Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Stupar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Laura , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
Leading from the front, rather than the back is the only way to successfully and respectfully manage a team or even one individual, from my experience. Not only is it imperative for the success of the business, it allows growth from the bottom up and everyone can collectively be on the same page. It’s motivating to see a leader along side of you and the best hands on experience can be provided. In the moment coaching & feedback has such a greater impact rather than after the fact. This has proven to be beneficial and supportive for me, personally, as an employee as well as an employer throughout my career.
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’ve always had a heavy interest in the art/design world ever since childhood. More specifically, from age 3 on, according to my parents. They used to call me Cyndi Lauper growing up as they allowed me to dress myself from a young age and as photographic evidence proves…they were right with that nickname haha! I have 25+ years in the fashion industry with experience in many facets of the industry including design, retail, wholesale, product development, merchandising, etc.
I attended FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) and graduated in 2005 which led me to acquire some amazing experiences and meet + cultivate incredible relationships along the way. I then launched a clothing line in 2005 (while still attending school) and continued on with the line, which was based in Los Angeles. I was extremely fortunate to grow the line to an international market in year 2 and at one point had over 150 accounts which was challenging and rewarding at the same time. I believe the rewarding aspect speaks for itself but the challenge was being a able to manage that many accounts with such a small team while also doing all the sourcing and production domestically right in LA. Quality control and sustainability have always been of major focus + importance to me which leads me to where I am now.
Fast forward to where I am now. I’ve since relocated back to Tucson, AZ. where I currently own El Be Goods Boutique, an independent women owned/ran shop that focuses on slow fashion, sustainable practices, + community. Everything we carry is also women owned/ran, and a mixed bag of local, handmade, and/or imported goods but sustainably made and ethically traded. The range is anywhere from apparel, shoes, + jewelry to household items and novelty/paper goods.
El Be Goods launched in 2019 and we were thankfully able to persevere through Covid shortly after gettin the wind in our sails thanks to our lovely community and pivoting our business model. We offered same day free delivery within a certain mile radius as well “LIVE SHOPPING” via our social channels.
The mission + message behind the brand is to let our customers know that sustainable goods are approachable in terms of price + design. We also focus on the importance of clientelling and customer service. There’s something to be said about being able to walk into a shop and touch + feel vs. just seeing it rendered on a screen. Consumerism has shifted in a major way but we foster the importance of face to face experience and enriching that time while you’re here.
We are going on our 5th year of business and are so fortunate to have a loyal following both regionally and internationally and thank our lucky stars every day! The amazing support has allowed me to fulfill my passion & dreams, while also being able to spend time with my husband and raise our 2.5 year old son. I feel very fortunate that this career has enabled me to spend more time with my family than a regular 9-5 would allow. And while I don’t hold traditional hours for myself, I am able to do a majority of my work remotely, which lends itself to more time with my family and that, to me, is priceless!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Coming from a heavily concentrated background in retail + clienteling, I’ve never lost the focus and value of the importance of customer service. Especially in the digital age we are in and it’s only getting more involved with AI and online multi-tech retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, etc.
It’s definitely hard to compete with these conglomerates that offer free speedy shipping, free returns, and almost every product range possible.
However, you are not getting in person engagement, education, and tactile ability. We set ourselves apart by providing a safe space in the shop where it is no pressure and tons of fun! Product knowledge is instrumental as we never want to clerk and just turnover transactions. We want every person that walks through the doors to feel confident and knowledgable about what and where they are spending their dollars as well as how they look!
We offer a loyalty program with discount incentives that does not require spamming on our end. Just an honest data capture for tracking points with occasional outreach when sales/events are approaching, which of course is an opt-in for said clients.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
It’s actually a quick short + sweet story. I left a career with an amazing company in the retail industry after 10+ years and got married. Tried to stay idle for a year and take time off which didn’t last and within the year of my “hiatus,” I took a good chunk of my 401k/retirement and started El Be Goods. Was it a huge risk to take a big chunk of my retirement and put it towards this challenging industry? Absolutely! But I knew I wouldn’t stop wondering the “what ifs” had I not. I’ve always been big on taking risks and the idea that life really is too short!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopelbe.com
- Instagram: @elbegoodsboutique
