Discover Downtown: Beatnik Betty's
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN like never before!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the GREAT businesses located here in downtown. Get to know the owners and their products from checking out their answers to a series of fun questions!
What is the name of your business and who is the owner(s)?
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik. Monika Austin
What service(s) and/or product(s) do you offer?
I sell resale clothing for men and women, plus a line of clothes that I make out of recycled fabrics.
What inspired you to start your business?
I always knew I would have my own business (both my parents have their own) but honestly thought it would be restaurant related as I had been in that industry for about 18 years. For about a year I worked on a business plan for a deli. I was sick of working for other people but just couldn’t pull this business plan together. Finally, I figured out that I hated what I was doing and what I REALLY wanted to do was open a resale store like the ones I went to out west. Fun, funky and so NOT what was already in the area. As soon as I had the name I knew exactly what it would be like and the business was finished in less than a week. I secured a loan, rented my space and open in less than 6 weeks after that.
What are 3 words that describe your business?
Curated, comfortable and eclectic
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
Tangled up in Blue. It’s my favorite song ever (Indigo Girls version) so it represents me the most.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Just jump.
What's something about your business nobody knows?
That I have records.
What do you love most about being in Downtown Appleton?
The feeling of community.
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
Speed so I could get more done in a day
If you had to describe your business as an animal, which one would it be and why?
Liger. Because why not.
If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?
Anything from the 60’s as everything that came out of that time was a reflection of what we as a country were going through. The mod look was about standing out and trying for a moment to forget about all the turmoil. The beatniks were about not needing to impress anyone, the hippies were about being comfortable in their own skin. That is what fashion is supposed to be about. You being you.
Something else fun and unique about your business you want to share?
The coffee is always on.
Learn more about Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik and plan your visit, check them out on Facebook! Click here.