. Becca Brisiel [00:01:45]: Thank you. Thank you for having me. Leslie Zanoff [00:01:48]: I'm so happy that you're here. And I want you to just take us, take our listeners back to the beginning. You know what first, first sparked your love of fashion? Becca Brisiel [00:01:58]: Honestly, I can't remember a time I didn't love it. Growing up, we didn't have a whole lot, and my mom still made a way to dress fashionable, make our home beautiful. Like there's aesthetics without a lot of money. And I remember just loving that. And it's just always stuck with me. I think that you can create something without a lot, and it just, it makes your life better. And I, I think that that's why the store is named Maude. My mom's name is actually Vera Maude, and that was my great grandmother's middle name, my mom's middle name, and now my daughter's middle name. Becca Brisiel [00:02:37]: Willa Maude. Leslie Zanoff [00:02:38]: That's right. I forgot about that. And, yes, for our listeners, I should spell it out for you. It's M A U, D E. Maude Boutique. So I forgot about the family name. Leslie Zanoff [00:02:50]: Thank you for reminding me. Becca Brisiel [00:02:52]: Yes. Leslie Zanoff [00:02:53]: But I want you to tell us the story of Maude, which you kind of just gave us a great intro. But what was the moment you knew you were going to do this? I mean, what did that feel like to say yes to yourself? I'm doing this. Becca Brisiel [00:03:06]: So, I had always thought about it, and I was at a real crossroads because I was 28 and I was single, no kids. I had just sold my house, and I already had a lot. Was about to build a new house, and I just had this moment of it's now or never. It's now or never. Um, and so I was lucky. I didn't have to get a loan. I literally took the money from my house, from selling my house. I just started the process, of course, with a lot of help along the way from my family and friends, and I just went for it. Becca Brisiel [00:03:43]: And, you know, no regrets. Um, I just. I do think that if I wouldn't have done it, then I never would have. Leslie Zanoff [00:03:49]: And you have been in the same location since you started, right? Or did you have a … I was trying to remember. Becca Brisiel [00:03:55]: So, for about six months, we were at another location farther down on college, and then well, funny story. My husband, actually now, at the time we were dating, and he bought the building that we're in, and he was going to lease it to a restaurant. And I just was like, wait, we've already in six months, we had already grown out of the space. It was a tiny space because I was taking a leap of faith, didn't know how it was going to work out. So I was trying to, you know, start with something small. And we had already grown out of it. Becca Brisiel [00:04:27]: We opened the doors, and we were just really lucky. People started coming in from the window displays. And so I ended up subleasing my building that I was in, and we moved into this one. So, we've been in this one for 18 years. Yes. Leslie Zanoff [00:04:42]: Okay. 18 years. That's. Yes, that's what I remember. So. Okay, and you. I mean, as the owner and founder, you're curating what goes in the store. So how do you decide what belongs, what you buy, what goes in? Becca Brisiel [00:04:57]: So, honestly, when we first started, I… It was a whole lot of buying things that I liked. And, you know, there is still that, but I think that I've really learned who our customer is and what they want. And we even go as far as, you know, of course, we run reports on what's selling well. But more than that, I think every single day, the customer service, the girls that are working out front, if we don't have something a customer asked for, they write it down. If there's a certain style someone's looking for, they write it down. And I look at that and save all that for next year. And we just try really to listen to our customers and what they're looking for. Becca Brisiel [00:05:36]: And trying to meet the needs that they're looking for. I know. You know, it can be everything from this is the month people are buying graduation dresses for the U of A. Trying to have a lot of white dresses, red dresses. Just really trying to listen to our customers on what they're looking for. Leslie Zanoff [00:05:51]: But what a great team to have too, that they are listening to your clients and then reporting. And you're able to see that in real time. That's amazing. That's so great. Yeah. And as. Right. I've watched your Leslie Zanoff [00:06:05]: your store grow and with your own style, which, by the way I have to tell everyone, Becca is always so