From Blackrock in Dublin, Deryn Mackay is the founder and owner of Khan Boutiques in Blackrock and Mullingar. Since the opening of Khan in Blackrock in 1995, Deryn has been dedicated to dressing customers to suit their style, lifestyle and shape, providing key wardrobe pieces for customers that can be used for day to day and occasion wear. Having established a loyal following in the Blackrock boutique, Deryn launched a second boutique in 2007 in Mullingar, where she was living with her family. Later this year, Deryn will unveil the redeveloped Blackrock boutique as it expands to double the size on the Main Street. With such a wealth of experience in fashion and retail, Deryn is the perfect candidate for ‘In The Biz’…

How did you first get into fashion & retail?
I started off working in boutiques in Dublin followed by a seven year stint as a sales rep for Irish and European designers in Ireland, fashion was always the area where I wanted to work.

What did you want to be growing up?
At the age of 16 in Career Guidance Class in school, I announce to the class that I had two ambitions that would become reality one day – to own a boutique and to drive a black BMW – both now realised.

My big break?
In 1994, while working as a sales rep in Ireland, a site became available on Blackrock Main Street. I always wanted to open a boutique that represented Irish designers and was able to open the doors with a stable of labels that included Lynn Mar, Mary Gregory, Rachel Mackay, Michael Mortell, Lainey Keough, Louise Kennedy and John Rocha.

Two adjectives to describe your own style?
Simple with clean lines

Today I’m wearing…?
Marithe Francois Girbaud black cropped trousers teamed with simple black Roisin Linnane tee and Paul Smith pumps.

Style icon?
Paul Smith

Favourite trend this season?
Paul Smith’s timeless black dresses never go out of style and believe that investing in quality pieces is a much better way to go than trends. Having said that, I am delighted to see tailoring back in focus.

Favourite beauty product?
Seavite Moisturiser

Can’t live without…?
My Pauric Sweeney Black Leather Bag

What’s a typical day for you?
Each day starts at around 5.45am when my husband’s alarm goes off and is a quick turnaround to get the children ready for school, helping them feed and hay their ponies, getting on the road and bringing them to school. On the way to Khan in Blackrock or Mullingar depending on the day, the first port of call is the alterations shop and dry cleaners to drop in clothes for clients, collect clothes that have been altered etc. Arrive in the boutique to open in the morning and spend the day with clients in store, with suppliers or with clients in their home, sorting through wardrobes and putting outfits together for events and occasions. The day usually ends at 6.30pm / 7pm and then it is back on the road to get home to spend time with the family.

Toughest part of the job?
With two boutiques in two counties, I spend a lot of time on the road between the two. A huge part of our service is the one-on-one time with clients and working with them to create outfits that suit their lifestyle – this requires being in store to spend time with them and hence a lot of time on the road.

How have you had to adapt your business model due to the changing economic climate?
We have always had a huge focus on customer service and providing our clients with a high quality experience in store. Since the start, I have always worked a 6 day week, so in essence, nothing has changed in the last few years. We are very conscious that people’s spending habits have changed but believe that investing in good quality pieces is the best approach.

Biggest challenge for a boutique owner?
As your customers build a relationship with you, you need to be able to spend time with them and learn about their lifestyle and taste. Given the fact that we have two locations, the commuting is the greatest challenge at the moment.

Off duty, where’s your favourite hangout?
With a husband who is a vet and two daughters that are very into their ponies, I seem to spend every spare moment in Mullingar Equestrian Centre.

Friday night treat?
Ilia Tapas in Mullingar

Your perfect weekend is…?
Spending time with my family

Last time you laughed out loud?
Trying to convince my two daughters to go on holidays with their Aunt and their very clear and straight response.

What’s on your iPod?
Pete Yorn

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
If you see a gap in the market, go for it. Prepare to work hard and always invest in quality.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
What I do now is what I always wanted to do since I was 16 years old so I guess I live my ideal job description each and every day.

Among the labels carried by Khan include Paul Smith, Marithe Francois Girbaud, Missoni, Hoss Intropia, handwritten, Twinset, Odd Molly, Schumacher, Ischiko, Nanette Lepore, By Marlene Birger, Day Birger et Mikkelsen, Laundry and I Blues alongside denims from J Brand, Paige Denim and Seven for All Mankind.

Keep up with Darren on Twitter here!

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