How Urban Sundry's Barbie Coleman Built Her Local Boutique — Resilience & Retail Truths

In this episode of The Key with Kim Mills, Kim sits down with Urban Sundry founder Barbie Coleman to talk about her journey from high-stakes crisis PR to becoming one of German Village's most beloved boutique owners. Barbie shares how she launched her retail brand, signed her shop lease just weeks before the pandemic, and built a store known for its thoughtful curation, connection, and charm. She opens up about the current challenges facing local retailers, from tariffs to online competition and reflects on resilience, community, entrepreneurship, and the grounding role that horses and creativity play in her life and business. Takeaways: Barbie's journey proves that pursuing your dream, even in imperfect timing is still the right timing. Urban Sundry was built on intentional curation, storytelling, and helping people feel truly "seen" through meaningful gifts. The biggest challenges facing small retailers today aren't trends, they're tariffs, consumer habits, and economic uncertainty. Pivoting careers isn't about confidence; it's about courage, clarity, and a willingness to get uncomfortable. Connect with Barbie: Urban Sundry Instagram Connect with Kim Mills: Instagram Website