Featured Chik: Simply Placed

This year we're exploring the North Shore and taking you with us! We can't wait to introduce you to some of our favorite local businesses and their owners. First up, meet Sydney Ortega, owner of Simply Placed!
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Tell us a bit about your company! What do you do? What is your mission?
We are a home decor, lifestyle and gift store located in Beverly on the North Shore. We started as home decor and styling, but quickly shifted to gifts - birthday, shower, and life events. We have everything for coffee tables to shelve styling or the perfect gift.

How did you get started with your business? What made you decide to join this industry?
Looking back, it's a pretty long story, but I think it boils down to always listening to my gut. Home decor, design, fashion have always been my passions, but I didn't think I was skilled in it. I was in marketing and advertising for ten years and that never felt right to me - it always felt like something was missing and I was searching for that something I was truly passionate about. When I was let go from that job right before the pandemic, it gave me the ability to pause and do something for myself. I jumped back into retail for a few months and I knew then that I wanted to be my own boss, to be creative, and to really be a part of community. From that, Simply Placed was born. 

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What does it mean to you to be a small business owner on the North Shore?
I love the North Shore! I'm not originally from here, so I feel like I have a fresh perspective on the area. I love everything about it - the beach, the mountains, and the community here in Beverly. The people, especially the women, are phenomenal! We all lean on one another and support each other. There's a real camaraderie here that feels so different from what you'd experience else where. Part of our work here at Simply Placed is bringing in other locally owned businesses to highlight. It's been incredible to meet and get to know these women.

What is your favorite part of being a business owner?
Every day is different. I get to make my own decisions and work based off my gut. In past jobs, in corporate specifically, you have to follow rules and guidelines, but now I get to wake up every day and do what I want to do.

When you were growing up, what is your ultimate dream job? If it's this, how does it feel to have met your dream?! If it was something different, how did your dream change over time?
I think this was always my dream, I just didn't know it. When I was younger, 6 or 8, I was always restyling my space, it was in my nature. Through trial and error and life experiences, I found this passion again. It's wonderful,  pinch-me moment every day to have made it to this point! The feedback I've gotten and the chance to do this every day fills my heart with so much joy.

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Every business owner faces challenges. How are you empowered to overcome yours?
I went into this business knowing that products would come broken, that the internet would shut down when I had a line of customers, and that things would go wrong. But knowing that has made dealing with the hiccups easier. Of course, there have been challenges, but there are lessons in those challenges. I think having that outlook has made me more agile and adaptable to change.

Tell us (in one word) how you would describe your bosschik business!
Peaceful

Anything else we should know about you, your business, or just a fun fact?!
I'm always open to evolving! I like to keep an open heart and to be open to new experiences and collaborations. We also strive to empower young women to go after their dreams, so they too can experience this joy.

Where you can find her:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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