Located at 575 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 106 directly across from Toast, The Nine’s is a new boutique that offers a casual, relaxed shopping environment with plenty of convenient parking and tons of new inventory arriving weekly that can’t be found anywhere else in town! Kathy Hagge is the owner of The Nine’s.
Tell us a little about your business. – The Nine’s is a clothing boutique for men and women. We focus on finding our customers the items that fit their unique style while flattering their specific body type, and that they likely won’t find anyone else wearing each season.
How did you get started in this business? – I’ve lived and worked in northwest Lincoln for 15+ years and determined there was a need for a clothing store that carries specialty items at a reasonable price in that area. I’ve always enjoyed boutique shopping over larger retailers and department stores, and I wanted to offer my neighbors and those who live and work on the north side of town a more convenient, yet similar shopping experience as what is available in other areas of town, so The Nine’s was born.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have four fabulous children. My daughter Kara is the oldest and is an attorney in Oklahoma City. As for my three sons, Craig lives in Hastings, Tanner is a plumber’s apprentice in Scottsbluff, and Austin currently lives in Tampa, FL and is continuing his education and working there.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Moving to Lincoln. Previously, I’d held a position at a Fortune 500 company for several years, and I decided I didn’t like corporate America very much. When I moved to Lincoln, I realized I had enough experience to open up my own business and this set the stage for everything I’ve done in my career up to this point in my life.
What are you the most proud of? – That as a single parent, I was able to find the balance to be a good mom and have a successful career/operate my own business at the same time.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’ve been fortunate to have several over the years, and they have all contributed to where I am at now as the owner of The Nine’s. In terms of coming around full circle, the paths that I’ve taken through different businesses and achievements with each have all been a part of one path that has led me to become an seasoned entrepreneur who is doing what I love and making a living out of it—which is probably my most important achievement to date.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Two come to mind for me. The first is if someone constructively criticizes you, be thankful, because they care enough to try to help you improve. Second, my father taught me that anytime someone proves you wrong, you’ve learned something new.
What talent would you most like to have? – I’d really love to be able to sing well. I’ve owned bars over the years, which included hosting karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. The KJ always asked me to sing and I always respectfully declined so nobody had to suffer! However, I’d enjoy going back and belting out an awesome song!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can reach me by calling The Nine’s at (402) 904-5257, via email at kathy@ishopthenines.com, or stop by and see me at the store! You can also check out our Facebook and contact me that way too.