Marty Eiermann has done what many of us have always dreamed of. She is the proud owner of a business combining all of her greatest passions. Marty’s store is called Cool Karma Stuff, located in Winter Park, Florida. Cool Karma Stuff specializes in tie-dye and hippie clothing as well as Nag Champa products and handcrafted bubble wands. Marty also includes merchandise from local artists in her shop, such as handmade purses and bags. I’ve long been a happy patron of Marty’s store, but it was fascinating to sit down and talk with her about the behind-the-scenes aspects of her business.

What motivated you to open Cool Karma Stuff?

After being disenchanted by working in corporate America, Marty decided she wanted to get out and pursue her own path. Marty explained that ever since she was a little girl, she had wanted to own a dress shop. In her childhood, she has fond memories of spending time in a local dress shop and hanging out with the shop owner. One of her favorite activities was the yearly back to school shopping trip with her mother. When Marty was in 10th grade, her mom gave her $300 to go school clothes shopping by herself. Much to her mother’s dismay, Marty came home with armfuls of Indian skirts and gauzy shirts. Her mom ironed everything, and was confused by her daughter’s purchases. As the years progressed, Marty felt an increased need to get back to her artsy roots. Her store gives her plenty of opportunities for that, as she hand creates tie dyes and bubble wands to sell in the shop.

You clearly had your own sense of style. When and how did you develop it?

Growing up, Marty had two older, true hippie sisters. She recalls being influenced heavily by their styles. One of her sisters sewed often, and was always making low-waisted, bell-bottom pants. It was not until after graduating high school that Marty went to her first Grateful Dead show. Here, she was met with thousands of people who shared her sense of style and dressed in a similar way. It was not until then that Marty realized that others liked the same kinds of unique clothing that she did.

Once you decided to pursue it, how did you get Cool Karma Stuff up and running?

One year before actually opening a store, Marty began making rosary and friendship bracelets at local fall festivals. The bracelets were a great success, motivating her to take the plunge into business ownership. In November of 2008, Marty started her store at a flea market booth in Sanford, Florida. According to her, her thinking was, “If I can make it at the flea market, I can make it anywhere.” After being successful there, Marty made the move to her current location in Winter Park in November of 2009.

You’re originally from New York, and have been in Florida since 1985. What made you open your store here, as opposed to somewhere else?

According to Marty, she saw a void in the market for hippie clothing and accessories in Florida. Such store are far more frequent in the North, she noted. In fact, Marty had gotten used to driving all the way to Georgia to find a hippie shop to patronize. Thankfully, Marty stepped up to fill the void in the market.

What is your favorite thing about owning Cool Karma Stuff?

Marty loves Blue Sky clothing, a line she is proud to sell in her store. She explains that getting a new box of shipment always makes her happy and leaves her feeling like a kid at Christmas time. Mostly though, Marty loves her customers. She loves seeing the range of ages her store attracts. She says she has customers between the ages of 2 and 60+. She is amazed at the common bond they all share, and their love for the culture and clothing she so loves, too.

What challenges have you faced owning this business?

Of course, Marty cites the rough economy lately as a stumbling block. Also, she says that she is frustrated by a lack of a pattern in business. There seem to be no peak days or times, and she notes a general lack of consistency with customers. She is thankful that many customers followed her to her store location after the flea market, but that some did not.

Where do you see Cool Karma Stuff in the future?

“Cool Karma Stuff 2, on the beach,” she enthusiastically says.

What is your advice for other future small business owners?

“Always be honest and fair. Also, write everything down and keep track of things.” Marty explains to me that getting advice is also very important. Marty was fortunate enough to be able to open her business without taking out any loans. She has lots of support and advice, though. Her in-laws are business owners, and her father is a retired banker. She stresses over and over the importance of getting help and advice from people you trust, and always having a support system you can turn to when times get stressful. She notes that the Small Business Association is very helpful with technical questions that arise.

Do you have a favorite quote you live by?

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.” -Unknown