We were lucky to catch up with Kateryna Hutchens recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kateryna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Kateryna Hutchens is an owner of the Modern Shine Women’s Clothing Boutique. Kateryna Hutchens has loved fashion since she was a young girl. Growing up in Ukraine, she discovered her passion by watching and helping her mother, a master seamstress, make beautiful sparkly ballroom dancing outfits and elegant wedding dresses. By the time she graduated with her bachelor’s degree, she knew she wanted to have a business of her own one day. However, due to the war in Ukraine, her dream was pushed aside as she had to relocate. She earned her master’s degree in business and worked three jobs as an accountant in Kyiv, Ukraine before making the move to Florida. Once she got to the USA, she noticed clothing stores were lacking the sparkly styles she loved, but she also noticed lots of women who have rhinestones on their nails, on their accessories, belts, and hats— so she was sure that women would love sparkly clothing too. Bolstered by this, she took up the courage and started her online women’s clothing boutique; Modern Shine. As a boutique owner, she has been looking for a solution to ensure women have access to high-quality and shiny clothing without succumbing to the temptations of fast fashion. The goal is to make fashionable, fab, trendy, and high-quality clothing more accessible and affordable. At the center is the use of Turkish Textile—proclaimed as one of the best in the world. By advocating the use of this exquisite textile, the aim to spark a revolution that procuring high-quality clothes made of strong, long-lasting materials does not have to be expensive.
Now, with the help of Turkish fabrics: Cotton, Denim and Eco-Leather, one of the most premium fabrics in the world, she’s able to follow her dream.
Kateryna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Fashion plays an important part in our identity. Modern Shine is a women’s clothing boutique where women of any age can find fashionable, sparkly, and high-quality clothing. The boutique’s goal is to make fashionable, trendy, and high-quality clothing more accessible and affordable. At the center of the mission is the use of Turkish Textiles—proclaimed as one of the best in the world. By advocating the use of this exquisite textile, there is an intention to spark a revolution that procuring high-quality clothes made of strong, long-lasting materials does not have to be expensive.
When picking out the items we wanted to include in Modem Shine’s first launch, we decided on a more casual collection while still finding small ways to implement the European-style glitz and glamour that inspires the brand. Almost all of the products available on the boutique’s website are made of Turkish Premium Quality Cotton and denim—premium fabrics known for their soft, luxurious feel.
Turkish Premium Quality Cotton is an amazing fabric, ideal for everyday wear, sports, outdoor activities, and touring. Given the quality of our materials, our products are incredibly soft and pleasant to the body. Most products are made of dense and pleasant Premium Quality Cotton material, and almost like a second skin, with no irritation or allergy. This makes clothes natural, and eco-friendly. In addition, the material is hypoallergenic and does not irritate the skin. The activewear absorbs moisture when playing sports and thus makes it breathable, stretchy, not lose shape, and, best of all, durable and wear resistant.
Nowadays, natural leather is being replaced by eco-leather in the fashion industry. Modern Shine uses eco-leather in premium Turkish quality, not for the economy, but for its unique properties. We are convinced that Eco-leather is the future.
Eco-leather is a leather alternative that does not come from an animal, it is made from plant-based material. Our eco-leather products are made from vegan materials that mimic the feel and look of real leather and are dyed with vegetable-based materials instead of harsh toxic chemicals. Eco-leather is much more durable than real leather as it has a PU coating to safeguard it from abrasion, making it water-resistant and much easier to clean. It is proven to be extra breathable and has a more luxurious look to it as compared to PU leather items.
Our leggings and jackets collections are available on Modern Shine’s website, which uses eco-leather. Not only are these products more breathable and require less maintenance than standard leather, but they’re also biodegradable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Products like leggings, jeans, and joggers range from $45 to $65 and feature small rhinestones on the waist area to give that shiny, sparkly look that Modern Shine loves so much. A similar rhinestone embellishment can be seen on the sleeves of the leather jackets.
Modern Shine is concentrated to help women foster their sense of self and expression in their clothing choices.
We don’t sell clothes for the sake of profits. We want women to have the opportunity to buy Premium Quality Clothing at Affordable Prices. And the Unique design is our cherry on top.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Personally for me, building a strong presence on social media has become crucial for my businesses . As the founder of Modern Shine, I am thrilled to share the story of how we built our audience on social media and offer valuable advice for those starting to build their own social media presence.
When I first started Modern Shine, I did not have much experience in marketing or sales, but I recognized the power of social media as a platform to showcase our fashionable and affordable clothing. I began by identifying potential audience and understanding their preferences, interests, and online behavior. After the months and months making analysis and taking marketing courses in USA and in Europe, I build a list of major things that needs to be done:.
1. Consistent Branding:
We ensured our social media profiles reflected our brand identity consistently across all platforms. This included using cohesive visuals, a unique voice, and a clear message. Consistent branding helped us create a recognizable and memorable presence, which contributed to audience growth.
