We recently connected with LeAnna Cabbagestalk and have shared our conversation below.
LeAnna, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
In 2019, during the Covid-19 global pandemic the state was mandated to shut down. Jobs, churches, restaurants and even schools were closing. At the time my son was in preschool and I was working full time. As a single mother, I made a sacrifice to resign from my job and stay at home to help my son with virtual school. During the shutdown I had a lot of time to think of my next plan in life. I’ve always dreamed of working for myself, but always thought the time wasn’t right. Now (2019) here I am without a job, but more than enough time on my hands. I was thinking to myself why would you open a business during a time when the economy is failing and there’s not enough money circulating to help keep your business open. My favorite bible verse Matthew 17:20-21 reminded me that I have enough faith to make this business happen. I’ve always worked in healthcare wearing scrubs and had a love for fashion. Therefore, I wanted to incorporate the two factors. I started researching the idea of selling scrubs, I found a mentor, wrote a business plan, learned about business credit, researched vendors, and started to put my plans in motion. This risk I took was worth it because I opened an online business in 2020 during a pandemic and after opening I was able to purchase a business truck and now in 2023 my business is online and mobile.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello everyone, my name is LeAnna Cabbagestalk and I’m from Sumter, SC. I have a BS degree in Biology, minor in Chemistry from South Carolina State University. I’m currently enrolled in grad school seeking a masters in Clinical Mental Health. Also, I’m a former educator in which I have taught high school science. I’ve always wanted to become a business owner for the freedom, flexibility and personal satisfaction. My idea of selling scrubs came from my love for fashion. I wanted to be able to offer scrubs that are cute and stylish. After an extensive amount of research I realized selling scrubs was a brilliant idea especially during the time of a worldwide pandemic. After being at home for a while taking care of my son while he was attending school virtually, I started to execute my plan and start my business, Essential Scrubs Boutique (online and mobile scrub truck). I sell stylish, quality and affordable healthcare scrubs and accessories such as nursing shoes, badge reels, tote bags, and compression socks just to name a few. My vision is to enhance the professional appearance of essential workers. I do this by providing scrubs that are fashionable, but yet professional. What I love most about my business is that we are mobile which allows us to be convenient for the customer allowing them to be able to shop around their work schedule. I’ve sold scrubs early mornings before opening the doors to my truck, late night after hours, when I’m physically out of town and I also offer delivery service for customers as well. I want everyone who has heard of my business to refer my business, because quality, affordability and excellent customer service is provided and I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’m proud of myself for taking a risk that was worth it and to be able to show my son that dreams really do come true! Starting a business takes a lot of hard work, effort and dedication. You’re only going to get out what you put in. Having a great support system is vital in entrepreneurship. Having people around you who you can share your challenges with, seek advice from and network with allows you to become more resilient when the difficult times occur. I’ve been blessed with a phenomenal support system since day 1 of my business and that’s my son, parents, brother and grandmother. I know for sure that I can always count on them rather its sharing ideas, helping out at events, physical help, or simply a listening ear.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele was attending pop up shops. When I first started my business I was only online, but I wasn’t getting as many customers as I thought I would. Therefore, I took a step back and revised my plan. It was during Covid-19 and at this point I was already diagnosed twice with Covid-19 so I was still afraid to go out in public. I prayed about it, came up with another plan and gave it a try. I remember my very first pop up shop was at The Gardens at Sumter nursing home in which I exceeded my sale goal for the day. I enjoyed meeting new people, telling them about my business, and recommending different items that would best fit their need. My motivation comes from my customers because I’m dedicated to making sure my business succeeds no matter how hard the process may be. After that first event, I started attending many more pop up shops, but my inventory was increasing and I was running out of space at home and it was a lot of loading and unloading all the products at events so I decided to purchase a truck. This tremendously helped my business I remolded the truck into a walk on boutique. Now my customers are just walk up the steps and shop inside for scrubs and accessories.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
You can find Essential Scrubs Boutique on all social media platform. Facebook: Essential Scrubs Boutique, Instagram: @Essential_scrubsboutique, and Tik Tok: @essentialsb I was able to build my audience on social media by constantly posting. Rather the people interact or not, I promise you they see you. If you constantly put it in their face, eventually they’ll know who you are. Also, it helps to send a notification to invite people to like your business page on social media. I’ve gained so many customers from the presence of my social media pages. It helps alot to promote your business daily and constantly, because you never know who is looking for what you are selling. Also, content videos are vital in marketing your products. It gives the potential customers a real life visual of your items. Shout out to DJ Beazo Kelly an entrepreneur who I look up to and love networking with, because I’ve learned so much about marketing from him. Also, in my city we have a community page on facebook and when someone makes a post about needing scrubs, many people will mention Essential Scrubs Boutique and I’m so thankful for that. Social media plays a huge part in gaining new customers. It’s a huge platform to showcase the world what you have to offer. I’m constantly receiving emails about people inviting me to their events and companies needing scrubs and it’s based off of them hearing about my business. Therefore, if you don’t have a business social media platform this is your sign to start today!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.essentialscrubsboutique.com
- Instagram: essential_scrubsboutique
- Facebook: Essential Scrubs Boutique
- TikTok: @essentialsb