We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brooke Donoley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brooke below.

Brooke, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

One of my biggest inspirations for starting and running my own business is my dad. He started his business in his early 20’s and is still successfully running it over 25 years later. He’s taught me how to be smart with money, how to run a successful business and be your own boss, and has always been there for me when I have business questions. I’ve also learned very quickly that not only am I investing money into my business, but my time is an investment itself. My dad has always told me that whatever I decide to do, make sure it is something I am truly passionate about, and I will never “work” a day in my life. Two things that have remained constant in my dad’s business over the last 25 years is support from my mom, and always relying on God during tough times, and thanking God during the good times. I have watched my dad work through struggles and slow business periods, but I’ve also seen him thrive in new business endeavors and opportunities. Seeing how he handles his business during these times has inspired me to never give up and to forever rely on God.

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?

I started Classic Charm Boutique right out of college whenever I was 21 years old. I had just graduated from Texas A&M University with my Bachelors degree in Marine Biology. COVID hit during my senior year of college, so all of the internships and jobs I had lined out were cancelled or postponed. I moved back in with my parents and felt lost. One night, I randomly came across a video of a girl who was packing online orders for her boutique. After seeing the video, it prompted me to further research starting and running a boutique. After extensive research, I took the risk and opened my online business, Classic Charm Boutique. Fast forward to today, I am now 24 years old, and I am operating two physical locations, as well as my website.

I had always loved shopping for clothing and creating cute outfits. My mom told me that I used to have dozens of clothing design sketch pads when I was younger. I love bright colors and fun styles, so I try to incorporate unique designs and colors into the clothing I offer at my boutique. The products I offer are meant to give my customers confidence, to feel radiant in what they’re wearing. I’m also proud to offer my clothing at a reasonable, affordable price. Having started my boutique as a broke college student, I understand the struggle of wanting cute, new clothes but not being able to afford them.

Classic Charm Boutique has grown from an online-only business, being operated out of a guest room at my parents house, to being located in one of Oklahoma City’s busiest shopping districts. In my first year of opening a storefront, Classic Charm Boutique has been nominated for The Oklahoma Gazette’s “Best in OKC” award, has been featured on FOX25’s “Living Oklahoma” segment, and has grown a significant and loyal local customer base. I am so excited to see where the future takes me and my boutique.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Being located in a heavy foot-traffic area and also utilizing social media.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social Media is basically free advertising. If you learn how to correctly utilize social media for the growth of your business, you can expand further than just local customers. I have shipped to all 50 states and multiple countries. Social media is a great way to reach people who otherwise wouldn’t have known about your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopclassiccharm.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shopclassiccharm
• Facebook: facebook.com/shopclassiccharm
• TikTok: tiktok.com/shopclassiccharm

Image Credits
Brooke Donoley