The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Being completely new to retail, I have had to learn everything from the ground up. We stock a lot of overseas brands so ordering is sometimes done as much as 16 months before delivery, so crystal ball gazing is a required skill! The constant juggling of bills is the biggest challenge for me at the moment.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Definitely the connection with community is the biggest pro for me, followed closely by the freedom that comes with being your own boss.
The cons are the shackles that come with being your own boss (ha), and the uncertainties of retail in this economic climate! Oh, and social media. Luckily, I have an amazing team that loves it, because I just don’t!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My dream is that Eclectic Boutique provides a beautiful space for women to visit. For it to be a ‘go to’ for our lovely community – both online and on the island, and that we can extend our ranges to provide sustainable, natural and beautiful apparel at differing price ranges and styles for everyone.
My hope is that we can start to showcase more local brands and support local artists along the way. And of course, turn this business into something that provides an income for me that allows me to do the things that make me happy. That’s always the hope right?
Visit the Eclectic Boutique website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
