We were lucky to catch up with Charnia Travis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Charnia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?
I truly believe in work/life balance. It’s very important to take a step back from the day to day and just breathe. I learned the hard way by constantly staying busy, working from 6am to Midnight and doing it all over again. Rest before your body makes you rest. There is no reward at the end of the day for the person who was awake the longest. Rest your body, rest your mind and come back the next day or the next 7 with fresh eyes and a renewed spirt. I tell people all of the time. You absolutely CANNOT pour from an empty cup. REST. You deserve.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an I.T Project Analyst by profession, a Bourbon enthusiast and your favorite accessories dealer. I actually got started with The Bijou Boxx due to my love of accessories. I have a pair of wood earrings that read “Naturally Dope” that I wore and still wear, very often. I received so many compliments on them that I started gifting them.
One girls’ night in, someone mentioned my earrings again, and jokingly I said “I should just sell them myself.” That is how the business started. I went home that night, and got busy on my business plan.
The Bijou Boxx is an accessories boutique. I offer earrings, scarves, bags, and bracelets (for men, women and those who don’t identify as either) I listen to my customers. I started with only earrings in 2020, and my clients wanted bracelets, so I added bracelets, then the men felt left out so I added men’s accessories. I try to make sure I get their feedback before I add something new to the site. I have a Facebook group where I interact with them. I’ll post something I’m thinking about adding and get the opinion of those in the group. If it’s popular it get added.
I always make sure to listen to what the customer wants. I want potential customers to know that I am a boutique. There will be items that are staples but for the most part the inventory is forever changing. I want my clients to always feel that the pieces they get from me are unique. The Bijou Boxx is your home for Uniquely DOPE accessories.
I am most proud of the fact that I had no idea what I was doing when I started The Bijou Boxx and we are almost 3 years later (3 in December) and I’m still here.\
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
I chose to sell on my site. I made this decision because I am a wholesaler. (think Target) I don’t hand make my products and I feel like sites like Etsy are best for that because I do not offer custom orders.
Having my own site allowed me to be very much hands on in the design of it and being computer savvy, I am able to maintain it myself. I can update it whenever I need, right from my phone.
You asked about Pro/Cons…they are kind of the same. LOL
Pro: I am able to update the site myself.
Con: I HAVE to update the site myself.
My business hasn’t grown to the point of needing a staff….yet…
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I keep in touch with my clients via Social Media and email. Instagram: thebijouboxx
Facebook Group and page: The Bijou Boxx
There is an option to sign up for emails when you make a purchase on thebijouboxx.com.
When there is a sale coming up, the email group is the first to know before I announce it on Social media.
Customers also have the option to call or text us at 919.443.5588.
I always ask my customers to take a picture when the rock their pieces and tag us on social media.
I also try to get a picture WITH my customers if I see them out socially.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebijouboxx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebijouboxx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBijouBoxx
- Other: email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Photographer: Jonathan McDougald