stylish. You've always been stylish. And your friend Courtney, your friend told me, she was like, Becca is the person she will never go to the store in her pajamas. And I'm like, okay, well, I don't go in my pajamas, but I definitely go in my sweats. But I'm like, oh, yes. You know what? I've never … I don't think I've ever seen you wear sweats and not just looking beautiful too, even when you’re casual. Leslie Zanoff [00:06:33]: But anyway, I digress. How has your relationship with your own style changed as you've gotten older? Like, what does getting dressed mean to you now versus maybe 10 years ago? Becca Brisiel [00:06:45]: It has definitely evolved. I would say when I was younger, I was very trendy. I wanted to try out every trend and put my own spin on it, and was very experimental with my fashion. And I don't regret it. It was so fun. It was a fun way to express myself. I loved it. But now I definitely have a little more sense of my own style. Becca Brisiel [00:07:10]: Not following the trends. And something that did not matter to me when I was younger was comfort. And now I absolutely refuse to wear something I'm not comfortable in. Leslie Zanoff [00:07:20]: Right. Becca Brisiel [00:07:20]: Super tall heels are just a no for me anymore. Uncomfortable jeans, anything restrictive. Like, I want to feel good in what I'm wearing aesthetically, but I most importantly want to be comfortable. Leslie Zanoff [00:07:33]: Yes. Becca Brisiel [00:07:34]: And I think you can do both. Leslie Zanoff [00:07:35]: That's funny. This picture sometimes comes up on my Facebook memories, probably from when I first joined Facebook, and I posted a picture of a shoe. A pair of shoes that I bought at Maude, and they are beautiful, but the heel is it’s probably close to four inches, and I would never be wearing that now, so I understand. And you work with so many women. Obviously, you're a women's boutique. Leslie Zanoff [00:08:01]: And what have you learned about women and maybe about yourself from just being in the dressing room, having those conversations as women are coming out of the dressing room over the years. Becca Brisiel [00:08:11]: Oh. Lots of stories to tell throughout the years. You know, fashion can seem superficial and not important, but honestly, the things and the spaces and the times that we get to walk through with people are really special. And we walk through people with good moments, hard moments, and, you know, we have people coming in and they're going on their first date, and we get to hear their stories and help them get dressed for their date. We, you know, those same people might come back in and they're, you know, getting things for their engagement parties, and they're getting things for their family photos, and we get to just hear their stories and get to know them. Becca Brisiel [00:08:54]: And it's really beautiful. It's. It's lovely. And, you know, there's also times where we're walking through something with someone. I just got a divorce, and I'm going on my first date, and I'm very nervous. Can you help me? I have a funeral I'm going to. Can you help me find something? So it's really. Becca Brisiel [00:09:13]: It is meaningful. And there's just so many special moments, and we get to help somebody and hopefully help them walk through whatever they're about to walk through with a little more confidence. Okay. Leslie Zanoff [00:09:22]: I love that in all the seasons. Becca Brisiel [00:09:24]: You're right. Leslie Zanoff [00:09:25]: I. I love that perspective of. It's not. It's not just superficial. These are wonderful and sometimes hard seasons of life that you're there to see. Yes, I love that perspective. But you Leslie Zanoff [00:09:39]: You haven't just stopped at clothing, Becca. I didn't realize this until looking online or looking at Instagram, that you have created your own private label jewelry line, which I see you're wearing a lot of really pretty jewelry today. So where did that come from? What does that mean to you to have something that is completely yours? Becca Brisiel [00:09:59]: I love it so much. I'm so proud of it. And the funny thing is, we are a clothing store. We, of course, carry many things but jewelry is our bestselling product. We sell more than clothes. Leslie Zanoff [00:10:10]: You've always had great jewelry. I will say you always had great jewelry. Becca Brisiel [00:10:14]: We. When people find out I own Maude and I'm at this or that, that's the first thing they say. Oh, my gosh. Some of my favorite jewelry came from your store. So I'm really proud of it. It's. You know, jewelry is something … Becca Brisiel [00:10:25]: It always