We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jen Felice . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jen below.
Hi Jen, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Marketing strategies play a very important role. You must stay up to date on the latest marketing channels and analyze the data. It is also important to be involved in your local community to meet new customers and foster collaboration. The location of your store plays a major role in your success. It must be in a prominent and highly visible area. Hiring the right people and ongoing training is important to maintain your brand image and also loyalty. It is also valuable to solicit customer feedback and review inventory reports regularly.
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 decided to open a boutique because many of the corporate stores I shopped at throughout my career closed. It was very difficult to find quality, affordable, unique and on trend clothing in our local area. I wanted to create an inviting environment where women could come in and feel like family and comfortable to be themselves.
At Apricot Lane Boutique Crocker Park we strive to offer a collection multi-generational styles for many occasions. We curate our store to meet our local customers preferences and bring in new arrivals almost daily.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I leveraged my retirement account to fund the initial capital to open the store.
ROBS is a rollover for business startups. It allows you to invest funds from an existing 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA) into your business without paying early withdrawal penalties or taxes.
A ROBS isn’t a business loan or a loan from your 401(k), which means there are no interest payments to make or debt to repay.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I have been heavily focused on including our customers and community to build our audience and social media following. This has included utilizing employees, customers, sororities, influencers and other business for our photo shoots and marketing. Over the past three years I have supported other entrepreneurs at pop ups, fashion shows and non profit events. I’ve also partnered with other small businesses in giveaways and donate often to the local community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crockerpark@apricotlaneusa.com
- Instagram: @Apricotlanewestlakecrockerpark
- Facebook: Apricot Lane Boutique Crocker Park
- Linkedin: Jen Felice
- Other: Private VIP Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/3499186563501020/?ref=share
Image Credits
Christina Anastasia Photography