If I were to do it all again....
Advice to myself, if I were to do it all again…
There are things you only learn by unlocking the door every morning. By wrapping hundreds of gifts. By watching who walks in, what they pick up first, what they linger over. If I could go back to the beginning of KITI in Conde Duque, here’s what I’d tell myself.
1. Don’t spend months perfecting a website filled with charming descriptions and carefully researched SEO. Yes, it matters. But not as much as I thought. More people crave connection and experience than the internet (and certainly Amazon) would have us believe. They want to step inside, touch the fabric, smell the candle, ask a question, tell you who the gift is for. The magic is in the exchange, not the algorithm.
2. When you truly love something, budget a piece for yourself. Don’t assume it will still be there later. It stings to miss out on something you handpicked. It stings even more when you sell the last one to someone else (as you should) and realize you never kept one aside. Loving what you sell is part of the point.
3. Leverage your network sooner. Reach out. Send the message. Invite people in. Meta ads rarely did what I hoped they would, but people? People show up for people. They trust creators. They want to feel “in the know.” They want to discover something through someone they already follow and admire. Word of mouth, especially in a neighborhood like Conde Duque, is everything.
4. Open the hours that feel sustainable for you. Not the hours you think you should open just in case someone might wander in. If people want to come, they will. They’ll book an appointment. They’ll shop online and pick up in store. They’ll stop by on a quiet Tuesday morning. You don’t have to sacrifice every holiday weekend, gym class, or birthday dinner to be the bright spot in someone else’s day. You deserve a life outside the shop doors.
5. When you believe in a product, bring it in. Start small. Test a few units. Try a new style. More often than not, your instinct is right. And if it doesn’t fly immediately? You might just be a little early. Trends have a funny way of catching up.
6. At the same time, remember that your taste isn’t the only taste. Those bigger brands, louder colors, playful, even slightly quirky pieces? They have a place. Not everything needs to be handmade or understated to belong in someone’s home. People want joy. They want fun. Sometimes they want bold.
7. Also: socks. Socks sell. Just accept it.
8. Never underestimate the details. Complimentary gift wrapping. A seasonal scent when you walk through the door. The right background music playing softly behind conversations. These small decisions are what turn a store into a space — the kind of cozy, inviting environment you imagined when KITI was just an idea.
9. Step outside your comfort zone. Speak messy Spanish with your neighbors in Malasaña. Go to the trade shows. Negotiate prices even when you’re still second-guessing your numbers. Learn the vocabulary to describe materials, craftsmanship, and quality with confidence. Growth is uncomfortable — and completely worth it.
10. And finally, know when enough is enough. Just because you’re good at something. Just because people love what you curate. Just because it’s working. None of that means you have to do it forever. If your heart shifts, listen to it. Have the courage to close one chapter and open another.
Life is too short not to experiment. Too short not to chase the next idea.
I'm super excited to close this door and take a step back to find new inspiration (and new products!). We'll be back on Sundays with our favorite finds, updates, and inspiration for elevated everyday living in April. Please follow along here and on instagram for the latest updates on our whereabouts and upcoming events!
And, once again, THANK YOU!
xoxo,
Kitty