fits. It carries you through many years of life. I feel like ours is really good quality for a really good price. I'm really proud of it. It's been a really fun venture. Leslie Zanoff [00:10:39]: And when did that start? When did you add the jewelry in? Becca Brisiel [00:10:41]: We added the jewelry in five years ago. Leslie Zanoff [00:10:44]: Okay. Yeah, five years ago. I didn't realize. And does it have a name? Is there a line of the jewelry? Becca Brisiel [00:10:49]: So we have. I have went back and forth on possibly even wholesaling the line to other stores. We haven't started that process yet. I'm in a major stage of dealing with kids, and I've been dealing with sports and busy. And so I haven't had the time to really start that venture. But it's something we might do in the future. Leslie Zanoff [00:11:13]: Okay. Becca Brisiel [00:11:13]: Yeah. Leslie Zanoff [00:11:14]: And I mean, like I said, you have been doing this for 18 years. Nearly 18 years. So what does sustainability look like for an independent boutique? Like, what have you had to learn the hard way about building something that lasts? Becca Brisiel [00:11:31]: I think the biggest thing is you're never going to have it figured out. You're never going to get to that end goal. It's just always a process. And, you know, you have to just celebrate the little wins along the way, because it will never be perfect. Not everything's going to be great. Not everything will always line up, but it's still really beautiful along the way, and you celebrate the wins, and you just have to constantly evolve. I mean, fashion's constantly changing. Of course, you know, we have to do social media. Becca Brisiel [00:12:01]: Social media is constantly changing. The way people purchase is constantly changing. You just have to constantly evolve and learn and try and grow. Leslie Zanoff [00:12:12]: Okay, well. And that is kind of brings me to my next thought in question, which is a perfect segue since you've been open. Maude has been open since 2007, which means you've outlasted a recession, a pandemic, and just like you said, the explosion of online shopping. I mean, and I know as an entrepreneur that sometimes that is hard. Has there been a particular season that's been maybe harder than others? And. And what's kind of kept you going? Becca Brisiel [00:12:43]: I mean, like many others, for sure. COVID and 2020 and the aftermath of that was the hardest thing we've been through for the store. It was pretty brutal because I personally had things going on in my life. My son has a severe form of epilepsy. He was having seizures. We were being air flighted. I'm trying to keep the store afloat. I'm trying to homeschool. Leslie Zanoff [00:13:08]: Yes, it was all the things, all Becca Brisiel [00:13:10]: the things and too many things at once. And it was probably or was the only time that I've ever thought, I don't know if I want to do this. I'm considering shutting the doors just because I was. I was struggling so much with trying to hold it all together. But also, I'm so glad I didn't. You know, I had a team depending on me. And then also I feel like when you're going through hard things, sometimes your passion can reignite. So we were going through all these hard things and there were so many ways that I think in my personal life I had something else to focus on where I wasn't completely wallowing in the sadness of what was going on in our personal life at the time. Becca Brisiel [00:13:54]: And then also I think seeing how after Covid, our community just really rallied around small businesses. Leslie Zanoff [00:14:03]: Absolutely. Becca Brisiel [00:14:04]: It was, it was so lovely. I mean, it really did kind of reignite a passion for it and had some turnover at the time. And we had new team and you know, training new team. They bring in a new, fresh, new perspective. I've been very lucky throughout the years to keep the same staff. I had, you know, some 12 years, 11 years and so. But you know, as sad as it is to see someone you love go, Becca Brisiel [00:14:28]: you get new energy. And that was right around that time. And so we just, I feel like we thrived through it and our customers. And that's the amazing thing about Northwest Arkansas. I think I know Fayetteville in particular, they really love to shop local and support their small businesses. And I feel like people were coming out in a way and showing support. So it was really lovely. Leslie Zanoff [00:14:51]: Yeah, I agree. I love that perspective. Thank you for sharing that. Is there something during that time that, I mean, that's a lot for your son to be having seizures and you're