We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine & Chrystal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jasmine & Chrystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
We cherish the organic support we receive from friends and family for TruVibe. Rather than placing undue pressure, we find joy in authentically sharing our passion and vision with them. It’s heartening to see their natural enthusiasm manifest in various forms of support, whether through making purchases, liking our posts, or sharing our content. We believe there’s a genuine connection when their support is voluntary, creating a community around TruVibe that goes beyond mere transactions. The relationships we build through shared excitement are invaluable to us, as we share each others journey through social media.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
You sent We are lifelong best friends since elementary school, who joined forces to create TruVibeStyle out of a shared passion for motherhood. After each of us having three children, we encountered the challenge of finding toddler clothes that reflected our style. Fueled by our determination, we delved into the world of design, collaborating with graphic artists, learning about fabrics, and establishing connections with reliable suppliers.
At TruVibeStyle, we offer a range of toddler clothing that fills the gap we identified in the market—stylish garments that resonate with our vision of cool, comfortable fashion for little ones. Our commitment to quality and unique design sets us apart, as we meticulously select fabrics and work closely with skilled designers to ensure every piece embodies the TruVibeStyle aesthetic.
TruVibeStyle stands out with our distinctive checkered racing rad vibe. Picture black and white aesthetics, leather jackets, ripped jeans, and bold statements that break free from the ordinary. Our unique style goes beyond the mainstream, offering toddler fashion that’s edgy, cool, and a little rebellious—setting the stage for your little one to stand out with a rad flair.
For us it is not just the products we offer but the story behind our brand—the friendship that fuels our creativity, the shared journey of motherhood, and the determination to turn a dream into reality. We want our clients and followers to know that TruVibeStyle is a reflection of our genuine passion, attention to detail, and a commitment to making toddler fashion a delightful experience for both parents and little ones alike.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
Our venture into e-commerce began six years ago through the lens of Instagram, where Chrystal’s daughter, at the tender age of 5, sought a community of gymnasts. Managing her account provided invaluable lessons in collaboration, photography, video production, and authentic fan engagement. Drawing from this experience, we launched KidTrack, an airtrack company, and subsequently expanded our portfolio, including the latest addition, TruVibeStyle, just a year ago.
Throughout this journey, we’ve chosen to sell our products exclusively on our website, bypassing giants like Amazon and Etsy. This decision is a conscious one, rooted in the lessons learned from engaging with our audience on Instagram. We’ve witnessed the power of direct connections, responding to every comment, jumping on each DM, and interacting not merely as sellers but as mothers.
Our commitment to a direct-to-customer model allows us to uphold the personalized, family-like experience that has defined our brand journey. While third-party platforms promise broader reach, we prioritize the depth of engagement over transactional volume. This approach not only echoes our ethos but resonates with our loyal Instagram community, appreciative of the exclusive, intimate experience they find on our website.
In essence, the knowledge gained from managing the child’s Instagram account has been the guiding force behind our e-commerce strategy—a strategy centered on building genuine relationships, where every transaction is an opportunity to connect with our extended family of followers.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
You sent Absolutely. In our journey, a defining moment of resilience unfolded during the KidTrack era, marked not only by the typical challenges of production and distribution but also intensified by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, both partners navigated pregnancies and celebrated new births, adding a layer of complexity to an already demanding situation.
The true test of our resilience came at the inception of TruVibeStyle, where we faced a significant dilemma. A vital third partner, crucial to the brand’s functioning, encountered unforeseen circumstances related to her son’s health. Within a few months, she had to make the difficult decision to step away from the brand. This unexpected turn could have been a breaking point, but instead, it became a catalyst for fortitude.
Amidst the chaos, we regrouped, reassessed, and redirected our focus, steering TruVibeStyle through uncertain times. The experience not only showcased our ability to storm through adversities like the pandemic, personal challenges and now a current recession; but also highlighted the strength forged through unexpected departure. Each obstacle has become a testament to our collective resilience and determination to overcome, creating a narrative that defines not just our brands but the spirit that propels us forward into the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.truvibestyle.com
- Instagram: @truvibestyle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truvibestyle