We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tonia Grant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tonia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a curvy doll that loved to stand out and be different with bold looks, I recognized a need for plus size fashion in my community. I am a lover of fashion and would shop local boutiques because of the exclusive looks that were provided. Most boutiques clothing would stop at size 12. However, I would purchase the products for the sake of the unique shopping experience that came with boutique shopping and to support small business owners.
I wanted more fashion options for myself and the plus size community which led the vision for starting my business. The skills I learned while completing my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock helped me become a business owner. I stepped out on faith and birthed Bag It Up Boutique in 2006. Bag It Up Boutique was the first plus size African American Boutique in Little Rock, AR. I knew there were options for plus size fashion, but no one wanted to tap into the market as costs are higher. I begin to research and attend Apparel Market events to explore what was in available for my client base. I was able to purchase plus size fashions and curate looks for my plus size clients. It felt better than I could have imagined locating trendy/affordable fashion for the curvy community.
Here at Bag It Up Boutique, “It’s not about the pearls you wear, but the amazing relationships that we build and continue to build in our community.”
The Bag It Up Boutique curvy dolls love the shopping experience they receive. The chic styles paired with one-of-a-kind statement pieces of jewelry sets the mood for any occasion. I see my client’s confidence boost daily through our fashion. Providing a product with great customer service to my client’s is so rewarding.
I knew creating this business would be a worthwhile endeavor because there was a need in our community. I knew there were others that felt like me when it came to finding cute curvy fashion. I took a risk by venturing into this market and wasn’t sure outcome would be. But I knew I had to give it a shot for the other curvy dolls out there. I have now been in business for 16 years and proud to be able to provide a service that improves women’s self-esteem through fashion.
Tonia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Tonia Grant, a native of North Little Rock, AR. I have been married to my husband, Juvaris, for 26 years and we share 3 beautiful children and 2 grandchildren. I received my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I then continued my education and received a master’s degree from Webster University in Management and Leadership. Completing my master’s program aided me in continuing to grow my business as the first Plus-Size African American Boutique owner in Little Rock, AR. I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. This service organization has allowed me to give back to the community that has given so much to me.
Bag It Up Boutique is a nation-wide women’s apparel and accessory company in North Little Rock, AR. We service women size small -3x with an emphasis on plus size fashion. Here at Bag It Up Boutique it’s not about the pearls we sell, but the amazing relationships we build and continue to build in our community.
I ventured into the retail industry due to a need for plus size fashion within my community. I was able to provide a service that boosts self-esteem and confidence through fashion. When you look good, you feel good! The customer service here at Bag It Up Boutique set us apart from others. I am proud to be able to offer a product and shopping experience to my clients that they enjoy.
I want my clients to know I am passionate about their experience with the brand. I assist the customer with any questions or concerns throughout their shopping experience with us. I’m very patient with understanding the customer needs. I have a very professional work ethic learned from the corporate model with AT&T. My clients motivate me daily to strive harder to give them what they need.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Bag It Up Boutique was affected by the Great Recession in the United States from 2007-2009. We made the decision to close our brick-and-mortar location in 2010. The decision to disconnect from the in person one-on-one engagement from the customers was heartbreaking, but I knew there would be something greater to come. Due to the shrinking economy we had to figure out a way to stay relevant in the fashion industry. Bag It Up Boutique took a year off and came back on social media platforms in 2011.
When Bag It Up Boutique launched on Facebook and Instagram, we only sold one of a kind statement jewelry. Once we were able to master successful business practices on social media, we brought apparel back into the mix. The business begin to thrive on the social media platforms and online: www.shopbagitup.com.
Then in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. Bag It Up Boutique faced with not yet another challenge and was forced to put a plan into action to stay in business. We curated grab and go 2 piece sets and sold KN95 mask. The quick reaction to environmental changes allowed our clients to be cute and comfy for business zoom calls and safe when needing to go out in the public. As a business owner it can sometimes cause sleepless nights and anxiety when you’re passionate about your brand and customer.
Currently, our economy is going through Inflation due to demand-pull, cost-push, and built-in inflation. The shift in the economy is causing small business owners, like myself, to review and adjust to the current change. As a business owner it is important to quickly adapt to the changes coming your way and find a fix that will satisfy your customers.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Bag It Up Boutique was able to build an audience on the social media platforms through word of mouth from our clients. Throughout, the years we have gained over 23,000 followers and continue to grow daily. Our followers share, like, and tag friends to our products daily on social media. Also, community events in the city and other states allow Bag It Up Boutique to be recognized in new territories. The brand is highlighted and shared to new individuals daily. Every day we are CONSISTENT with posting about our brand on Facebook and Instagram. Consistency is key to a successful business. It’s important to keep your audience engaged on anything new your business has coming or just within the community. Also, we created a VIP group on Facebook: Bag It Up Boutique (Private) for our clients to shop in a non-judgement space. This space allows our clients to post pictures wearing Bag It Up Boutique apparel and accessories. Also, we go live and engage with our customers. We want them to know who they’re shopping with behind the daily content. Our clients also provide feedback and conversation about things going on with the brand.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
1. Randall Lee Contemporary Imaging
2. Rhona Aaron BL Brand PR Agency
3. Chrissy Bryant Studio