running a business. But I love that thought of I can be a good parent at home and I have this business too. I feel the same way of needing and enjoying that. But is there something you did or do to keep you grounded or keep Becca Brisiel [00:15:18]: some peace? I think that there's just times where, you know, there's a day that one is going to have to take priority for the other. And I think as moms, we really take that guilt of we should always be putting our kids first. But I also. I have a daughter. You have a daughter. You have a daughter with the same name. And I think that, you know, I do want to show her that she can follow her passion and she can also be a really good mom. And dad's been doing it all these years, and moms can as well. Leslie Zanoff [00:15:52]: Yes. Yeah, I love that. And thank you. Yes. This is what I said on another episode, too, of, like, the more that we as women do that, then we're giving other women permission to do the same. And it's so important and especially for our daughters to see. I completely agree. And you mentioned the Northwest Arkansas community, which, of course, we both love so much and our community has grown so much. Leslie Zanoff [00:16:17]: How do you think the community has shaped Maude? And Maude has shaped the community? I know that you have given back, and I've been to events at your store where you've partnered with charities, and nonprofits. Will you talk about that? Becca Brisiel [00:16:32]: Yes. Outside of, you know, the people on the team, my favorite part of having the store has been being able to give back to so many incredible local charities and also just raising awareness for them, because, yes, you can just donate, but if you have an event and you're donating a portion, it helps raise awareness for those charities as well. I mean, some of our favorites: Potter's House, 99 balloons, Restore Humanity. They're just lovely, amazing people that have started these organizations and do so much good and put so much good out in the world. And that's absolutely been my favorite part. Leslie Zanoff [00:17:10]: Yes. And I love that you are partnering with those organizations because I think that's so important for us to do as business owners. So it's been fun to watch you do that all these years. Okay, here's one of my favorite questions. And I asked this question to the panel of women recently at a women's event that I was at. But what's a belief or a habit, maybe an expectation that you've had to unlearn in order to grow into the woman you are today? Becca Brisiel [00:17:40]: I think having it all together, thinking you're not going to make mistakes along the way, not being so hard on yourself, just really, you know, as women, I think we give so much grace to others, giving that same grace to ourselves. And I think, you know it's a cliche, but it's just true. Those mistakes you make along the way, really, you grow more from those than, you know, those mediocre things that are kind of just going through. You make the mistake, and you really learn from that and take that and make things better. Leslie Zanoff [00:18:13]: You do. I read something this morning. I always think this is a good reminder of, like, you're not a failure. You tried. And that's more than most people. Absolutely. Are getting up and trying every day. Becca Brisiel [00:18:23]: Absolutely. Leslie Zanoff [00:18:24]: So on those days, I try to remind myself of this. And just for women that are - they might be dreaming about starting something on their own. What, you know, have you learned about trusting yourself and taking that leap? Leslie Zanoff [00:18:38]: Any advice for them? Becca Brisiel [00:18:39]: I think women, if you have passion for something, whatever that is, I think you absolutely should take the leap. And I've seen friends that have done it, and they've become wildly successful, and I've seen friends that have done it and failed. And, you know, I have been lucky enough to be successful in my business, but we've had lots of little things we've tried that have failed along the way. And I never regret, and I don't know anyone that's regretted going out there, making their passion come to fruition, whatever that is, starting a business. Because if you fail, you'll know you did it. And it's not something that's constantly on the back of your brain. Becca Brisiel [00:19:22]: I think I would rather be doing this. I think, you know, it's just something that. Regardless, go for it, try it, and you'll come out on the other side. Leslie Zanoff [00:19:31]: Yeah. Yeah. I absolutely agree. Because then if you don't, or for me anyway, then I was always