Kajoma’s Boutique (facebook.com/Kajomasboutique), named after the three children of owner Kim Ahlers, are two sassy little boutiques that offer fun, unique garments and accessories from a great mix of designers. Kajoma’s is located at 84th & 1st Street in downtown Papillion and Kajoma’s West, which recently opened its doors in May, is located at 14450 Eagle Run Drive in Omaha. Lisa Biermann is the Lead Sales Associate and has been Kim’s primary assistant at Kajoma’s Boutique for over eight years.
Tell us a little about your business. – Kajoma’s strives for customer relationships so there is NO stranger to us. From the minute you walk through the door, you become more than a customer rather we see you as our friend. Whether we encourage you to be yourself or step out of the box, no matter what, you will enjoy your shopping experience with us.
How did you get started in the business? – After working in the insurance industry for over 19 years I left to raise my children. Once I moved on to the ‘What do I do now?’ stage, thankfully Kim called and asked me if I would like to work once in a while in the boutique and the rest is Kajoma’s history! Our ‘Kajoma Mama’ bond is unique and she has opened a new world up to me.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced professionally? – Me working in a boutique? I never considered myself a fashionista. I mean, let’s face it I am no size 2…heck I am not even a size 12! So I had to find a way to survive in the fashion world as a curvier gal, which was quite intimidating. But I had to dig deep and figure out how to embrace my physical self if I was going to be successful at my job. So, I consider my biggest challenge AND my most important achievement professionally has been to look past all the physical ‘stuff’; we are NOT a number on the scale, or a size, and certainly life is worth living NOW and not waiting till we lose those last ten pounds. I have embraced who I am as a person and I carry that achievement with me every day when I come to work.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband Steve and I have been married for 17 years. Together we have raised three very unique boys who are now finding their way as successful adults. We consider ourselves blessed as a blended family.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Being a mom completed the circle for me. It answered all my questions and fulfilled my soul.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to watch old movies. My favorite movie of all time is ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ The message from this movie still holds true in today’s fast-paced world, ‘There is NO place like home.’
What are you the most proud of? – My sons. They have grown into very respectful, kind, loving men (and they still come home to visit!). I love cooking for them, and great thing about boys is they love to eat so it works out perfectly!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Treat others the way you want to be treated. I live by these words daily.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Visit us at either store location, call (402) 991-4477, or find Kajoma’s on Facebook at facebook.com/Kajomasboutique to stay up to date on fun happenings and events!