Owning and Running a Gift Boutique in the Rush of the Holiday Season with Kari Matthews

As we embrace the hustle-bustle of the holiday season, local retail shop owners are rushing to make the most of their busiest time of the year. We were lucky to connect with Kari Matthews, owner of Clean Slate Goods in Kennett Square. Kari unfolds how she built a purpose-driven retail boutique that connects local shoppers with makers from around the world. Kari shares the story behind her storefront, the values guiding her sourcing decisions, and why investing in artisans and ethical production matters deeply to her. We also talk about the in-person experience she creates for customers, the community partnerships that shape her business, and the impact of choosing gifts that truly change lives.

OUR PARTNERS

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce

LINKS

Clean Slate Goods

• Website: cleanslategoods.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/cleanslategoods
• Facebook: facebook.com/cleanslategoods

Local Nonprofits

• Kennett Area Community Services
• Young Moms
• The Wardrobe
• Family Promise of Southern Chester County
• Kennett Collaborative

Additional Links

• Boutique Hub
• WhizBang Retail Training

Related Episodes

• Keeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel Embree

TRANSCRIPT

The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Creators and Guests

EG

Host

Erik Gudmundson

LD

Host

Liam Dempsey

What is Start Local?

Start Local is focused on helping businesses and non-profits in and around Chester County, Pennsylvania, connect and grow together. Our aim is to bring together the many folks that make up our wonderful community in greater Philadelphia to share and learn from each other.