going to wonder, well, what if I didn't do this? What could have happened? Becca Brisiel [00:19:40]: Absolutely. Leslie Zanoff [00:19:40]: What would be. So. What are you … I know you've talked about some of this briefly, but maybe expand on it. When you think about the early days of Maude compared to now, what are you most proud of? Becca Brisiel [00:19:57]: The thing I'm probably the most proud of – and there's been a lot of milestones along the way. I would say just our team and the growth we've made, and, you know, there's obviously many friendships that build along the way. One of my closest friends is someone who used to be my store manager. That's how we met. I mean, it's just such a beautiful little journey along the years and the growth. Becca Brisiel [00:20:25]: And I feel like I've always wanted to lead with kindness, but I feel like I have gotten better throughout the years of not only leading well, but showing and teaching my team how to lead well within the store, within our customers. And I think that, you know, they carry that with them throughout life. Leslie Zanoff [00:20:46]: Well, absolutely. Becca Brisiel [00:20:46]: Yeah. Leslie Zanoff [00:20:47]: And I think it speaks to your character and who you are personally, Becca, to have such a team that has stayed with you throughout years and decades. And repeat clients, too. I mean, absolutely. And I know how I feel, you know, when I have shopped at Maude and then left and having felt seen as a client. But what do you want a woman to feel when she walks out of Maude? Becca Brisiel [00:21:13]: I hope that she feels seen, cared for, and hopefully a little more confident. But even if someone does walk in and doesn't find what they want, at least that they feel seen and that we were there and we wanted to help them. Leslie Zanoff [00:21:29]: Okay. Yeah, absolutely. I love that. Okay. So, as you know, this show is called A Lifetime to Learn. So I have to ask, as I do everyone, is there a lesson that's taken you a lifetime to learn, or maybe one that you're still in the middle of learning? Becca Brisiel [00:21:46]: I think the biggest thing I would take away is just putting people first. That can be difficult at times, and I just think that it always pays off in dividends. I think that with our staff, I try to always look at them. Not just what they can do for me, not just what they can do at Maude, but just putting them first and looking at the humanity in every situation and doing the same for our customers and just always putting people first. You know, you have policies in place, you have roles as a leader, but I don't think that those have to always be followed. You have to follow the humanity behind things and the why and just put people and their feelings first, and I really think the rest will fall together. Leslie Zanoff [00:22:34]: I love to hear you say that out loud because I feel like we've all seen you live that out. I know even just on social media, and I've seen you post and share about, like, the world's injustices, and you're like, this is hard, and I don't have the right things to say, but I'm calling it out and saying, you know, this is a hard. A hard situation, and I'm going to leave it here and we're going to talk about it. So absolutely. I love that. Leslie Zanoff [00:23:00]: And that's why I was so excited to have you on today, because I feel like I've seen you live out your authentic self - caring and wonderful. So I'm so happy that you're here and I want to make sure that our listeners know where to find you. So would you please tell us where the best place to follow you, find your store, all the things. Becca Brisiel So our website is shopmaude.com we're at 704 N. College Ave. In Fayetteville, and you can follow us on Instagram at shopmaude. Leslie Zanoff [00:23:36]: Okay, perfect. Thank you so much, Becca. Becca Brisiel [00:23:39]: Thank you. Leslie Zanoff [00:23:41]: Thanks for being here on A Lifetime to Learn. If today's episode inspired you or sparked a new thought, please share it with someone who might need it, too. And if you haven't yet, be sure to subscribe to get notifications when we launch new episodes. I've got conversations with extraordinary people lined up and I can't wait for you to listen. For more information on how to work with me, visit lesliezanoff.com it's where I share resources to help you lead with presence and live with intention. Because remember, remember, we're not here to have it all figured out. We're here to keep showing up with open hearts and open minds because we've got a lifetime to learn. Until next time, friends. Leslie Zanoff [00:24:24]: Be well.