Behind the Wheel of The Therapie Boutique Truck

I recently attended a great food truck event called the “Third Friday Food Truck Extravaganza” in the back parking lot at Fifty Seven Degrees, a fantastic wine bar in Downtown San Diego.  My best friend Janice found the event on the San Diego Food Truck site, so we decided to go.  My mom had not experienced a food truck event yet, so she came along so see what all the fuss was about.  I assured her that she would have a great time.  One truck on the list of food trucks stood out:  “Therapie Boutique (a new clothing truck!)”.  Really, a mobile boutique?  As any of my friends would know, I’m up for shopping anytime, anywhere!

Already, I was drawn to the brightly painted mural on the sides of the truck with the words “Style on the go!” on the front, which I thought was incredibly clever.  I excitedly skipped to the entrance and was greeted by owner Kelly Carney.  The interior of the truck was just as bright and beautiful as the exterior, done up in silver, orange and pretty bits and pieces like the cute little ottoman by the mirror, fur-lined seats in the fitting rooms and crystal lights above.  Kelly took a bit of time to answer some of my questions on how she decided to go mobile!

In our brief chat, you mentioned that you were in retail for 23 years. Did you own your own boutique prior to investing in your mobile venture? Yes, I worked in, owned, and operated small businesses in San Diego. I also worked for Nordstrom for 15 years. 

What finally drove you to the decision to create a clothing boutique truck? I was looking at what the food trucks were doing and said if they can do it then I can. All women need shopping therapy and I wanted to be able to bring my concept and clothes to busy women all over San Diego.

What kind of “truck” did you decide to renovate and how long did it take for the total renovation? I renovated a 27-foot RV. It is a Thor Fun Mover originally built to move motorcycles and ATVs. I gutted the entire thing—from floor to ceiling. It took about 6 weeks from start to finish. 

Who designed your exterior and interior? The exterior is a one of a kind work of art by Gerardo Yepiz, known as Acamonchi, a local artist. I conceived of and designed the interior. I wanted it feel like a Gorky boutique with chandeliers and real dressing rooms.

What would you say is your “style” and how is that reflected in what you have to offer? My style is classic contemporary with a little bit of edge. I offer something for everyone no matter your age, style, or size Therapie Boutique has something for everyone.

When I visited your boutique, I spoke to a friend of yours, Kelly Evans, who had a couple of jewelry tables on display. Do you plan on asking other retailers or friends to also join you at future events as a featured designer? Yes, with every event I will host a local artist/designer for trunk shows. I want to be able to support local artists and give them a platform to show and sell their creations. 

(Click here for Kelly Evans Designs on Etsy)

What do you like best about this new venture? That I am able to do anything—the sky is the limit! I can go to people homes, farmers markets, local events, and fundraisers. Therapie Boutique brings shopping therapy to every woman—we are Style on the Go!

(Kelly Carney can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter at @TherapieSD)