Young Buffalo entrepreneur shines on Twin Cities Live

Eleven-year-old Taylin Schoenecker, of Buffalo, has a keen eye for fashion and an entrepreneurial spirit to match. She is the creative force behind T Boutique, a clothing retailer located inside Natural Roots Salon in downtown Buffalo, which is owned by her mother, Kelsie Schoenecker.

Established in November of last year, T Boutique is a kids clothing boutique made for tiny trendsetters, focusing on “trendy styles, playful vibes, and a whole lot of heart.”

“T Boutique carries shoes, jewelry, jeans, comfy sets, all sorts of tops, fuzzy blankets, hats, stylish jackets, and so much more. We carry kids sizes 5-14,” stated Taylin.   

Twin Cities Live

On Jan. 6, Taylin was featured alongside fashion stylist Amy Seeman on Twin Cities Live, a popular lifestyle show that focuses around local stories, food, and entertainment, airing weekdays on KSTP-TV. The show is primarily hosted by Elizabeth Ries and former Minnesota Viking Ben Leber.

The opportunity for Taylin to appear on Twin Cities Live came through a mutual connection.

“I got the honor of being on Twin Cities live when one of my best friends, Carter, and his mom (Amy Seeman), reached out to Twin Cities Live and thought I would be a good fit for their fashion segment. Amy is on Twin Cities Live often for fashion, and it was great to have her by my side to help me during the segment. I have always looked up to her.” 

During the show, Taylin shared fashion insights and her journey as a young business owner, highlighting her love for wearing clothes that make her feel good, and offering style tips for kids and families. She even got a little help from friends Ellie, Landry, and Dylan who modeled clothing from T Boutique during the segment. 

“I have always had a love for clothes and shoes,” said Taylin. “If you ask my dad, my mom and I are shopaholics, so I would say I get it from my mom. I have always loved getting dressed up in something fashionable, it just makes me feel good.” 

Inspiration and Art

Taylin shared that part of her inspiration for creating T Boutique was inspired by another boutique owner, Jenee Speltz, who owns Blushing Buffalo Boutique located within Natural Roots Salon. 

“I was inspired by Jenee. I love helping her shop for her boutique, helping get inventory put in, and sometimes I have helped her customers shop. She was a big part of me starting this business and has helped me so much.”

Many stylists are drawn to fashion for its artistic and creative aspect, coordinating color and design to bring out unique and individualistic style is all part of the fun. 

“There are a lot of artistic components in fashion,” said Taylin. “Artists think outside of the box, and that is what I like to do. I like to do my own thing and not wear what everyone else is wearing. I like to be the one to inspire others in different outfit choices.”

Life Skills and Chasing Dreams

Taylin is also gaining first-hand experience learning the nuts-and-bolts of running a business through merchandising, advertising, and budgeting. 

“My mom helps with the budget and merchandising. I make sure I have pieces that go with other pieces because it’s all about being able to show an outfit together to sell them. I advertise by word of mouth, doing pop up events, and taking lots of pictures for social media. My mom helps me with different business ideas, and I ask her for advice often. I hope my business is as successful as hers someday, and I can get a bigger space.”      

As a 5th-grader with a busy dance schedule and balancing the demands of running a boutique, Taylin has also learned many valuable skills in time-management as she continues to pursue her dreams.

“My advice to other young entrepreneurs would be if you have a dream, chase it. I’ve told my mom for years that I wanted to do this, and after nagging her so much about it, she finally let me.” 

Taylin’s success and entrepreneurial spirit are a reminder that creativity and ambition know no age. This young stylist’s moment in the spotlight serves as encouragement for other aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their dreams.

“Thank you to everyone that has cheered me on, shopped at the boutique, and helped my dreams come true.”