160 CLEARING THE HURDLES: WOMEN BUILDING HIGH-GROWTH BUSINESSES
Small, focused ventures are those that have a special niche in an
industry, or focus on a particular customer group. Kate Spade began by
making only high-end designer fashion purses, a narrow niche in the fash-
ion accessories industry. She emphasized quality and high value, growing
incrementally in a highly competitive and somewhat slower growing
industry. Similarly, E. G. Carol Howe started CBR with one “concept”
store in the Minneapolis airport in 1995. She now operates 10 concepts
(36 total stores) at 12 major-hub airports across the country. The success
of CBR Incorporated has depended on Carole’s ability to identify trends
and translate them into award-winning stores like Spirit of ...