Celebrating 35 Years of Lace Silhouettes!
(Above: Lace Silhouettes, Palmer Square location)
Karen Thompson has owned and operated Lace Silhouettes since 1988, beginning with just one shop in Fountainville, PA and blossoming into a total of nine locations, one being in our beautiful historic Princeton downtown. When you walk into Lace, you are warmly greeted by the sweetest smiling faces of extremely knowledgeable staff. They will guide you around the store, showcasing all the different brands and product lines, and even offer complimentary fittings.
Did you know?
8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra! Come visit Lace’s Palmer Square location at 51 Palmer Square West for a complimentary bra fitting. Let Lace help you find the perfect fit!
What does Lace offer?
Lace stocks both women’s and men’s brands including: Chantelle, Ugg, P.J. Salvage, Spanx, Tees by Tina, Commando, Hanky Panky, Cosabella, Natori, Wacoal, Fleur T, Kensie, Vineyard Vines, Saxx, Free People, Wolford, and many more! You can find bras and panties as expected in a lingerie store but also accessories, bridal wear, daywear, pajamas, and gifts.
How have they grown to where they are now?
Keep scrolling to read more about Karen and her entrepreneurial journey and the company she has created in an article by Taylor Jackson.
Celebrating 35 years of passion, panties, and perseverance.
By: Taylor Jackson
(Below: Karen Thompson and her husband Dave at the grand opening of her first store, Lace Silhouettes Lingerie, at the bridal salon in Fountainville, PA.)
Who are your biggest role models?
Definitely my family. My mom and dad always supported my dreams and taught me what it takes to run my own business. My grandmother was also a great role model. She saw my love for fashion at a young age and always pushed me to follow that passion. She even suggested I get into the buying field as a career after high school!
Why did you decide to start your own business?
My mother and father started a trash company. So, growing up I was always surrounded by that entrepreneurial spirit. As a young woman I always dreamed I would open a dress store.
What was your mission at the start of your company?
To survive! When I began to seriously look into opening my own business, I read in an article that 8 out of 10 businesses fail. I opened my first store in 1988, right after the crash of 1987. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I decided to just go for it.
How did you come up with the store’s name Lace Silhouettes Lingerie?
I made two columns on a piece of paper. In the first column, I listed all of the words that came to mind when I thought of lingerie. The second was a list of the different styles of lingerie. I picked one word from each column.
What have been your biggest learning experiences in running a business?
Flexibility was a big thing that I learned. As a business owner, you have to accept that life is unpredictable. You got to learn to preserver and pivot when you have to. Over the course of my 35-year journey I have had to work through storms, recessions and, most recently, a pandemic! Don’t be afraid to take risks, either. I currently have 9 retail store locations; throughout my 35 years I have had about 25 retail locations. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but you have to keep pushing for the next opportunity. I’ve learned to keep calm and take things one day at a time.
What do you think is the key to your success?
I wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t found such an amazing team to learn and grow with me. I am lucky to have so many dedicated and professional staff members. The support from my family, children and husband is also huge. They have been with me every step of the way.
Do you have any advice for aspiring business owners?
Passion. If you always stay passionate, you will always find a way.
For the full interview, visit https://www.lacesilhouettes.com/celebrating-35-years
