Charming 'Madame Hatter' Joins Downtown Sumner

Ever since she could remember, Kim Lee said she had a passion for interior design and home décor. Now, Lee is the proud owner of Madame Hatter, the new home décor and gift boutique in downtown Sumner.  

The store celebrated its grand opening in February. 

Lee, who currently lives in Bonney Lake with her husband and their three kids, shares her story on how she became from being a stay-at-home mom to stay-at-store mom.

What kind of things do you sell?
I sell home and wall décor, gift items and jewelry. In addition, we exclusively carry products like Tokyo Milk (lovely variety of scents and beautifully packaged with vintage style art), Rume Bags (stylish, waterproof, washable, holds up to 50 pounds, and folds compact to fit in a purse to take on the go – perfect for the environment), and Mor lip macaroons – (scrumptious lip gloss from Australia and packaged in Beverly Hills). We also carry Queen Bee art (hand-embellished art from Snohomish). 

What’s behind the name “Madame Hatter”?
It was actually inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Mad Hatter. My tagline is a home decor and gift store with a mélange of curious things. I don't want to ever be too attached to any one item. I always wanted to kind of evolve with a new items and I like how it gives me room to have a variety of things.  

Why did you decide to open the store in Sumner?
I believe in the philosophy of enter as a customer leave as friends. I just fell in love with the town, and I knew this is the place I wanted to be. When I saw my shop for lease, it looked shabby, but I just knew it was the one. It just hit me. I love all the shops around here. 

Why did you decide to open Madame Hatter?
I have been into interior design since my earliest memories. I was lucky to have a mother who would let me decorate the house with my silly childhood ideas. Looking back that really did boost my creativity. When I was just out of school, the airlines were hiring so I got sidetracked from my planned dreams and enjoyed my younger days traveling until I decided to then settle down with my firefighter husband.

My best friend approached me to start a kid jumpy house business in 2007. We co-created Jumpin Jack & Jill of Sumner, and I left amicably soon after the opening. This strengthened our friendship and built my confidence as an entrepreneur. I’ve now raised my third “caboose” baby to an age where I felt comfortable going back to work and following the dreams I kept putting aside until the time felt right. 
  
I have now gone from being a stay-at-home mom to stay-at-store mom. On occasion, I will bring one of my kids to work. I love that they want to be involved and are excited to learn about how to run the shop. They find it magical that mommy created a “pretty shop” out of a blank space. I involve them any way I can. I want them to grow up knowing how to go about turning their dreams into reality. 

What sets you apart from the other stores in Bonney Lake and Sumner?
What sets me apart is my unique flavor in things that I choose for the shop. I crack up when I think about this—I used to love watching Oprah’s Favorite Things, and I kind of feel like that. I’m like, “This is definitely a favorite. Everybody must have this.” I pick things because I think it's a great quality item, not because I’m trying to make a buck and sell something.

So what’s one thing everyone must to have from your store?
Probably my two favorite lines that I will always carry: Tokyo Milk and RuMe bags. Tokyo Milk has a scent for everyone! I’m also excited about a French jewelry line that we’re working on ordering. It is absolutely exquisite!

Which business do you love to frequent in Bonney Lake and Sumner?
If you catch me running around the corner of Main and Kincaid with a little white bag, you can guarantee I have just came from the candy shop. I love their Japanese green tea candy! When my kids come to work with me at the end of the day, I stop by the candy shop to pay them in candy. And sometimes I pay myself in candy because it is no secret that most new small business owners do not take home a paycheck. I love that the pennies I am spending is going to a great business neighbor.

Madame Hatter, LLC
Address: 921 Kincaid Ave.
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m./Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Phone: 253-826-8888
Website: www.madamehatter.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/madamehatter