Katonah Business Spotlight: Ebba

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this new, exciting series we’re kicking off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Ebba
Owner: Viktoria Fisch
Address: 107 Katonah Ave., Katonah, NY

How did you come up with the name?

It’s my mother’s name, so it has special meaning to me, but i also love the sound of it.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Katonah has a special place in my heart as it was where I spent time after I graduated college. After moving back to westchester I moved to katonah and thought it had a customer base I’d like to chat with everyday.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Ebba is a lifestyle boutique, but I am a candle and perfume maker

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Keeping a balance between work and raising a child. Owning my own business gives me both morw freedom and more responsibilty.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Nope:)

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

When someone tells me they just want to come to my store to have a “timeout” from there day. It makes me feel good that I have created more than just a retail space, but a little bit of a sanctuary.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Oddly enough I never wanted to sell clothes, it seemed too overwhelming to me, but through requests and perseverance, I started bringing small amounts of clothing in, now it comprises half my business.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Breathe. Just like in regular life, we don’talways speak the same language. Go slowly find out if you can actually give the customer what they need. If you can’t, don’t beat yourself up about it, one of your fellow retailers might have what they need.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We participate in locally charities and we also have boutique within our shop that gives 10% to a foundation called Each One Counts.

Are you a local small business with a story to tell? Send it to us by clicking here.