2. Engaging Content Strategy:
To captivate our audience, we developed a content strategy that combined a mix of visually appealing images, informative product descriptions, fashion tips, and engaging captions. By providing value and entertainment, we encouraged our followers to interact, share, and engage with our posts.
3. Influencer Collaborations:
Collaborating with influencers who aligned with our brand values and target audience helped us extend our reach to a wider audience. We carefully selected influencers who genuinely enjoyed our products and had an engaged following. This proved to be an effective way to gain exposure and credibility within our niche.
4. Social Media Advertising:
Vital role play Meta ads, that I leveraged to boost the visibility of posts and target specific demographics. By utilizing the targeting options available, ensured our content reached the right people at the right time, ultimately driving more engagement and conversions.
Advice for Building a Social Media Presence:
For those just starting to build their social media presence, here are some valuable tips:
1. Define Your Goals: Clearly define your objectives and the purpose of your social media presence. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or generate sales? Understanding your goals will help shape your strategy.
2. Know Your Audience: Take the time to understand your target audience’s interests, preferences, and pain points. Tailor your content to provide value and resonate with them. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly.
3. Consistency is Key: Consistency in your branding, posting schedule, and content quality is crucial. Create a content calendar to plan and schedule your posts in advance, ensuring a regular and varied flow of content.
4. Embrace Visual Appeal: Invest in high-quality visuals to showcase your products or services. Eye-catching imagery and well-crafted captions will help your content stand out in the crowded social media landscape.
5. Engage and Collaborate: Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments, asking questions, and encouraging conversations. Collaborate with influencers or complementary brands to expand your reach and build credibility.
6. Analyze and Adapt: Use social media analytics tools to track your performance, identify trends, and understand what content resonates the most with your audience. Adjust your strategy accordingly to optimize engagement and achieve your goals.
It’s a long and rocky road, but building an engaged social media audience requires time, effort, and a strategic approach. By consistently delivering valuable content, understanding your target audience, and leveraging the power of social media advertising and collaborations, you can create a thriving presence. Remember, building an audience takes time, so be patient, adapt to the changing landscape, and always strive to provide value to your followers.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
As a business owner with two master’s degree in business and accounting and 10+ years experience in finance and accounting, visited numerous of courses, classes, and webinars, I have always believed in the power of continuous learning and personal development. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, several resources have played a significant role in shaping my management and entrepreneurial thinking. Here, I would like to share some of the impactful books, videos, essays, and resources that have influenced my philosophy and contributed to my success. The core will be Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
This is a powerful book that has had a profound impact on my mindset and approach towards achieving success, highly recommend to read to everyone, even who doesn’t want to be a businessman.
1. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries:
This book revolutionized my approach to entrepreneurship by emphasizing the importance of validated learning, iterative product development, and a customer-centric mindset. It taught me to embrace uncertainty and to use data-driven decision-making to build successful, scalable businesses.
2. TED Talks:
The TED Talks platform has been a treasure trove of inspiration and insightful ideas. Talks by thought leaders such as Simon Sinek (“How Great Leaders Inspire Action”) and Brené Brown (“The Power of Vulnerability”) have profoundly impacted my management and leadership philosophy. They have encouraged me to lead with purpose, authenticity, and empathy.
3. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins:
Collins’ book explores what differentiates exceptional companies from their average counterparts. It taught me the importance of cultivating a culture of discipline, focusing on the right people, and aligning organizational goals with a clear vision. This resource helped shape my understanding of long-term success and sustainable growth.
4. Harvard Business Review:
The Harvard Business Review (HBR) has been a constant source of valuable insights and practical knowledge. Its articles and case studies have provided me with a deeper understanding of diverse business topics, including strategy, leadership, innovation, and organizational behavior. The HBR has broadened my perspective and guided me in making informed decisions.
5. Online Courses and Webinars:
Participating in online courses and webinars related to management and entrepreneurship has been instrumental in enhancing my skills and knowledge. Platforms such as Coursera and LinkedIn Learning have provided me with access to expert-led courses on various topics, ranging from strategic management to digital marketing. These resources have allowed me to stay updated with industry trends and develop new perspectives.
6. Mentorship and Networking:
While not traditional resources, mentorship and networking have been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. Connecting with experienced mentors and like-minded individuals has provided me with guidance, support, and valuable insights. Learning from their experiences and sharing ideas has significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking.
I firmly believe in the power of continuous learning and personal growth. The resources mentioned, including books like “The Lean Startup” and “Good to Great,” TED Talks, the Harvard Business Review, online courses, and mentorship, have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking. By embracing these resources, I have been able to stay informed, adapt to changes, and develop a philosophy that promotes long-term success. I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs and managers to explore these resources and tailor their learning journey to their specific needs and interests.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.modernshineclothing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernshineclothing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernshineclothing