A cheesy love story in Muskegon

The story of the The Cheese Lady, a specialty retail store in Muskegon, MI  is fascinating on several levels. It is both a love story and a blueprint for business success.

First the love story: "I fell in love with selling cheese while in France," explains Kathleen Riegler, founder of The Cheese Lady. "While at the outdoor markets in France, I noticed that not everyone was a cheesemaker -- some were vendors -- selling higher end cheeses." This insight later served as a first-step catalyst to founding The Cheese Lady.

With love comes passion, which Riegler attributes to success. "I am a big believer that you have to be pretty passionate about your products," she says. "If you can then transfer that passion  to your customers, you will have success."

Riegler, who just sold the first 'The Cheese Lady' franchise in Kalamazoo, says she would have never opened the business if she didn't have customers first, which she gained during her years at the Muskegon Farmer's Market.  Product and industry knowledge is also critical, which Riegler gained from 20 years in the speciality retail industry.

The future remains "cheesy" (which is good). Riegler says the growth of various food shows on cable with celebrities such as Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart and others extolling the virtues of artisan cheeses has been very helpful to the business, as evidenced by the franchise in Kalamazoo and considerations for one in Grand Rapids. (Don't worry, friends, Riegler is adamant that The Cheese Lady will never be a franchise-focused business model.)

Finally, besides love, passion, customers, product and industry knowledge, it also helps to be a little chippy. "I am thrilled and excited to be in downtown Muskegon where people say things can't happen," she says. "I can prove it can be done. People will come if you do a good job".

To learn more about The Cheese Lady, you can visit their site here. 

Source: Kathleen Riegler, The Cheese Lady
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor