INTERVEW WITH DREAMHOUSE BOUTIQUE OWNER TIFFANY CLAIBORNE.
If you peeped my pictures from the Show Up Show Out Fashion Show, then you saw my HAUTE shoes from Dreamhouse Boutique!!
I virtually met the owner of the online website www.dreamhouseboutique.com back in July. Her super sweet personality intrigued me to ask the young online boutique owner if she would be obliged to do an interview for my website, providing information and tips to anyone who may be considering starting their own boutique, whether online or physical. Here's a peek inside the interview:
Tiffany Claiborne started her boutique from her love of fashion. She launched her online boutique in October, 2011. The concept for her name came from her "dreaming about fashions (dream) and running a boutique out of her house (house)" Cute huh? Her boutique carries jewelry, handbags, shoes, clothing, a limited amount of coats and outerwear and she is looking to carry men's items as well. Ms. Claiborne is not only fashion and business savvy, she also attends school, maintains a full-time job, outside of her business, and she is a mom to an awesome toddler!
I asked Tiffany to share some of the steps to undertaking a small business. Here is a list of her advice:
1 - Do your research. Check out your proposed business name and make sure it is not already owned. If it is not, then brand it! Research ways to incorporate your business name in your state.
2 - Research vendors. The key with vendors is to remember not to over purchase from them You do not want to have an excess of items that you cannot sell and you have invested your money in. She advises that you purchase 2-3 pieces of each item you would like to sell.
3 - Set yourself apart from the competition. There is a lot of competition out there! What makes you different? Unique?
4 - Communication. Always communicate with your customers. Always let them know the status of their purchases and shipments. If your clientele cannot build a trust relationship with you they will go elsewhere.
5- Always offer a resolutionto disputes. Customer service is key!
6- Wear your products to advertise your business. Be your biggest fan!
7 - Remember the most challenging aspect is advertising. Especially for online businesses. So never forget step 6!
And remember to BE TRUTHFUL TO YOURSELF! BE TRUTHFUL TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!
This is some very resourceful advice from Tiffany Claiborne. I also asked her what her two year goals are:
Tiffany Claiborne: I would like to have my own store front boutique, where I run the store as th manager and have full-time employees. I recently started my own t-shirt line "Exotic Expressions" which carries a "sassy, classy, naughty" line. I am also looking to expand my t-shirt line. My motto is: You can have a side hustle and your 9-5! You have to be determined. Don't get discouraged. Be passionate. Have a support group (mine is my mom and my son).
So there you have it!! Some overall great advice from a wonderful young (she's 30 y'all) entrepreneur!
This interview took place on July 10, 2012. As of today, Ms. Claiborne has picked up the keys for her store front boutique!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TIFFANY!!!!!! Perseverance pays off!
If you are in the Charlotte, NC area, go visit Dreamhouse Boutique, 11205 Lawyers Road, Ste. J2, Charlotte, NC 28227
This lady is my inspiration!
I virtually met the owner of the online website www.dreamhouseboutique.com back in July. Her super sweet personality intrigued me to ask the young online boutique owner if she would be obliged to do an interview for my website, providing information and tips to anyone who may be considering starting their own boutique, whether online or physical. Here's a peek inside the interview:
Tiffany Claiborne started her boutique from her love of fashion. She launched her online boutique in October, 2011. The concept for her name came from her "dreaming about fashions (dream) and running a boutique out of her house (house)" Cute huh? Her boutique carries jewelry, handbags, shoes, clothing, a limited amount of coats and outerwear and she is looking to carry men's items as well. Ms. Claiborne is not only fashion and business savvy, she also attends school, maintains a full-time job, outside of her business, and she is a mom to an awesome toddler!
I asked Tiffany to share some of the steps to undertaking a small business. Here is a list of her advice:
1 - Do your research. Check out your proposed business name and make sure it is not already owned. If it is not, then brand it! Research ways to incorporate your business name in your state.
2 - Research vendors. The key with vendors is to remember not to over purchase from them You do not want to have an excess of items that you cannot sell and you have invested your money in. She advises that you purchase 2-3 pieces of each item you would like to sell.
3 - Set yourself apart from the competition. There is a lot of competition out there! What makes you different? Unique?
4 - Communication. Always communicate with your customers. Always let them know the status of their purchases and shipments. If your clientele cannot build a trust relationship with you they will go elsewhere.
5- Always offer a resolutionto disputes. Customer service is key!
6- Wear your products to advertise your business. Be your biggest fan!
7 - Remember the most challenging aspect is advertising. Especially for online businesses. So never forget step 6!
And remember to BE TRUTHFUL TO YOURSELF! BE TRUTHFUL TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!
This is some very resourceful advice from Tiffany Claiborne. I also asked her what her two year goals are:
Tiffany Claiborne: I would like to have my own store front boutique, where I run the store as th manager and have full-time employees. I recently started my own t-shirt line "Exotic Expressions" which carries a "sassy, classy, naughty" line. I am also looking to expand my t-shirt line. My motto is: You can have a side hustle and your 9-5! You have to be determined. Don't get discouraged. Be passionate. Have a support group (mine is my mom and my son).
So there you have it!! Some overall great advice from a wonderful young (she's 30 y'all) entrepreneur!
This interview took place on July 10, 2012. As of today, Ms. Claiborne has picked up the keys for her store front boutique!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TIFFANY!!!!!! Perseverance pays off!
If you are in the Charlotte, NC area, go visit Dreamhouse Boutique, 11205 Lawyers Road, Ste. J2, Charlotte, NC 28227
This lady is my inspiration!