Late this summer I was introduced to Sonja of Brick and Mortar Maven by a former client who has a local boutique. One of my favorite things to tell people is that you need to get your hands dirty when starting a business, but most importantly hire people who can help you avoid the hiccups that might come along the way. Sonja is located right outside of Nashville, TN but has helped so many turn their dreams into reality.
Several years ago, when I had an online store I decided to put my PR degree to good use by pitching bloggers to cover my boutique. There was a list of over 50 bloggers across the United States that I reached out to for an interview. Jessica of DSR Apparel was one of those bloggers, and since then she has turned into one of my closest friends. She is brilliant beyond a shadow of a doubt, her gif text game is poppin, and she honestly has a passion for what she is doing.
Today, I would like you to meet Naisha of Brownstone Closets based in South NJ. As I write this introduction I am smiling mainly because over the last three years of working with Naisha I have seen her dream flourish on her own terms. She has committed to growing her dreams on her terms which is an amazing thing to watch.
Today, I want you to meet Jessica of No Real Jewelry based out of Chicago, IL. Funny story, I always saw D’Cher of Love Peridot tweeting Jessica on Twitter and I was like who is this person. You know we are all types of nosy in real life. Well, I immediately followed her and it’s been one of the best decisions ever. Jessica is amazing inside and out on all levels. I love reading her blog, newsletter and following her social media. She is a true go-getter.
Today, I want you to meet D’Cher of Love Peridot located in the Chicago, IL area. Let me just say that when I say I adore D’Cher and what she is doing I mean that. I am super excited for her continued growth as an entrepreneur. Daily she is striving to bring to not only be a better business owner but brightens her customers lives with her amazing pieces she sources herself. If you’re in the Chicago area make sure you stop by the Boss Babe Popup Shop she is one of the vendors.
Today, I want you to meet Latoya of Sarah & Jessie boutique located in the Jacksonville, NC area. I meet Latoya online a couple years ago, and I am completely smitten by her tenacity, strength, family values and much more. Love that she mentions how her local community college has been a great resource for her business.
There was a time in my business life prior to me becoming this polished business woman I am today, cough where I would rant about my customers or clients on social media. However, since then I have learned you not only lose more business by doing this, you’re stepping out of character for no real reason. Yes, I get on your website it shows your processing and shipping time, but people continuously email you about where their order is. Or you have clients who sign service agreements, but several years later want all the raw images from their wedding when said contract said they only get 100 for the amount they agreed to. I have been on all three sides of this spectrum from being the customer to product business and a service based company. In the last several months, I have cringed and vowed not to support small business owners who have done these things. Let me also note when I see these things done I send a private message or email as a consulting stating why this is bad for business. Today, I want you to learn how to turn your rants about customers into educational moments for you and them.
We are fast approaching a new year and that means new goals, new resolution, and more. Have you put much thought into how you can continue your education as an entrepreneur? Constantly striving to learn more while doing more to further your business is a key necessity to business growth, if you want to be in a different place than you were last year.