Success is often defined as the ability to reach one’s goals in life. Sometimes it can be difficult to stop and reflect on the successes a person has already achieved. Other times, a person accepts that they have done all they can and just pauses to take in the view. For Rosalie and Douglas Gale, laying down the foundation of their two art stores, Ugly Baby and Monster, was the start of their adventure. Now, watching the stores thrive and helping other independent artists make their living through their art is where the fun begins.
At the beginning of their journey as retail shop owners, both Rosalie and Douglas had little experience when it came to running a shop. Everything was learned through trial and error. Not to mention the persistence that was needed to gain the local population’s interest in their unique art form – Shower Art.
Over the years the Gales have managed to build a dedicated following and achieved several milestones. In 2017, Monster was voted Best Boutique by those who read Seattle Weekly. On the flip side, Ugly Baby was voted Best Card and Gift Shop by readers of Seattle Magazine in 2020.
Their presence on social media, namely Instagram for Ugly Baby and Monster as well as TikTok, has also allowed them to bring in customers and people interested in their work. With one of their videos going viral on TikTok in 2020, the shop received more than 600 orders within two days.
Both Rosalie and Douglas believe that they have laid down the foundation of a future that will grow on its own. They own two stores that are thriving and bringing in new customers with an invigorating flow of orders they receive every day. For now, the couple wants to enjoy their success while doing two things – helping independent artists get their work out into the world and paying their employees and themselves enough so that they can live a happy and healthy life.
If you want to find out what other products are sold at Ugly Baby and Monster stores, visit their sites.