SCOUT OF THE WEEK: Monkee’s of Ridgeland
We’re back with this week’s Scouted business- Monkee’s of Ridgeland! Monkee’s owner Suzanne Ketchings is just about the cutest gal on the planet, and we are thrilled for the chance to get to chat with her! Let’s get to it!Â
Tell us about your business in just a few sentences!
At Monkee’s of Ridgeland, we offer the finest in ladies clothing, shoes and accessories. You can find a fabulous outfit, a great new pair of shoes or earrings, and the perfect gift for a friend, or for yourself! Some of the brands we carry are Crosby by Mollie Burch, Julie Vos, Barbour, Sheila Fajl, Anna Cate Collection, Tyler Boe, APL, Ilse Jacobsen, Kaanas, Stoney Clover Lane, and Nest.
What do you love most about being a local business?
The connection we have with our customers and through them, our community. Since we opened in August 2019, the greater Jackson, and Mississippi communities have been extremely supportive of our store, and for that we are thankful. I love meeting women from all across our state, hearing their stories, listening to their fashion wants and needs, and helping them find beautiful pieces to bring into their wardrobes that will make them feel beautiful and happy when they get dressed each day. Additionally, I love the platform I am afforded as a local business owner to be an active and involved member in the charitable endeavors so many in our community spend their time planning. Whether it is donating an item to a silent auction or using our social media platforms to bring attention to important causes, I feel fortunate to be in a position to play a small role in affecting positive change in our area.
What is on the horizon for your business that you’re most excited about?
I am most excited for the much needed joy I know the upcoming holiday season will bring to many, for the trunk shows we have planned in November and December, and to continue seeing our amazing customers in the store each day. Since we were in our first year of business when life came to a pause and our storefront was forced to close during the period of shelter in place, we have many customers who began shopping with us online and whose names we know and recognize, that we are just now seeing in person for the first time as they are now able to shop in the store! We love meeting everyone face to face (even in masks!) and are enjoying and appreciating even more the in-person interactions we have on a daily basis.
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner during COVID-19?
Our biggest challenge has been finding creative ways to take the in-store Monkee’s experience and make it digital. We strive to give every person who walks in our store the highest level of service possible, and when the in-person shopping experience was taken away and altered due to COVID-19, we were challenged to show our customers that same level of service, through our phones and computer screens, as well as through alternative ways of shopping. We had an e-commerce website before the pandemic that we updated regularly, but now our website has become an even more important part of our business, and the vast majority of our merchandise is now online. Through try-on videos and photos on Instagram, to offering free shipping on all orders, in-store/curbside pickup, free local delivery, and shopping by appointment, we were able to adapt to our new circumstances and meet the needs of our customers during a difficult time for us all. I am proud of the ways in which we responded to the challenges our business faced due to the pandemic, and feel positive that we were able to establish our new digital focus, as well as the different shopping services we now offer, as permanent parts of our approach to doing business moving forward.
What is your favorite local place to grab lunch with a client? What do you love about that restaurant?
I am always up for grabbing lunch at Caet! I love that the atmosphere is lively and comfortable, and the food & drinks are top notch!
Spread the love! What’s a local business that you just can’t live without?!
It’s a tie between two of my favorites: Whimsey Cookie Company and Lavish Fleur. First, I have to give a shoutout to our neighbor in the Renaissance, Whimsy Cookie. They have the sweetest owners/staff, not to mention the best cookies that have kept me going, whether its an afternoon pick-me-up or a treat at the end of a long day. Stop by and see them after you shop with us, and you have yourself a perfect afternoon! Second, I adore Mallory Henry with Lavish Fleur. If you need a floral arrangement big or small, Mallory is who you need to call. Her work is exquisite and she is incredibly easy to work with on a project. You tell her what you need, and she makes it happen. I can’t wait to see the beautiful wreath she will do for us at the store this holiday season!
What else do we need to know about you/your business?
We are always here to help with any of your fashion needs! Our store is filled with items you won’t see on every corner, or in every photo on social media, and our goal is to always to help you look and feel your best when you get dressed so that you can tackle the important parts of your day with confidence. I love it most when a customer comes to us with an event for which they need the perfect outfit or the perfect gift, and we work together to find them something they love and feel confident with when they leave the store. If shopping/gift giving isn’t your thing, we have you covered! We love nothing more than to shop for you or your loved ones, and can take the pressure off of you by selecting just the right thing for any occasion. We have beautiful signature gift wrap that is complimentary with all purchases. Don’t forget, if you are not local to the Jackson area, are unable to shop with us in person, or simply are in a hurry and want to buy online and pickup your order curbside, you can shop with us on our website 24/7 at www.monkeesofridgeland.com.
Shipping is free and we also offer free local delivery within the Jackson area. Be sure to follow us on Instagram & Facebook @monkeesofridgeland to stay up to date with all of our new arrivals, store events, and promotions. On a personal note, my husband, family and I are so very thankful for the overwhelmingly kind reception you have given our small, family owned, family run business. We hope to continue to serve you well as we all move forward into the holiday season, 2021, and beyond!Â
You can visit Monkee’s of Ridgeland by visiting Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland! Their storefront is right there on the roundabout in the middle of the shopping center. You won’t have any trouble finding it!Â
Thanks for your time, Suzanne!Â
