We recently connected with Carla Sirianni and have shared our conversation below.

Carla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I must admit that I have mixed feelings about being a business owner at times.

On one hand, I find great fulfillment in pursuing my dream and building something of my own. It gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment to see my business grow and continue down a path towards success. However, there are moments when I feel pulled in many directions and spread thin.

As a full-time supervisor in a call center, I have the added responsibility of maintaining my top performer status at work. This can be challenging, as I have to balance the demands of my job with the needs of my business. There are times when I question whether the money invested in my business could be better utilized elsewhere, such as saving for retirement, a down payment on a house, or upgrading our car.

My husband and I are also planning to move back to Charlotte in 1.5 years and have aspirations of buying a house. These considerations can sometimes tempt me to reconsider the responsibilities of being a business owner.

However, whenever I find myself contemplating these thoughts, I always come back to one word: regret. I remind myself that I am fulfilling a dream and pursuing a path that aligns with my passions and aspirations. The fear of regretting not taking this opportunity outweighs the challenges and uncertainties that come with being a business owner.

While there are days when I feel like I’m on the right track and others when I feel like pumping the brakes, I am committed to persevering and making my business a success. I believe that the sacrifices and hard work will ultimately pay off, and I will be able to enjoy the rewards of my efforts.

Carla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the world of fashion and starting Velvet Clothing Boutique was deeply influenced by my late mother, Deborah Anne. She was a talented seamstress who worked for New Era Cap Company and would often make our family outfits for special occasions. My passion for clothes began with her, and I have fond memories of our weekly trips to the mall, where she would let me pick out something new almost every week.

During my battle with stage 2 breast cancer, the most aggressive form, the thought of being a business owner came to me. It was a time of reflection and a realization that life is too short to not pursue my dreams. I wanted to honor my mother’s life and her love for fashion by starting a boutique that would provide chic apparel for modern working women who want to stand out in a crowd.

Velvet Clothing Boutique offers a carefully curated selection of apparel that is designed to make a person’s outfit pop in a crowd. We believe that fashion should be a form of self-expression and empowerment, and our items are chosen with this in mind.

One of the moments I am most proud of is being a part of the well-known annual fashion show in Buffalo called Fall in Fashion. This past November 2023, we had the opportunity to showcase some of our apparel in the show, which was sponsored by major companies such as Bank of America, Channel 2 News, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. It was an incredible honor to be recognized by a co-chairman of the show, who happened to be a professor in the fashion department at Buffalo State University and a follower of Velvet. Their support and belief in our boutique meant the world to me.

What sets Velvet Clothing Boutique apart is our unmatched style and unique apparel selection. We strive to offer items that you won’t find on every other person, allowing our customers to truly stand out and make a statement with their fashion choices. We take pride in providing a personalized shopping experience and ensuring that our customers feel confident and empowered in their outfits.

I want potential customers to know that Velvet Clothing Boutique is more than just a boutique. It is a tribute to my mother’s legacy and a celebration of individuality and style. Our goal is to help women feel their best and express their unique personalities through fashion.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I currently sell exclusively on my website and do not utilize third-party platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, or others.

I made the decision to sell on my website for several reasons. Firstly, having my own website allows me to have complete control over the branding, design, and customer experience. I can tailor the website to reflect the unique identity and aesthetic of my brand, ensuring a cohesive and personalized shopping experience for my customers.

Additionally, selling on my website gives me the flexibility to set my own pricing, promotions, and shipping policies. I have the freedom to experiment with different strategies and make adjustments based on customer feedback and market trends. This level of control allows me to be more agile and responsive to the needs and preferences of my target audience.

While selling on my website has its advantages, I also recognize the importance of utilizing social media platforms to increase brand awareness and attract potential customers. I actively use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest to showcase my products, engage with my audience, and drive traffic to my website.

Social media platforms provide an opportunity to reach a wider audience and connect with potential customers who may not have discovered my brand otherwise. They allow me to share behind-the-scenes content, product updates, and engage in conversations with my followers.

However, it’s important to note that there are some challenges and considerations when relying on social media platforms. Algorithms and policies can change, affecting the visibility of my content and reach. Additionally, building a strong social media presence requires consistent effort, time, and resources to create compelling content and engage with followers.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Currently, I am still working on increasing my audience on social media.

When I first started building my social media presence, I began by converting my personal page, which had roughly 400 followers, into a business page. This allowed me to separate my personal and professional content and create a dedicated space for my brand.

To help increase my numbers, I collaborated with a local marketing team in Buffalo called “Step Out Buffalo.” They provided valuable insights and strategies to help me grow my audience. Through their guidance, I was able to reach a wider audience and attract more followers.

In terms of advice for those just starting to build a social media presence, I would emphasize the importance of remaining consistent and being creative. Consistency is key when it comes to posting content and engaging with your audience. Regularly posting high-quality content and interacting with your followers will help build trust and loyalty.

Being creative with your content is also crucial. Find unique ways to showcase your brand and products, and think outside the box to capture the attention of your target audience. Experiment with different types of content, such as photos, videos, stories, and live streams, to keep your audience engaged and interested.

Additionally, take advantage of the various features and tools offered by social media platforms. Utilize hashtags, geotags, and relevant keywords to increase the discoverability of your content. Engage with other accounts in your industry or niche by liking, commenting, and sharing their content. This can help you build relationships and attract their followers to your own page.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for support from your existing audience. Encourage them to follow and engage with your social media accounts, and ask them to share your content with their own networks. Word-of-mouth and recommendations from satisfied customers can be powerful in growing your social media presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.velvetclothingboutique.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/velvetclothingboutique?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VelvetClothingBoutique?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/velvet-clothing-boutique/

Image Credits
Raymond Jones, Steve Hoskins