We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawnn Casagrande. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawnn below.

Shawnn, appreciate you joining us today. Finding those key vendors can often be make or break for a brand. Can you talk to us about how you found your key vendors?

You want to find vendors that will be apart of your aesthetics and doing your research is key. I found a lot of my vendors through social media groups near me and posted that I was in need of permanent vendors. I made sure I put in the post exactly what I was looking for and I had them send me their social media links or website links so I can take a look at their products and packaging. I also made sure that I introduced myself, who I am. Making sure I came across like I wanted and being myself at the same time. I also LOVE supporting other businesses, so I find festivals, markets, events etc. that are happening around me to go to and support and if I love the product, I take a business card to get ahold of them later to see if they would be a fit in the boutique.

Shawnn, 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?

Where there is a will there is a way. Never give up on your dreams and what you want. It may not happen over night, but keep chipping away at it. I had different ideas of what I wanted to do and it first took off as Circle 81 Bakery and I baked from home under cottage law, although I loved it, I worked full time and it took alot of time and I was exhausted, so I revamped and became Circle 81 Rustic Designs, I did some wholesale items and I also crafted my own refurbished items and found a permanent vendor spot in Vintage Arts Coffeehouse and Bistro in Granger, TX, which my friend Rachel owns, this gave me a first step into a brick and mortar and re-branded to Circle 81 Rustic Boutique. I want to support other small businesses in my area, so I have permanent vendors from around, my items are hand picked and carefully chosen to have quality items in store. I love people and I love my customers and so I want them to feel like it’s home when they walk through the door.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There will be times you want to give up. You’re not seeing the big picture and sometimes you’re not selling like you want. This is going to happen and you will have times where no one is buying and you want to give up. Sometimes I took breaks to get my bearings back, I would take a week off from making things or baking and then I would get back up and start again and pushing. I think the number one thing for me was social media and knowing I had to keep posting and trying new things to see what works and how to get clients and customers. Never give up because there are great things to come!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Social Media and word of mouth is key in having a business. Social Media can take you places you’ve never been and reach people you never could without it. Join groups that go with your business and post as much as you can within their rules and regulations, hashtagging grabs peoples attention that are looking for certain things and if you have great customer service and products word of mouth is everything and you want your clients or customers to have a great experience! Be kind and humble.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.circle81rusticboutique.com
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/circle81rusticboutique

Image Credits
Circle 81 Rustic Boutique