YPG Business Visit: Posh Baby & Teen
S.I. Chamber YPG - January 30, 2012
Date: January 12, 2012
YPG Reps: Stephanie M & Danielle R
Business Visited: Posh Baby & Teen
Owner: Elvis Kraljev
Years in Business: 6 years this March
YPG: How did you start in this business? Why did you choose this field? Is this what you always wanted to be when you “grew up?
Elivs: When M&B Discount Juvenile Furniture, the Island’s only juvenile furniture store, closed in October, 2005, Staten Island had a new-born need for a baby and teen furniture store. Elvis Kraljev immediately decided that he would help fill this void for Staten Island families, and opened Posh Baby & Teen in March, 2006. The store has been a huge success, with quality products and first class customer service being top priority – all furniture sold in the store has either an A or B rating, and Elvis has personally driven as far as North Carolina to pick up furniture for a client on Staten Island to make sure their delivery made it on time! In addition to the high quality, in only 6 short years, Posh has grown into New York State’s third largest dealer for all baby and teen furniture!
What did Elvis want to be when he was a ‘baby & teen’? An airline pilot!
YPG: What is the most important business lesson you’ve ever learned? Life lesson?
Elivs: In business, “Don’t burn any bridges,” says Elvis. Always make sure every transaction and interaction end on a positive note for all parties – you never know where that connection may lead down the road!
In life, “Stay healthy. I’m looking forward to walking my daughter, Daniella, down the aisle.”
(Fun Posh Fact! Did you know that the face of the Posh Baby and Teen advertising is Elvis’ own daughter, Daniella?)
YPG: Who is a mentor or role model that you may attribute to your success? What lessons or qualities have you picked up from them?
Elivs: Myself. I’ve always worked hard at everything I’ve done and learned many lessons along the way.
YPG: What advice would you give another Young Professional looking to start their own business?
Elivs: “Do your research, study the market, and invest wisely.” When preparing to open Posh, there were many sleepless nights of research; furniture ratings, styles, age groups – the list goes on! No business can be successful if it’s jumped into blindly – you have to know your facts, know your audience, and know your product. The market surrounding you is what will carry your business, so knowing what’s going on around you is also crucial.
YPG: When did you join the SICC? What benefits have you seen from your membership? What aspect of your membership do you find to be the most valuable/useful?
Elivs: “When? The week I opened up!” Elvis vividly remembers the business visit made to him by Linda, Solomon, Glen, and others from the Chamber the week that Posh Baby & Teen opened. He knew that becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce was a key component to his future success. Networking within the Chamber, with all of the individuals and businesses involved, has helped his business grow to where it is today. Elvis says, “I’ve made a lot of relationships through the Chamber, long lasting, meaningful business relationships. I’ve also met some great new friends over the years.” In 2009, Elvis was the proud recipient of the SICC Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award.
YPG: Thank you, Elivs for your time with us!
Categories: Chamber Blog
Reader Comments
2 commentsCongratulations
From: annette kraljev , 02/17/12 03:58 PM
ANNETTE AND DANIELLA ARE SO PROUD OF YOU
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
From: Angelo Augello, 01/31/12 03:38 PM
Posh Baby is the new industry leader!