We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tennille Glas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tennille , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you find your key vendor or vendors? Maybe you can share the backstory and share some context and the relevant details to help us understand why you chose them, why they chose you, etc.
For years, I would accompany my
husband on international trips to Europe and Asia. During those trips I was always enamored by the unique items that they carried in their retail store.s. Shopping in conventional North American malls had become boring and uninspired to me. From going on those trips I wanted to bring that same excitement to Detroit. Curating unique pieces that are not normally found in local boutiques.
Through my travels I have been able to network and make connections with vendors and manufacturers. So my advice is if you go on a vacation, use it as an opportunity to look for new networks to source items which are not available at home.
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 decided to start Shy vs Bold because I always had an interest in Fashion. I got started in entrepreneurship trying out various network marketing opportunities and none of them were really a good fit for me. Through traveling internationally I developed vendors contacts and started selling jewelry to friends and family .
The next step was to leave my 9-5 and start a Brick and Mortar business. Then the Pandemic hit! It was a terrible time because new businesses such as mine did not qualify for PPP Loans. Yet I persevered. As an entrepreneur you have to find ways to pivot and still bring in an income. I started selling masks and decorated them with rhinestones. Once we were able to reopen our stores it was a trying 2 years but I was able to make it over to the other side.
The Shy vs Bold Boutique is located in the historic Fisher Building which is a Detroit landmark. It is home to the Fisher Theatre which hosts Broadway shows and concerts. The beauty of being in the same building as the theatre is that I’m an able to meet people from all over the country who come to see shows. Because of this I carry a variety of clothing, jewelry and gift items from around the globe.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My educational background is in Communications and I worked in the Nonprofit world as a Vocational Counselor helping clients with serious mental illnesses to find employment. I was able to transfer my interpersonal skills to a retail environment. Given my business location, I run into people from all walks of life. It is a great skill to be able to interact with customers showing both empathy and respect.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I totally bootstrapped my business. Used savings to purchase inventory, sell and reinvest. I have received a few grants but the majority is self financed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.shyvsbold.com
- Instagram: @shyvsbold
- Facebook: Shyvsbold
Image Credits
N/a