Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Reilly Oliphant. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Reilly , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?
I have 3 different social media profiles. 2 of which are for business. I do my best to have both support each other and provide content for each other
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi! im Reilly Oliphant! I was first introduced to Valley Girl Dresses when i started modeling and I wanted a dress for my maternity shoots. I knew my college roommate Jade had a dress business so i decided to rent a few from her. She came over with a ton of dresses to see what would work for me. We talked about the business and after talking to her I absolutely fell in love with the business. I supported Valley Girl Dresses for a while until i saw Jade was selling the company. I didnt even have to think twice and decided to buy. I have so many plans and ideas to grow the business. But ultimately i want to show women how amazing and powerful they are and sometimes wearing a beautiful elegant dress can really help bring that out.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I found out I was pregnant with my first son, I was in no way ready to take care of a baby, I wasn’t even taking care of myself at the time. I knew something needed to change. So I left my minimum wage job and went back to school to become a surgical tech. I took 3 days off of school due to going into labor but went right back and graduated with honors. I got a job straight out of school.
I look back now and i have no clue how i did that but i believe i didn’t have a choice. I had to be sure to provide for my baby boy. There are times when I get sad that i missed alot of time with my baby boy, but now i can give my son the life he deserves because of it.
My youngest son was in a medically induced coma for a month in the hospital. The doctors did as much as they could but they were coming to a dead end in his treatment and conversations of “pulling the plug” were being had. My heart nearly died when they told us this. Later that day we went to thw cafeteria for food and i hopped on my phone amd i saw the announcement my friend was selling her dress rental business. I dont really know what came over me but I decided to buy almost instantly. Fast forward and my baby is in excellent health and each day is a new day without seizures and i have the job of my dreams!
My resilience has helped me accomplish so much more in 4 years than some people accomplish in a lifetime! Its amazing what we can do during those times when were at our lowest.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Social media is huge for my business! The business originally started on social media. My favorite part about it is being able to keep up with my clients and their lives and how everything is going. Many of my clients have businesses of their own and i love to return the favor in supporting them as business owners too. I feel the best way to foster brand loyalty is to get on the same level as your clients. Its so important for them to feel that connection with me because then they arent just renting a dress from someone, theyre renting from a friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valleygirldresses.wixsite.com/valley-girl-dresses
- Instagram: @valleygirldresses
- Facebook: Valley girl dresses
Image Credits
Image 1 Photography by Amy Chan Image 2 model Leland Lakata photography by Taylor quinn of desert honey photography Image 3 photography by Taylor Quinn of Desert honey photography Image 4 Model Jade Skousen photography by Lizzie Tapper of Desert Peony Photo