Jeannine Beckstrom left her corporate job as a bank marketing executive in 2005 to launch a dream.

She always envisioned running her own business and since she loved shopping for her home and "creating rooms that fit her family's lifestyle," opening Haven, a lifestyle boutique in Raleigh, N.C., was a natural fit.

Beckstrom has always lived by her motto, start with pieces you love and the rest will fall into place, and carries that through to the products she chooses for Haven.

"Pieces I acquired 10-20 years ago still make me smile every time I catch a glimpse of them," she said. "And whenever I add something that works with those pieces, it just makes the room that much more special. Since I'm always on the lookout for something I love and not just something, shopping has been a lifelong joy for me."

As is the case with many soon-to-be-retailers, Beckstrom's passion for shopping brought frustration as it became harder and harder to find unique pieces and one shopping excursion blended into the next. She knew when she opened Haven she wanted to not only sell beautiful furniture and home accents but also create a memorable experience for her customers.

"I wanted the experience of being in the store to feel good," Beckstrom said. "One that encouraged customers to linger and look forward to their next visit. I also wanted the products to inspire our customers to celebrate the everyday experiences of their lives, which are usually centered around home and family."

Though home accents and furniture are the primary categories at Haven, lifestyle pieces are an important addition, ones that mold the concept of the store. Beckstrom also carries one-of-a-kind jewelry, handbags and embroidered coats along with luxe loungewear, bath and body products and gifts.

Haven's home accents range from decorative accessories and tabletop to lamps, home fragrance, accent furniture, mirrors, art, throws and chandeliers and wall sconces. The top three selling categories are decorative accessories, tabletop and a tie between lamps and home fragrance products. She gets the best margins on accessories and artwork, though lamps and tabletop are also successful.

Like many retailers, Beckstrom's biggest challenge is ordering products that aren't available and dealing with shipping-related damages. Keeping up with paperwork, the nemesis of any business, also is a constant battle.

Her favorite part of the job is "selling something I love to a customer who loves it as much, or more, than I do."

Less than a year into the business, Beckstrom's been fortunate to find good employees via word-of-mouth. She offers paid vacation, flexible schedules and an employee discount. Her goal is to start quarterly training/information sessions to educate employees on new products and selling points.

For other retailers just starting our or even thinking about getting into retail, Beckstrom suggests having a strong support system.

"Surround yourself with people who keep you positive and care about your dream," she said.

Haven is a lifestyle boutique filled with luxe products from tabletop and loungewear to furniture and gifts.