We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arshula Lynn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Arshula, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
When it comes to success, it’s a collective of mindset, discipline, persistence and most importantly faith. My path to achieving lasting success came from developing habits that kept me moving forward despite setbacks. Over time, I learned to view my mistakes as a lesson and not a defeat.
In order to be successful you have to remain consistent, making small daily efforts that lead to big results. Success is easier when you genuinely care about what you’re doing. One major key in being successful is to be passionate about what you’re doing and to lead with purpose.
Arshula, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Launched in 2009, Main Event Boutique is an exclusive women’s boutique that focuses on providing an exceptional shopping experience for our customers. Our focus is the modern woman that considers herself sophisticated and mature, yet bold, chic, and fierce! Our collection is designed to empower women to embrace their unique style and make a statement.
By providing high quality products at affordable prices, Main Event Boutique ensures that fashion forward individuals can express their individuality and confidence. Our commitment to inclusivity is evident in our range of plus size options, catering to diverse fashion tastes and ensuring that every customer can find the perfect outfit for any occasion.
Main Event Boutique came to fruition from early sales of women accessories while in cosmetology school. I attended cosmetology school and it was there in which I first started selling accessories to help fund my way through school. From there I expanded my business of selling accessories to clothing. Upon graduating cosmetology school, in less than six months I opened my first business. I opened Main Event Hair Salon at the young age of 25. Being that I was completely self funded, I started with a bank account filled with faith. It was definitely a risk with me not having a great amount of business knowledge, funding, and resources. Since I was young, I always knew i wanted to work for myself and there was nothing that would stop me from doing so. I stepped out on faith believing that if you never try you’ve already failed. My salon rented six spaces to other stylist and I carried accessories in a designated area. From there my accessory business grew and I was pushed to open Main Event Boutique at a separate location. I was now managing two businesses in Memphis, TN. Years later I relocated my business to Arlington, TX where I decided to combine both business for the ultimate glam experience. As of March 1st, I will be be approaching my 17th year in business. Over the years I have learned so much regarding business. There has been many trials and errors and processes of rebranding. It has never been a goal to compete with others, yet focus more on outdoing myself and elevating to the next level. Throughout being in business I have earned a bachelors in Psychology, a Maters of Psychology, and a Masters degree in Professional Counseling. These accomplishments were all made while managing two businesses and balancing a family. For these reasons I’m proud of myself for navigating through a difficult times, being persistent, and never giving up.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots I faced in my business was in 2020, when we experienced the Covid-19 pandemic, I was forced to close the salon and boutique due to state regulations. It was then I learned of ways to become more creative. I initially started off making face mask for family members and friends due to a shortage of mask. Once posting on social media pictures of mask that I made, I soon received an abundant request from others in search of mask. From there a new business was formed. Since I had an online website for my boutique, I used my platform to sell mask as well. I created my own pattern that was made of cotton with pockets to change out filters inserts in which I also provided. I offered custom logos and even unique fashion designs. The designs were unlimited, from designing custom mask for bridal parties to having mask made with diamond studs and chains. I made it look both fashionable and cool. I made mask from dusk to dawn with the help of my family. Within the first week and half I made nearly ten thousand in sales using my talent, skills, and a heavy duty sewing machine. I was able to turn what may seem like a setback to others into something great. Not only was it profitable, but I was able to help keep others safe.I was also able to donate over 300 mask to the patients of Cooks Children Hospital.
During the shutdown, I was blessed to be able to sell clothing on my online platform being that my store front was closed. I had the ability to create wigs for clients and ship them. This experience helped me to realize the importance of always having other ways to generate income. It helped me to remain optimistic in the face of adversity and to press through. I learned that when placed in difficult situations you learn to think outside the box and be innovative. As the saying goes, “pressure makes diamonds”. I’ve thankful for all my pivotal times throughout life and I understand that in every lesson there’s an even deeper blessing.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been by word of mouth. I’m blessed to have very loyal customer base who speaks highly about the services and experience that I have received form my businesses. It’s always a rewarding feeling gaining a new client from a personal referral of a satisfied client. I also receive new clients from social media sources such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I find success through personalized communication and targeted marketing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maineventboutique.com
- Instagram: @maineventboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovemainevent/
- Linkedin: Arshula Lynn M.Phys. MC
