Excited to introduce Maggie Kopnisky, a fun and colorful mom to Lilah, and owner of MarketStreet Lynnfield’s Pink Parkway and Southern Tide boutiques. Maggie manages to juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship in an admirable way and we loved getting to know her!
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now?
I grew up in Ohio, outside the Cleveland area. I moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University for my undergrad and stayed in the area ever since. I now live in Revere.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have one daughter, Lilah, who is 8 months!
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
I love to go to the many events hosted by MarketStreet Lynnfield. Taste of MarketStreet is one of my personal favorites–so many good restaurant samples, activities and live music. I also love the North Shore beaches in the summertime. We live on Revere beach so we often walk the boardwalk, but also frequent Gloucester and Rockport. In the fall, we love to go to Connors Farm in Danvers. They have the best cider donuts and so many fun fall activities!
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
My favorite place to shop is definitely MarketStreet Lynnfield! I own two retail stores in the plaza, Pink Parkway and Southern Tide. The selection of stores are great and even better when you can be outside. I love hanging out at the plaza even when I’m not working.
My husband and I also love Boarder Café in Saugus. It’s a great place to take a baby because it’s loud enough no one is disturbed by tears and large enough for strollers. Plus we love the food!
You’re the owner of two boutiques. Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to open them.
I have always been interested in the world of retail. I started working at the Lilly Pulitzer boutique on Newbury Street while completing my undergrad at Northeastern University. After graduation I started working as a buyer for the furniture company wayfair.com. My entrepreneurial passion led me to jump into my own business by opening Pink Parkway in Lynnfield. It has been the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling experience of my life and I truly have enjoyed every step of the way! Pink Parkway opened in July 2015, then led me to open Southern Tide last October, in 2018.
What’s your favorite part about being a boutique owner?
I love that every day brings something new and different. Once you think you have one part of the business in order, there is something else right behind that needs attention. I love having the freedom to creatively come up with solutions and it is always rewarding when it pays off.
I also enjoy being able to work the day-to-day in store operations, while helping customers in store. Building our local and loyal customer base is what makes the store so special and fun to be around. My favorite part of the business is definitely the buying process. I always love going on seasonal buying trips to pick the line that will be displayed in store.
Any tips for balancing work & motherhood?
Lilah definitely brought a new aspect to being a business owner! I would say I have learned to really cherish every moment I am with her. When I leave for the store, I try to not think about what I am missing, but rather what I am building for her to one day be proud of. I also am very lucky that I’m able to bring her to “the office,” occasionally as she is always a hit with the customers! It makes it a little easier to be away when you love what you do!
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
You’re the only mom your child will ever have and that relationship is the most special thing! Take your job seriously: make short term goals and long term goals and study the best way to achieve these. There will be days where you feel like a failure but remember everything is temporary. Always remember hugs and smiles! Happiness is a major part of our family dynamic!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
After my husband and I met in college, we started a t-shirt business printing parody, school spirit t-shirts. At the time we didn’t realize, but now we like to say that was a direct foreshadowing of our future and the perfect way to get some extra beer money for parties!