Turning a side gig into a one-of-a-kind shopping experience

Malibu & Co. offers cute and affordable products. Photo: Provided.

With grit and grace, a hobby can turn into a successful business. Entrepreneur Nicole Kerr started making framed signs for herself and her friends in her garage. What started as a sign business, Just a Girl in the Garage, has expanded into an online boutique newly branded as Malibu & Co.

Kerr said she saw signs in craft stores and thought, “I can make these! Through a lot of trial and error, tears, throwing a few boards and tools, I eventually found my groove.”

“Entrepreneurs like her add such value to Huntingdon County and beyond.”

Just a Girl in the Garage became profitable through custom orders, consigning, craft fairs and vendor shows. Kerr said, “People were loving what they were seeing, and the small businesses really got my name out there—I appreciate them more than they know!”

When in-person shopping came screeching to a halt during the pandemic, Kerr decided to take matters into her own hands. She said, “I love shopping for clothes! So, I thought, why not bring the clothes, accessories, tumblers and shoes to my customers!”

With the expansion, Kerr said she knew it was time for rebranding. “I realized it was time to rebrand my business. It started as sign making and has grown into an online boutique. I couldn’t give up Just a Girl in the Garage, so I created Malibu & Co. named after my granddaughter, Everleigh Malibu… she is our little ray of sunshine,” she said.

Kerr said that her success would not be possible without the help of Startup Alleghenies. “Christa McGeary has been a wonderful coach, so much of this wouldn’t have happened without her. I was awarded the step-up grant that has helped with my rebranding. With this grant I have been able to buy everything from a square register to business cards to earring cards and hang tags and so much more,” she said.

Nicole Kerr, Owner Malibu & Co. Photo: Provided.

McGeary shared, “Nicole’s infectious personality and love for this business is what drives her success. She really wants to bring her customers what they want. Her passion for making everyone feel like they are the absolute best versions of themselves is authentic and palpable when you meet her.  Entrepreneurs like her add such value to Huntingdon County and beyond.”

“I want women of all sizes to find something they love and feel like a million bucks! I walked into a boutique once and most of their shirts were crop tops and bottoms in smaller sizes. I left that store feeling like they had nothing for curvy women. It was sad and I do not want anyone to feel the way I did that day. Malibu & Co. carries kids’ clothing up to women’s 6x,” Kerr said, describing the “secret sauce” she thinks has helped her become successful.

Malibu’s name was inspired by owner Nicole Kerr’s granddaughter, Everleigh Malibu. Photo: Provided.

Another key to Kerr’s success is her price point. She said, “Everyone everywhere is always looking for cute, affordable things for their home or themselves. I try to keep my prices as low as possible and remain profitable.”

Kerr said she is excited for what’s next: “With the help of Christa and Startup Alleghenies I can take my boutique on the road for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. A few months ago, I purchased a 1969 Airstream Overlander. I am currently renovating it and it will soon be my mobile boutique!”

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.