What if fear wasn’t something to overcome, but something to work with? In this raw and honest reflection, Joey Clark— owner of KIN Boutique, mother, and leader—shares how fear has propelled her forward instead of holding her back. From navigating the unknowns of entrepreneurship to redefining success through authenticity and community, her story offers a powerful reminder that we don’t have to do it all, do it perfectly, or do it alone. Her advice is simple, yet radical: be kinder to yourself, trust your gut, and throw out the rulebook.
What’s your relationship with fear and how do you overcome it?
Fear is such a primary emotion, but I’m so impulsive that I don’t react to it as much as some people. Strangely, fear tends to drive me forward rather than hold me back. Don’t get me wrong—plenty of things can stop me in my tracks, but fear isn’t usually one of them. My approach is basically: if I just keep moving forward, everything will work out.
This mindset was crucial when starting my business. You can’t wait for perfect conditions—you just have to begin. There’s always going to be reasons to delay, but you have to push through. Maybe it won’t work out. Then you’ll start something else. Every experience teaches you something valuable.
I did feel real fear during the pandemic, but because my business was built around the community, people wanted to support us. We pivoted quickly—that’s the key. You can’t be rigid with plans or checklists. You need to stay flexible and surround yourself with a team willing to take risks alongside you.
If you were to define success today, what is success to you?
I’m proud to say I feel successful right now. Success means having the financial stability to support myself and my loved ones while creating an environment where people can truly be themselves. My team, customers, and family all contribute to this feeling of success.
Some days we come into work not feeling it, and that’s okay. We give each other space on those days. True success, to me, is laying my head down at night knowing I have food, shelter, amazing friends, and strong support—and being able to provide that same security for others.
How do you balance the different aspects in life and what advice would you give others for that?
Be kinder to yourself. You’re doing your best. We’re so quick to give others grace but deny it to ourselves. You can’t do everything alone. Lean on your support system. People want to help you.
A few months ago, I broke down at work about missing weekends with my child. My team’s immediate response was, “Then take Sundays off.” The solution was that simple. I just needed to voice what I needed. People will rally around you if you let them.
If you had the chance to rewrite the rules for women, what’s something that you would change?
Do it your way, the way that feels most authentic to you. There is no single “right” way. The only wrong approach is being untrue to yourself. Toss out any rulebooks or handbooks you’ve been given.
Yes, we live in what people call “a man’s world,” but you don’t need to act like a man to succeed in business. You can succeed by being yourself and genuinely wanting others to succeed too.
When you think about young Joey, what advice would you give her?
My advice to young Joey would be you’re capable of far more than you realize. There are people who will genuinely support you and want to see you succeed. Don’t underestimate yourself.
The fear will always be there, but you have to start anyway. Once you begin, you can’t turn back—you’ll naturally move forward. Just take that first step.
Joey Clark is the founder of KIN Boutique, a contemporary women’s and men’s fashion store in Philadelphia, known for its inclusive, welcoming, and curated approach to styling clients. With a background in sociology and philosophy, she blends creative design with a community-driven retail experience. After more than a decade in styling, design, and management, she opened KIN in 2017, which has since become a Philadelphia staple. The boutique, along with its new children’s store, munchKIN, is rooted in connection, empowerment, and commitment to the local community.
This live interview took place at KIN Boutique during Habituelle’s We Rise event, which supports women-owned businesses, offering connection, learning, and community growth.
