Your Name: Lori Harris

Business Name: Mary Jane’s

Type of Business: Clothing & Accessories

Business Location: United States

U.S. State: Utah

Website www.maryjanesshoes.com
Twitter www.twitter.com/maryjanesshoes
Facebook www.facebook.com/maryjanesshoes
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/maryjanesshoes

Reason for starting
I was looking for an outlet of my creative nature and Park City’s Main Street was looking for a shoe store. It was a match made in heaven.

Biggest Success
I am a businessperson and I run my stores as businesses not a hobby. My biggest success has been opening 2 stores in diverse locations over a period of 4 years and keeping them running for 10 and 5 years respectively through an economic downturn. This could only be done with an amazing management team that I work with every day.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Surviving the economic ups and downs. My first years were boom years and there was no end in sight to the growth we were experiencing, so I was surprised by the severe downturn that hit retail. We cut back on expenses, renegotiated our rent, brought in price diverse lines, and focused on customer service.

Who is your most important role model?
My mother. She taught me that working hard pays off. This is true. I have worked hard and am smart and have a wonderful life to show for it.