Store Spotlight: Lori Karbal {Shop Local}

Lori Karbal is known as a Birmingham go-to boutique for the perfect gift, pampered item, beauty product, accessory or even unique apparel for over 24 years. Lori Karbal has the "special somethings" for everyone, and she enjoys bringing back her unique and special finds to share with her customer base. As holiday season, has arrived and gift giving in full gear, we thought we would highlight Lori Karbal and her quaint store for any last minute gift pick me-ups!

Also, for a lady who has been in business for over 20 years, we wanted to learn more about the woman behind the business. She has been providing a curated and unique product selection in beauty, perfumery, sleepwear, home decor, and other specialty items.The store is a local gem to Birmingham, walking into the store, you get a wonderful feeling, probably a calming vibe that can keep you browsing shelf after shelf discovering novel items {like rare & collectible coffee table books.}

Beautifully crafted jewlry,or perhaps a wide variety in unique candles. There's something to discover at every spot in the store! She keeps the product mix fresh, always mixing in new product lines, promising her customers a rich and delightful variety. categories: Beauty, sleepwear, gift items, home decor [ unnamed-4 Her store in general has a very cool and different vibe, her sales gals "her girls" are friendly and you get the sense they have a lot of FUN working with Lori! In addition, the sales team, "her girls" at the store make you feel welcome and its clear they all have a lot of fun together! She states, "for as hard as it is, it's also a lot of fun!" Oh, and they LOVE dogs! You'll be sure to see her cute dog, OWEN, when stopping in! {Dogs are welcome} You can tell, her service and customer experience is a personalized one. As we were doing the interview, (end of day) her customers would stop in and just say hi and to chat! #funplace

{SS}: How long have you been in business? Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration behind the inception of Lori Karbal? What is the background story of the store? {LK}: I didn't have background – but i've always liked quality products, When I opened the store 24 years ago, I wanted to make a career change, and my parents were supportive. I think when I started – people didn't buy in the beginning. The early days of the store, I actually sold products like benefit, MAC – people were not so eager to buy in the beginning. Quickly, I started to add things and see what worked well and built on that foundation!

{SS}: 4 words to describe your store: {LK}: Fun, Eclecctic, Magical, & Forward!

{SS}: What do you LOVE most about the store and your job? Favorite part of being a business owner? Challenges?

{LK}: Discovering unique and special products. Its exciting when you find something that you think is fabulous! I think the beauty of it, is it try to new things. Don't be so attached to certain product lines. It's interesting to look back to see what items have done well and other times not so much. It's all a gamble, really – as a buyer you want to introduce new brands and products but you find, People don't like change. (sometimes surprising because you think a certain item will take very well – just being open to trying new things) the more you buy and have experience and relationships with your customers, the easier it becomes – they trust me.

1980060_10153848817987355_69018212_o {SS}: You have quite the selection of perfumes, what brand was the first line you carried? {LK}: L'artissan Perfumer, Fresh (was also the first whole sale customer)

{SS}: Currently, what are a few of your favorite products?

{LK}: Always changing, but here a few:

Rituals – body cream, shower gel products too

Nasomatto Perfume – {for him & her}

Loving some of our NEW and beautiful glass cake dishes, chip & dip!

Anything "Rock N Roll" like the Rolling Stone Book (Taschen)

and this new book we just got in, "Pride And Glory" which tributes the story of the leather jacket, motorcycle style etc.

Super funky Carmins wallets from Japan (not your typical wallet) and only a couple left ,they come in various colors, prints and sizes!

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{SS}: Since you are a gift expert, can you share a few hot items or gift recommendations, based on our "Styleshack Archetypes" for this holiday season?

{LK}: For the Edgy Chic girl… Jean Michel Basquiat Candle, Rolling Stone OR "Pride & Glory" Book.

{LK}: For the Romantic gal… We have beautiful print pattern robes, colorful and playful for the romantic gal, as well as gorgeous and decorative candles. Of course a good coffee table book, like this one,- paris street style "a guide to effortlessly chic" is perfect for a romantic gal! e8179016a5a1c244d13c580e74f058b1

{LK}: for the Eco Chic gal… Galadriel Mattei Scarf

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{SS}: What does it take to be a "leading lady" in Business?

{LK}: Be nice. I am very lucky – while I work a lot, there is always something going on, and truly it is fun, brings me joy – I love my staff and customers! At the end of the day, it comes down to two things: being nice, and honest.

Now onto a few fashion & lifestyle questions…

{SS}: In regards to your personal style, do you have a signature accessory?

{LK}: I'm very casual, my go-to items are Tennis shoes, Black Pants. "Casual Cool" is a good way to reference my personal style. My brain is edgy my body is more conservative! I wear tennis shoes almost everyday and hate socks!

{SS}: Side note, literally, during the interview, she had a new pair of custom designed kicks, delivered to her. Made by a local artist! (pictured below).

Shoes made by local artist!

{SS}: Favorite Blog or online journal?

{LK}: I'm obsessed with the News – love getting The Skimm daily emails, also enjoy reading Into the gloss, The Zoe Report, The Coveteur, Manrepeller. For house stuff, I love "Living Etc" Elle Decor. British Elle Decor, Vogue, and Porter!

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