LOCAL CULTURE Business Profile | Brianne Roblin, Once Upon A Child & Plato’s Closet
Smart and trendy meets sustainable When things get tough, Brianne Roblin keeps going BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78
Every Plato’s Closet and Once Upon A Child location is individually owned and operated by local business owners. Brianne Roblin opened her own Once Upon A Child in September 2020 and Plato’s Closet in January of 2022 and hasn’t looked back. “I am so grateful to be a business owner in the Westman community,” says Brianne Roblin, Owner. “At Once Upon A Child and Plato’s Closet, we really strive to create the best experience for our customers. We know shoppers are smart and trendy and want to find value without compromising style.” Along with managing two businesses, Roblin is a wife and mother to 9-year-old Brynley. “One of the reasons I started my own business was because I wanted to be a role model for my daughter,” says Roblin. “I wanted her to see how important it is to reach for her dreams and aspirations and not be afraid of hard work or pursuing something she could be proud of.”
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to run a business. Roblin’s family has supported her at home and at work every step of the way. “When I first had Brynley, I really struggled to find fulfillment being at home taking care of the house and new baby. I felt shame and guilt for wanting to go back to work,” says Roblin. “My husband and family were very supportive when I re-entered the workforce. My husband and I are a team when it comes to balancing who does what at home and at work.” Roblin’s husband Jason is familiar with the Westman business community. When Roblin opened her stores, he made sure that people knew who was in charge. “When I first opened, people would often go to Jason if they had questions or concerns about the business. He was very quick to say, ‘Oh no, this is Brianne’s thing – you need to talk to her.’ After 15 years of being together, he knows how strong-willed I am and how much having my own business means to me. He knew I wanted the whole responsibility of being a business owner.”
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” - Jennifer Lee When it comes to the next generation of female entrepreneurs, Roblin encourages you to push through and live authentically. “As a woman in business, everyone is going to have an opinion about what you should be doing and how you should be doing it. You will never make everyone happy and that’s okay! Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people you aspire to be like.” Plato’s Closet and Once Upon A Child offer a shopping experience that’s cool, fun and full of exciting and affordable finds. If you have dreams of trendy brand names in perfectly good condition are on the rack and up to 70% off. You can stop daydreaming and go visit Roblin and her team.
BRIANNE ROBLIN
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The Mint Experience
Brianne Roblin Once Upon A Child & Plato’s Closet platosclosetbrandon@gmail.com onceuponachildbrandon@gmail.com
