Peterson Enjoys Challenge of Self-Employed Business, Itty Bitty Shoppe

The love of a challenge, along with a passion for old, vintage collector items took Kathy Peterson of Oakland, NE on a fulfilling journey.

Kathy opened her retail business, The Itty Bitty Shoppe, about four years ago on Oakland’s Main Street.

“The store features vintage items, antiques, repurposed items along with some new merchandise, such as purses, candle warmers and home décor,” Kathy said.

Owning and operating your own business in a small town takes a great deal of determination along with some savvy. “It takes certain clientele for the higher end pieces I sell. That is where the Internet comes into play. It has been a safety net for me,” Kathy stated.

She began her business as a consignment business, but has expanded her horizons, growing her business along the way. Kathy now buys small estates and attends auctions, purchasing items to sell in her business. She also has established her business on the Internet, through different media sites such as Facebook. “Some of the items are wholesale. I absolutely love junk, for the repurposing side of things,” Kathy said.

Being a self-employed businessperson is a day-to-day struggle. “Working for myself has an undeniable freedom to it. But, income is directly in proportion to sales and what I paid for something,” Kathy stated. “Working for someone else has the security of a paycheck, but for me, self-employed is much more satisfying.”

To provide customers with the best her retail business has to offer requires a great deal of research. “The learning process never stops. I needed a challenge that I could sink my teeth into,” Kathy said.

Support is an important aspect of any business, especially family support, which Kathy has a large amount of. “The support of family is so important. Not only do I believe in myself, but my family does as well,” Kathy stated.

The Itty Bitty Shoppe is located at 209 N Oakland Avenue in Oakland, NE. She has varying hours that her business is open during the week. Contact Kathy at 402-380-2333 for further information or any questions.

Photo Courtesy of Kathy Peterson, owner of Itty Bitty Shoppe.