Pamela Ree was one of the sponsors of the June Launchwise Wine & Chocolate & an Entrepreneurial Spirit event – pics can be seen here and here. She brought her bright positive energy and a display of some of the most beautiful jewelry we’ve ever seen.
And naturally, we want to know more – Introducing, Pamela Ree!
1.) Tell us a little bit about you & your business.
I have been in retail for almost 30 years. I started in high school at Dayton’s! I worked in the toy department then in Women’s better coats and dresses. I owned and operated Omorphia in Excelsior for the last 5 years selling jewelry and accessories from around the world. I will be continuing that business in a new space in St. Louis Park but in a new creative way….stay tuned for details!
2) Do you have any upcoming projects or events you want to talk about?
The grand opening for the new Omorphia was Thursday June 27th. I have 2 Trunk Show events coming up. Special guest Robyne Robinson from Rox Minneapolis will be at Omorphia July 18th. She will be showing her exotic line of jewelry from 4-8. Appetizers and desserts will be provided by Oscar Stuttgen of MSP Caterers…..wine of course will be served as well. Some pictures of her exotic line are shown below.
I also have special guest Jen Westmoreland Bouchard from Litany Designs coming on August 22nd from 4-8. She will be presenting her new fall jewelry line called “Nomads and Talismans” that is inspired by North African design elements. Wine and appetizers served. Some pictures of her designs are shown below.
3) How long have you been an entrepreneur?
I opened my first shop when I was about 24. I owned and operated convenience stores in office buildings in Bloomington, Edina and downtown Minneapolis. I started with 1 and grew to having 7 in about 5 years.
4) How’d you get started, what were the first few years like?
I got started kind of by accident. I was thinking about a travel agency but was given the opportunity to be the manager of a convenience shop owned by a character of a man named Marley. He actually worked for my Grandfather at one point as a car salesman. My Grandfather owned a car dealership in Montevideo MN. Being an entrepreneur runs in my family on both sides. My other Grandfather owned a music and camera store in Willmar and my Great Grandfather owned a shoe store in Washington IA.
5) What’s your favorite part of running your business?
I love going on buying trips….love the travel and finding unique things. I also really enjoy planning my I store events. The best part though is the customers!
6) How did you get connected to Launchwise? What is your favorite part about being connected to Launchwise?
Daisy has been a customer of Omorphia and introduced me to Launchwise. I have been so appreciative of all her support of my shop. The creativity and energy of the Launchwise group is inspiring.
7) Who have you met at one of our events that you’re looking forward to stay connected with?
I just attended and also sponsored my first Launchwise event on June 26th at The Vue apartments in Loring Park. What fun that was! I met so many new people and reconnected with others I hadn’t seen in a while. One person in particular I will be staying in touch with is Kay Thibodeaux from Dove Chocolate Discoveries. One of the things I do with my business is private trunk shows either in my shop or in customer’s homes. She is an expert at that so am looking forward to sharing ideas with her!
8) You make it look so easy. What business advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Follow your instincts…just let yourself go and create your dream. You can do it if you want it enough.
9) Who is your entrepreneurial idol?
Dick Hindquist. He had a women’s clothing store in the IDS building years ago called R.D. Hindquist. I always loved shopping there and always thought I wanted to have a store just like his. I went on to work for him at that shop and then at his Mainstreet Outfitters and Raggedy’s locations when he expanded and opened them. He now has Hobo at Galleria. I have always admired him.
10) Do you have a favorite quote?
Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right. – Henry Ford
11) What is your favorite food/meal?
Yummy Greek food….Spanakopita, hummus and Greek olives and cheese are a staple for me.
12) How can we find you & connect with you?
My e. mail is pamela.ree@omorphia.net, website www.omorphia.net. Phone 612-709-2220, Facebook.com/omorphia and twitter @ OmorphiaMN.