Cordova business owner Regina Skinner took the buyout from FedEx last fall with every intention of taking it easy for two years. Instead, Skinner took advantage of the opportunity to open her own store. Caden's, named after her grandson, opened for business Feb. 2 and specializes in unique gifts for all occasions.

BUSINESS

By Mary K. Levie, Special to Cordova Appeal
September 9, 2004

Cordova business owner Regina Skinner took the buyout from FedEx last fall with every intention of taking it easy for two years.

"I was going to hang out and be fat, dumb and happy by the beach," Skinner said.

While at Platinum Jewelers picking up a ring, a retirement gift from her husband, she began chatting with the owner about her future plans of relaxing and possibly someday buying a business. He urged her to buy the business next door, a bridal shop that would soon be closing.

"I went from not working to buying a business in two months," Skinner said. "It's been a challenge."

Caden's, named after her grandson, opened for business Feb. 2 and specializes in unique gifts for all occasions. They have the largest selection of bridal accessories in Memphis, including such necessities as cake toppers, ring pillows, flower baskets and garters.

The accelerated business purchase didn't come without much trepidation on Skinner's part. She had misgivings about taking on such a large responsibility so soon after leaving her FedEx job.

"My husband's attitude was, let's say you do it and fail, all you've lost is the money that you never really planned to have anyway," Skinner said. "So you're no worse off then if you had not tried at all."

With her husband's support and the encouragement of Platinum Jewelers owner Chris McBrien, who promised to send his engagement ring customers her way, Skinner decided to seize the opportunity and start her business sooner than first envisioned. She had no retail experience but a wealth of business skills acquired from the numerous FedEx positions she held over the years, including drawing up business plans, budget-writing, and cutting expenses.

"I knew I didn't want just a bridal shop because I felt like that was very limited," Skinner said. "I wanted to be a shop from cradle to grave."

With that theme in mind, she began expanding her store inventory to include gifts for all of life's occasions. She developed a "Caden Saves the Date" system for her customers, which entails creating a list of their important dates and calling two weeks ahead of the dates to inquire if a gift needs to be purchased. If so, she picks out, wraps and delivers a gift to the customer's home.

"I take the time to get to know my customers so I know what they like and what they don't like," Skinner said.

Skinner commissioned local artists to produce many of the unique gift items including handmade candles, Swarovski crystal jewelry and ceramics. An extensive selection of customized team sports items ranging from jewelry to salt and pepper shakers is available for athletes in area schools. Inspiration for gift ideas can pop up at anytime.

"I'll be driving somewhere and I'll go, man this would be so cool," Skinner said. "Or I'll go shopping for something and I can't find it anywhere so then I start looking for people who can do the things that I want."

Caden's is at 2200 North Germantown Parkway in the Parkway Plaza, and is open Tuesday through Friday, 10-6, and Saturday 10-4.