Cotton Tails owner Miki Brugge was treated to a surprise trip to New York City this fall. She was honored by the highly regarded children’s fashion trade magazine Earnshaw’s, which inducted her into their Hall of Fame. Her clothing store, which has served Memphis families for 26 years, has had a “lasting impact” on the children’s fashion industry. The magazine honors two to three business leaders each year.
“Many of her vendors have an overwhelming respect for how she does business,” notes Earnshaw’s Editor Audrey Kingo. “She’s honest and very charming, but has a sharp business acumen.”
Brugge cut her teeth in retail during her 20s, steadily working her way up the ladder at Goldsmith’s, eventually becoming a fashion buyer. After giving birth to her daughter, she decided to strike out on her own and launched Cotton Tails at Oak Court Mall in 1988. Seven years later, she moved to Laurelwood, where her business continues to thrive today. “Many girls want to do a store part time, but it takes a lot of work. They can go to market but forget about taking care of the customer. I’ve always been adamant — the customer always comes first.”
Congrats to you, Miki. The story appears in Earnshaw’s January issue.