Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sally Baker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sally, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Small batches. I swoop in and use the fabric yardage that is too small a quantity for a for most labels. If there are only 20 meters of a fabric I love – boom! Then it becomes something. I prefer to use readily available fabrics vs. having fabrics printed. Less waste.

The best part is that my clients get something truly special. I am lucky to have many loyal, repeat clients. Working in small batches means that even if they buy 5 of the same silhouette, they have a unique piece because that fabric is only available for a handful of goodies. Oh, I call my items “goodies” because they make me so happy.

Big client service. I have a heavy hand with direct to client service. I know birthdays, pet and kids’ names, due dates and when they are hosting a fun party. It is a pleasure to get to know my clients and work with them. They even host in-home trunk shows for me! I mean, who knows the product better than a loyal client?

Client collaboration. I regularly ask clients what they want to see more of. Which silhouettes, what we should name a piece and what we should make next are typical discussions on live feeds, IG messages and emails. They help me with fit edits, ideas for new goodies and truly keep me focused on producing things that make people smile.

Sally, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Sally Baker. I am a former American in Paris, Southerner, Californian and now Philly based Art History BA, but have zero fashion industry experience. I have a crush on vintage shopping and regularly incorporate vintage designs in my silhouettes.

I come from an art & retail background, worked in finance client service for years and am always dreaming. This tool belt of experiences drive me to learn more, create and take care of my team and clients. I only make goodies that I would wear and believe in. Simple as that.

When my husband, our three kids and guinea pig(!!) left France, I missed the small marchés and closet-sized boutiques where I could buy unique pieces and hear the story behind them. The vendors actually knew about each item and were excited to tell the story of procurement or production.

Le Bazar Coastal mimics what I love most about shopping. Small business, beautiful quality, sweet details, cotton (I’m obsessed!) and reminding clients that fashion should be fun! Buying something should feel good and you should absolutely only buy and keep what you love.

I design all of the pieces and they are responsibly produced in Jaipur, India by my incredible colleagues. There have been MANY mistakes and I have learned a ton about design, fashion and failures. You should see some of my original “sketches”.

The bit is, I did not create Le Bazar Coastal to create a big fashion label. It is supposed to be small, fun and more of a think tank for like minded gals who want to enjoy cool, easy breezy pieces.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting is essential. It is not always easy to pivot because it usually comes after a failure, but man is it key. When you know something is not right, it is best to cut it loose, regroup and try again.

For instance, I used to buy pre-manufactured goods from China and do pre-orders to prevent inventory overload. This ended becoming a nightmare. Pieces would arrive late, not be of said / original quality and quickly be returned. Often they did not even make it to the client because they were not something I could stand behind. This caused lots of stress, lots of money wasted and lots of client service cleanup…and lots of crappy inventory I could not stand looking at. I definitely though about giving up on LBC….but….

I decided to create an actual label and produce my own goods. I put up guard rails by deciding to only make pieces I would truly wear, enjoy and most importantly, could stand behind. I found my partners via research on Instagram, Ebay, Etsy and trail and error.

I set a VERY small budget (I was funding this project through my work with young kids and special needs adults), made sketches, asked for samples, made edits and finally got a few pieces I could work with. I even made a few of the pieces myself, which proved a HUGE learning curve and worth every second of the frustration.

Buying smaller batches of fabric really came from the fact that I had such a small budget, but has since become a keystone of my business. It allows me to keep my prices low, inventory at a minimum and the hunt is so freaking fun! What is better than finding a fabric you just adore and knowing you can make a few pieces of clothing that someone else will in turn adore?

When those first very few pieces arrived with my true label attached, I was over the moon and so very proud. I still feel that way when I see the boxes from India arrive. We did it! We made something that we love AND something that people want to buy.

Keep trying. Pivot and punch, baby!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My best source of new clients is hands down, word of mouth. It really is the best form of advertisement. I think clients know I am being true to myself, stand behind my products and enjoy what I do. They play such an important role in my small business. Aside from the obvious sales, they influence my every move and help me edit existing pieces and create new products we can all enjoy. I really listen to clients and honestly, we have a ton of fun!

I am so thankful for my team, aka “dream makers” in India. I am thankful for other women in my business who give me the time of day and trade ideas and concerns. I am thankful for my clients who host trunk shows, who get on social media and tag my brand and give shoutouts. When clients take the time to send me a photo and message about how much they love a goody, I am blown away. THAT is my form of success.

Stay true to yourself and your brand. Stay honest and good to your clients. TALK to clients AND others in your industry. Heck, outside of your industry too. Learn from them. Have fun and always keep creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lebazarcoastal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_bazar__coastal/

Image Credits
image credits – top left of me walking on beach with doggo was taken by my friend, Rachel Wynne. one of me in Sicily kitchen in maxi is from my daughter, Emily Baker. one of me in wrap skirt & white top laughing is from my son, Harry Baker. in turquoise dress beside wall & flowers, husband, Bill Baker. otherwise, all me / my photos.