There are some people that just make you happy just by being around them or getting the chance to share a thoughtful conversation. You might know the type of person we’re talking about: they exude warmth, happiness, and kindness. Renee Reinl, the co-owner and co-founder of Limin’, a chic boutique on the beautiful island of Anguilla, is just such a person. Renee’s incredible entrepreneurial journey is a true testament to the success one can have when you follow your dreams, put in the hard work, and treat others the way you’d prefer to be treated. Renee’s popular boutique has become an island staple in Anguilla and keeps tourists returning year after year. Read on to learn all about Renee’s unique story and hear how she stays focused, determined, and successful.
SavviHer: Tell us about you – who is Limin’ Boutique?
Renee: Approximately 7 years ago, I followed my dream and moved from Pennsylvania to the Caribbean island of Anguilla to start my own business – Limin’ Boutique. Limin’ is a beachy chic boutique featuring unique hand designed jewelry, light weight apparel, and locally inspired sundries and gifts. Just a few of the items we showcase are custom Anguilla wine bags & totes made from racing sails, jewelry hand designed from the 33 magnificent beach sands of Anguilla, and elegantly designed jewelry from Italy made from organic linen & silk and adorned with Baroque & Tahitian Pearls. The name of the boutique Limin’ is a word used frequently on Anguilla and means to socialize in a relaxing and informal environment, especially with family and friends: We are Limin’ on the beach today.
SavviHer: What was your inspiration for starting your business?
R: My inspiration for starting Limin’ was my passion to be an entrepreneur, my passion for style & fashion and my goal to be able to combine the two on a tropical island which I loved.
SavviHer: Take us through a day in the life!
R: Like most entrepreneurs, my day begins early and ends late – 7 days a week. Prior to the shop opening, I am working diligently sourcing new products, creating ideas for customs gifts to be designed and placing & tracking orders. While at the shop, I enjoy greeting and assisting guests from all around the world during the course of the day. Approx. every week, merchandise is flown to Miami, Fl, placed on a cargo ship and sailed down to Anguilla. Once it reaches Anguilla usually 5 days later, it is a time consuming, multiple step process to clear merchandise over two more days.
In addition, I have expanded the business to Limin’ Artisan Gifting. Limin’ Artisan Gifting service is a premier gifting company located on the beautiful Caribbean island of Anguilla. From Corporate Events, Wedding or Celebratory gatherings, we know how important this moment is for our clients. At Limin’ Artisan Gifting our passion is collaborating with businesses & industry professionals to create gifts that compliment the company’s brand or events aesthetics. We believe gifts should carry memories! Meeting with corporate & local Event Planners to discuss their vision for either a Limin’ pop-up shop at their hotel venue or providing custom gifts for their employees arriving to the island, is a detailed & exciting process.
SavviHer: What is your favorite project to work on/client to work with?
R: Providing gifts for large groups is an enjoyable process for me. I have had the privilege of providing unique curated gifts for guests from major US and Canadian corporations visiting Anguilla. I have provided treasured gifts for wedding celebrations, festive gifts for guests staying at some of our 5-star hotels & turn down gifts for villas. Limin’ has been selected as the boutique of choice from major corporations to host pop-ups at Four Seasons, Anguilla & CuisnART Golf Resort & Beach. My focus is to collaborate with large groups arriving to the island & create unique quality treasured gifts carrying memories of their trip to our beautiful island. I am happy to take the burden off of clients – as we take care of sourcing, branding, shipping, completing all paperwork required for importing into Anguilla and clearing Anguilla Customs – packaging for presentation and with excitement, I am proud to hand deliver their treasured gifts to their venue. Every group I work with is truly an honor for me.
SavviHer: How do you stay inspired?
R: In 2017, Anguilla was hit by two Category 5 hurricanes. There was destruction throughout the island. As with everyone who lives on the island, we knew it was going to be a rough road ahead to rebuild. During that difficult time, I (and my husband) were overwhelmed with e-mails from our wonderful customers. Each one giving us hope, strength & support to get back on our feet.. We will never forget the touching e-mails we received. In addition, seeing the excitement on our customers faces when they choose their special gift to bring home brings such joy. It is not uncommon to receive e-mails from customers letting me know how much their gift has meant to them – it truly touches my heart & gives me energy to move ahead.
SavviHer: If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
R: As Tony Robbins once said – Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited of what could go right.
SavviHer: What has been your favorite thing you’ve worked on?
R: One of my favorite things to work on is creating custom gift designs & then presenting those designs in a sophisticated & tropical presentation. Since the national sport in Anguilla is sailboat racing – what better way to create an Anguilla tote then to find retired racing sails & design custom totes from sails which raced around the island. In addition, hosting a large Limin’ pop-up at the beautiful Four Seasons, Anguilla for E&J Gallo Wines was a exciting & rewarding accomplishment.
SavviHer: How do you prioritize your financial health?
R: My financial priorities are to continue to operate my business debt free and within budget.
SavviHer: What are your financial goals for 2019-2020?
R: My primary financial goal for 2019-20 is to increase revenues by 20% primarily with added focus on growth for the Limin’ Artisan Gifting side of my business.
SavviHer: How can others get involved with or learn more about you?
R: I enjoy sharing the ups & downs of my adventure of living & working on a Caribbean island. I am happy to discuss or answer questions regarding this magical adventure. Please feel free to contact me at liminboutique@anguillanet.com.
We would like to thank Renee for sharing her story and for her time in helping create this post! For more on Limin’ Boutique, check out their Facebook page!
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