Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Glenny Medina. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Glenny, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I took was starting my own boutique after losing my job at State Farm during the pandemic. I had worked there for over 10 years, and losing my job was a big shock. I didn’t know what to do next, but I always loved fashion and business.

Instead of finding another job, I decided to start an online boutique. It was scary because I had never run a business before, but I worked hard, learned new skills, and kept going.

Just four months later, I took an even bigger risk—I opened a physical store in 2021. Running a store was new to me, and I wasn’t sure if people would come. There were challenges, but I didn’t give up.

In 2022, I decided to close my store to focus on improving my brand and growing my online business. I worked hard to reach my goals, and once I did, I officially closed the store in January 2023.

Now, my boutique is growing online, and I also help others start their own businesses. Looking back, losing my job was tough, but it pushed me to take a risk that changed my life for the better.

Glenny, 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?

My name is Glenny Medina, and I am the founder of Estilo Muñeca Boutique and My Boutique Plug. I didn’t plan to start a boutique, but life pushed me in that direction. I worked at State Farm for over 10 years, but during the pandemic, I lost my job. Instead of looking for another one, I decided to follow my passion for fashion and start my own business.

I launched my online boutique first, and just four months later, I took a big risk and opened a physical store in 2021. Running a store was a great experience, but in January 2023, I decided to close it so I could focus on improving my brand and growing my online business. Since then, my boutique has grown even more, and I have also started helping others succeed in the boutique industry.

Through My Boutique Plug, I teach people how to start and grow their own boutiques. I show them how to find vendors, use dropshipping, market their business, and even build their websites. I also run the Boutique Plug Influencer Program, which connects boutique owners with influencers to help them promote their products.

What makes me different is that I’ve been through the challenges myself. I started from nothing, learned everything on my own, and built a successful business. I don’t just teach; I share real-life experience. I also believe in building a community where boutique owners can learn and support each other.

I am most proud of the people I have helped. Seeing my clients start and grow their boutiques makes me so happy.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Two weeks before I lost my job at State Farm, I was pre-approved for a home loan. At the time, I was excited about buying a house and never imagined that I would soon be without a job. When I was let go, everything changed. Instead of using that money to buy a home, I made a bold decision—I used it to start my business.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building strong relationships and offering real value. I focus on getting to know my customers and making sure I provide products and services they truly need.

Social media has also been key. By posting regularly, showing behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with my followers, I’ve been able to connect with more people. I also use influencer marketing through my Boutique Plug Influencer Program, which helps boutique owners reach new audiences through influencers.

Word-of-mouth has been important too. When people have a great experience, they tell others, which helps bring in more clients. These strategies—building relationships, using social media, and working with influencers—have helped me grow my clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myboutiqueplug.teachable.com
• Instagram: @myboutiqueplug
• Other: Boutique website: www.shopestilomuneca.com

Image Credits

The professional business photos were taken by Cancha Stanley