All in Clover

Written by Ageless Moms on May 28th, 2009

Mother and daughter “shopgirls” find success on the same block.

Five years ago Kris Hermance posed this burning question to her daughter, Emily: “In an ideal world, what would you like to do?” The question came on the heels of Emily’s sudden decision to give the heave-ho to corporate America. Although she loved the hustle and bustle of Wall Street, the long hours and frenetic pace eventually took their toll. A stint on the New York Stock Exchange and at Citigroup had left the 23-year-old burned out and unfulfilled. At a career crossroads, Emily turned to the one arena where she always felt the most connected: the fashion world. So it came as no surprise to her mom when she blurted out her final answer: “I want to own my own shop.” Armed with new purpose and focus, Emily did just that.

“As soon as 1 said the words, I knew that I wanted to open a high-end accessories boutique. Being from Ridgewood, I wanted the shop to be close to home. My mom and I drove around the next day looking for storefronts to rent and, within in a few hours, found the perfect spot on the corner of Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus,” recalls Emily of the location once occupied by Regal Antiques. In August 2004, with family and friends at her side, she opened the doors to her chic boutique, BB Clover, cleverly named for her two pet bunnies. Five years later, BB Clover (and the bunnies) are still hopping merrily long as is Emily, who, now at 28, is entrenched on the block. Married last September, Emily is happily ensconced in the burbs, living just a hop, skip and a jump away from the shop in a charming Tudor home she shares with her husband, Nick Spahr and puppy, Max. In her short but productive tenure, this retail-biz owner has built a large and loyal customer base that is always searching for the bold and the beautiful. “I have always tried to bring in new fashion lines every year and have expanded my original vision of the shop,” says Emily of her key decision to carry top-end clothing lines like Milly, Tibi and Tory Burch. Is she sometimes in need of a little inspiration? No problem, says Emily who turns to her mom. “She has an amazing eye for detail and a great passion for decorating and design. My mom is my sounding board.”

MOM GETS INTO THE ACT

Last year, a storefront came up for rent just three spaces away from BB Clover, and Emily immediately thought of the question that was asked of her years ago. But this time she thought of her mother, who, faced with “an empty nest,” seemed a little restless -and appeared to be at her own crossroads. Emily looked at her mom and said, “Mom, in an ideal world what would you like to do?” Without missing a beat Kris answered “I would like to own a home accessories shop.” Emily countered with, “Do I have the perfect spot for you!” With that, mother and daughter hit the ground running. In October of last year, with the support and encouragement of her husband Ron and her children, Kris opened BB Clover Home, an upscale home and gift boutique featuring antique and reproduction furniture, objects d’art and whimsies. “Owning your own business is a big challenge,” says Kris, “especially in this difficult economy, but 1 have a wonderful staff — all friends from Ridgewood who help me to get the job done.” It is a dream come true, says Kris of being able to work so closely with her daughter, to catch up on the day-to-day while grabbing a light breakfast at a nearby café. Adds Emily, “I can honestly say my mom is my best friend. I feel so lucky to have her three doors down from me.”

BB Clover is located at 181 F. Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, (201) 251-9800.
BB Clover Home is located at 195 F. Franklin Turnpike. Ho-Ho-Kus, (201) 389-6200.

A DREAM COME TRUE Kris Hermance and Emily Hermance Spahr are each other’s inspiration.