Hunter Wilson/Daily NewsLeslie Sledge (left) and Jenny Chapman, owners of The Polka Dot Door on Scottsville Road, stand in their store Friday. The store sells clothing for children up to 10 years old.

Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Name of Business: The Polka Dot Door

Location: 2425 Scottsville Road Ste. 105, Bowling Green

Type of business: Children’s clothing/accessory boutique

When did it open? November 2005

Owners: Jennifer Chapman and Leslie Sledge

Number of employees: Two owners

Specialty: We try to find unique clothing/accessories to this area.

How did the business get started? We had our first child three months apart and already worked together at Express in the Greenwood Mall. It closed, and after a few months we decided to follow our dream of having a store of our own. The focus just changed to the little ones!

What is your background? Both of our backgrounds are in retail. Jennifer majored in marketing at Western Kentucky University and Leslie majored in textiles/apparel. We worked together at Express.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? Working in a boutique is a different business – you are dealing with luxury items. So building personal relationships with your clientele is extremely important – especially in difficult economic times.

What’s your business philosophy? To provide unique items with a unique and attractive store with the best possible customer service.

What issues are affecting your industry? Disposable income of the population, trends.

How do you handle competition? We try to differentiate ourselves with unique items to the area.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? Extreme dedication and being self-motivated is a must.