We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wendy Myers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Wendy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am so happy being a business owner. I really can’t imagine doing anything else. I love that I am in control of my business and can make decisions that I feel are necessary for growth or change. Being able to make changes and having the flexibility to move in different direction or explore new avenues for my business is really exciting. Being able to try new products lines, explore social avenues or expand online has been a key driver in growing my business.

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?

I started my retail career when I was a teenager as a part time sales person. During that time I graduated high school and when to college for Retail and Fashion Management. Upon graduating I continued my retail career and worked my way up to eventually being a store manager. My goal was to become a buyer but I ended up staying at the store level. I always struggled not being able to make effective changes at the store level that I knew would only grow the store business. Whether it was lack of merchandise or not being able to hire qualified staff or just lack of support from corporate. I have worked in fashion, shoes, jewelry and bridal/formal wear. All of these experiences have helped me shape my business today. I have had some great managers and leaders I have been able to work for and with that have helped me throughout my career. I am so great full for them! I did face a lot of challenges along the way. I had a teacher tell me I would never make in the fashion industry, if she could see me now! I had backlash and heard a lot of no’s before I got to where I am today. There are somethings I would change but then I am not be where I am at now.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think everyone has a story from Covid and had to face some sort of challenge. whether it was in your personal life or your business. For me business slowed done a lot and then we were completely shut down for two months. During that time it was hard to get product but even hard to makes sales. We were able to move to an online platform that allowed us to do Live Selling Events. This helped us to keep business alive to show new product and sell some assisting product. From there we were able to add an APP to our online platform which worked with or Live events and giving customers the ability to see new items first. Coming out of Covid we had a string return to being open again but not without some challenges. Even though business was great and flourishing we and are still struggling with staffing issues. Then inflation hit and business dropped again but we are coming back out of that and being able to pivot business again into expanded product lines and we are building business back up.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I think remaining true to yourself and your business is important for building and promoting your business. For me it was always creating a store to help women find unique and quality merchandise. To help women find that special piece, help them build and add to there wardrobe, and create a one of a kind shopping experience. Then hiring staff that can help create that vision. Handing picking every item that is sold and really listening to the needs and wants of customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.apricotlaneduluth.com
• Instagram: apricot_lane_duluth
• Facebook: apricotlaneduluthmn
• Linkedin: Wendy Myers
• Twitter: @ApricotLaneDlth
• Other: TikTok @#apricotlaneduluth Google Apricot Lane Duluth App Apricot Lane Duluth