What makes you stand out from the crowd?

From “Miss Alaska” sashes (for those who want to dress up as Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin in her earlier days) and Batman-inspired Joker costumes to hair gel and lipstick, at Ricky's NYC we have a little bit of everything for everyone. Our chain of family-owned stores sells beauty supplies throughout the year, but we also double as a costume super-store during Halloween.

My name is: Todd Kenig
My business is: Ricky's NYC, a New York-based chain of beauty supply and Halloween costume stores.
Industry: Beauty Supply
Location: New York
Year founded: 1988
Number of employees: 400
Web address:www.rickysnyc.com

What's the best part about owning your own business?

Not answering to anyone. Making our own decisions and creating things out of nothing. A few years ago, we didn't even sell Halloween costumes. Now, those sales account for 20% of the business. If, all of a sudden, we say we want to bring in a skincare line, we can do that, too.

What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome?

Transitioning from a mom-and-pop operation into a corporate structure was a challenge. We hired a chief financial officer, a controller and a human resources department. Four years ago, I served all of those roles. It was very difficult to give up that control.

What's the best business advice you can offer?

Stick-to-your-gut instincts. If someone tells you: 'That's not going to work.' Do it anyway. For us, Halloween is a perfect example. People said: 'It will never work. You're a beauty store, why are you putting costumes in there for?' Now, we're the best-known beauty supply/Halloween costume-store in New York.

Are You a Stand Out?
To be considered for this column, please send an email (and a digital headshot!) to Editors@smSmallBiz.com , answering these questions:

My name is:
My business is: (name of business, plus description)
Location:
Year founded:
Number of employees:
Web address:

What makes you stand out from the crowd?
What's the best part about owning your own business?
What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome?
What's the best business advice you can offer?
If a business organization referred you to us, please tell us which one.

Other recent Stand Out columns:

• Stand Out: Online Billing CEO Says Hiring Right Is Key to Success

• Stand Out: This Niche Chocolatier Makes Sweet Profits