Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ivory Marsh, co-founder of Besties Boutique & Marketplace, located in Indian Trail, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a local boutique & marketplace run by two besties! We house over 20 other local small businesses within our store. Our customers range in age from 18 to 80 because our selection is so diverse. We carry items from local makers that would make the perfect gift for anyone in your life, along with plenty of items for you to treat yourself as well! Everything from trendy jewelry, women's clothing & accessories, local honey, elderberry, candles, children's items, blown glass, dog collars & toys, charcuterie boards …. you get the point!!
Tell us about yourself
Myself (Ivory) & my business partner Samantha have been best friends for the last ten years. We have a love for fashion, shopping, and, most importantly, doing things together. I started with an online jewelry company which was my first glimpse into the small business world. It lit the fire for me of wanting to have a brick-and-mortar that brought together several like-minded people. Bringing Samantha along with me was a no-brainer. She loves supporting small business owners and has a passion for helping people, which is why she is also a full-time nurse. We are both motivated each day by so many small business owners we have met through this process. Watching the drive and passion they all have keeps us going every day. It helps remind you there is a community out there struggling, growing, and creating just the same as you. Everything is easier when you realize you aren't doing it alone; it also inspires you to keep pushing the bar higher.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think speaking for both Samantha and myself, the growth we have seen in our store in just six months is something we could have never predicted. We did not expect the support we have received from our local community and outward. We are very proud of our sales growth during this time, being new to the brick & mortar world, as well as the addition of our outdoor pop-up markets we host at our store every other month!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time. There is never enough as well as there is never true time off. The reality of owning a small business is it's not always fun. It's the most consistent amount of stress I think you can experience. In the beginning, which is still true for us, you are always broke, fighting for your place and trying to stay relevant no matter how well the business is doing. Just when you think you've got it down pat, something sneaks up on you. There is and will always be a learning curve when it comes to owning a small business. You have to go into it with the mindset that this thing is going to consume your life, and for it to be successful, you'll have to let it for a while.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top tips for anyone who wants to start their own business would be to find a mentor. Someone you can trust and who truly wants to see you succeed. Follow as many small companies on as many platforms as possible. Seeing like-minded people every day will give you motivation on the days you can't find any. Don't forget about the boring stuff!! Numbers are not either of our strong suits, so we had to make sure there was a budget for someone to handle the bookkeeping for us.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bestiesboutiquenc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestiesboutiquenc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestiesboutiquenc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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