My One Year Boutique Anniversary
Wow! I cannot believe Styled by HGE is turning one! It seems like just yesterday I came up with this crazy idea and ran with it. Here’s a little back story.
My friend and fellow boutique owner, Blair Kornegay, invited me to tag along with her for the Spring/Summer Apparel Market in Atlanta in February 2022. While the idea of owning my own boutique had been something Richard and I had toyed with for quite some time, I didn’t know it would ever happen. During that trip, I learned about the buying process, got familiar with wholesalers, and did some “shopping” in my head. I remember texting Richard when I was there asking him if he thought I was crazy for wanting to open my own store. He was actually really excited and one year later, here we are.
During the last 12 months, I have learned a lot, oftentimes through mistakes, but I’ve used each opportunity to hopefully make things better for you, the consumer. Seeing you all wear your purchases and message me with excitement is the best feeling. I truly love serving you.
It’s also been a pleasure to help some of you with questions as you start your own business ventures. Seeing other people achieve their dreams and reach for success is just as important as selling an article of clothing. I really believe that we should cheer each other on and there is no doubt enough success to go around for everyone. If it hadn’t been for my dear friend Blair and others (Sami McDaniel, Kendall Dunn) encouraging me and allowing me to learn from them, Styled by HGE would have remained only an idea.
Here are three tips I’ve learned that have saved me time and money.
Invest in a label printer
For the first 10 months of business, I printed each shipping label on regular paper, then cut and taped them to the outside of your package. Being what I considered “low volume”, I didn’t think a label printer was necessary. Boy was I wrong! I invested in one in late January and have cut my shipping/packaging time in half! I’m linking the one I have here. Trust me when I say it is well worth it!
2. Have a concept/theme for each drop.
If you think the Facebook scroll hole is bad, you haven’t seen anything until you hit a wholesale website. You can spend hours looking through inventory to literally come up with one piece. Creating a concept or theme to work with for each drop has allowed me to focus when purchasing inventory as well as create a cohesive palette for you, the consumer.
3. Your style isn’t everyone’s style.
This has probably been the hardest thing for me to grasp. I see so many things I love and would wear, however, I have to remember I am not the average consumer. While I do include lots of items I own and would personally wear I also try to be inclusive of others’ tastes, budgets, and body shapes. This, like many other things, is a work in progress, but if you’re looking to open a boutique keep an open mind when shopping for others. At the end of the day, it is my job to please you, the customer.
So let this be a sign. If you’re feeling it, imagining it, dreaming it, put it into action. Start doing things to make your dreams come true! I’ll be here to cheer you on. THANK YOU for making Styled by HGE’s first year simply amazing! Here’s to many, many more stylish years!
