Meet Krystle Lutze
Krystle Lutze is the owner of Seaside Streetwear, a casual lifestyle clothing store based in Kadina, SA and she is a mum of three, and a lover of relaxed, stylish fashion.
Krystle’s journey into retail began unexpectedly when she was offered the chance to take over a local sports shop while pregnant with her daughter Sophie. Without any business background, just a strong work ethic and a big leap of faith, she stepped in, learned everything about business from scratch, and never looked back.
After outgrowing her first store in Wallaroo, Krystle relocated to Kadina, where she now offers a handpicked range of casual, coastal, and classy streetwear for men and women. Whether you’re after a comfy jumper, a laid-back tee, or a gift for someone special, Seaside Street and Gifts is the right place for you.
“Leigh has been instrumental in my business journey. He helped me with a business plan and cash flow guidance, and he provided advice across all areas of my business. He has also been a great sounding board for me”. – Krystle Lutze
Read more about Krystle’s business journey so far:
Starting the business
I worked at a sports store in Kadina, and the owner wanted to sell the business. At the time, I was about six weeks pregnant with my third child. I thought I would be bored sitting at home, so I decided to try running the business.
I transformed the store from a sports focus into a casual lifestyle clothing shop. I sell mostly musky clothing and everyday wear. I have been running the business since December 2021, and the shop is on the main street of Kadina, SA.
Working with Many Rivers
I was referred to Many Rivers by IBA and that is when I got in touch with my business coach, Leigh.
Leigh has been instrumental in my business journey. He helped me with a business plan and cash flow guidance, and he provided advice across all areas of my business. He has also been a great sounding board for me. He does not tell me what to do, but he gives me tips and perspective. I can reach out with questions or for advice whenever I need it.
Biggest Challenge
Marketing and attracting customers has been my biggest challenge. I do not really like social media, and putting myself out there is difficult for me. I mainly use product photos online because I do not feel comfortable in front of a camera.
Biggest Success
I would say my biggest success is seeing steady growth in my sales. Every month, my sales have been better than the same month last year. Even if one month is a bit down, the next month usually goes up. I also get great feedback from customers. They tell me the shop is trendy and different, and that makes me feel proud.
Biggest Change
The biggest change for me and my family has been flexibility. I can bring my children to work and manage my schedule around them. My three-year-old comes to the store with me, and my older kids visit after school. It has been nice to have that flexibility, even though sometimes my partner is not very positive about my business.
Future Goals
I would like to hire at least one employee, even on a casual basis for after school or on Saturdays. It would help reduce the workload and give me someone I can rely on.
The building I am in is for sale, and my long-term goal is to purchase it. If the mortgage is around the same as the current rent, I think I could manage it. Owning the building would give me stability and allow me to grow the business further.
Thank you Krystle for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Krystle’s small business, follow “Seaside Streetwear & Gifts” through the following links:
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