Karen Pillow is the proud, “new” owner of The Kangaroo Pouch, having celebrated the store’s one-year anniversary in September.
Located behind Burky’s at 4025 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, the baby boutique features nursery furniture, car seats, strollers, gear, and gifts.
Karen, who grew up in Georgia, but whose family has lived along the Grand Strand for generations, moved here in 2011 with her husband and two kids. She actually lives in the Old Pine Lakes area now, next door to her parents and down the street from her sister and mother-in-law. She worked for the store for about six years before buying it, and continues to work side-by-side with her then-manager, Vinny Piciocchi. Additionally, her husband, Scott, now works at the boutique.
Along with the above-mentioned gifts and other must-haves for baby, The Kangaroo Pouch provides carseat and stroller education and installation.
“We are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians so we can help you choose the right seat for you, your child, and your car, and make sure they are as safe as possible,” Karen says. “This is something I love to offer - it can be a challenge but I love teaching parents how to use their seat safely and buckle in their children correctly.”
The Kangaroo Pouch also offers custom bedding that’s made by a family-owned company in Texas.
“We also have floor models for our customers to touch and hold and see with their own eyes. That’s very rare these days,” she explains, noting it’s very satisfying to have their customers tell them that being able to put their hands on the merchandise makes a world of difference when selecting baby accessories and furniture.
“This really sets us apart from the big box stores or customers purchasing stuff online,” Karen continues. “We truly care and want you to leave knowing you came away with knowledge and that you were able to choose the best options for your family! People are always apologizing for asking so many questions, but we love it! We WANT you to ask them and walk away confident in your purchase. We always say ‘That’s what we’re here for!’”
She offers this advice for women starting out in business:
“I was very lucky to have worked in this business before purchasing it. I knew what I had to do to make it work and make things better. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask other business owners questions. You can gather little bits of advice and make them work for you! Also, we are in a buying group that helps put small baby businesses in a position to have more buying power. This group of people have become friends and a great resource for me - emotionally and business wise. I really feel like you need to be true to yourself in your business. Don’t feel like you need to keep yourself in a certain mold, it’s exhausting. Your business is a piece of you so allow your personality to shine through! It may be the thing that sets you apart!”
The Kangaroo Pouch
4025 N. Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 839-0990 | thekangaroopouch.com
