The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Last year, we did end up with I guess what you would call a ‘bad batch’ of nappy inserts from our supplier where some of the inner layers bunched up. We aren’t entirely sure exactly what the cause was as the design and materials used were the same as all previous batches. I was absolutely heartbroken and felt completely defeated, like all my hard work towards building my brand was ruined. I would be lying if I said I didn’t almost give up at this point and put an end to Boutique Behinds.
Looking back, I am glad I didn’t. I have some amazing and supportive customers and this experience taught me so much. It was also the start of something new as I branched out into more of a general baby store and sales started to take off.
I also worked with the supplier during this time and we added an extra layer of stitching on our inserts to better hold all the layer in place. This seems to have solved the problem and I have had some great feedback on these ‘new inserts’ from customers.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
One of the big pros about running a small business is the people you get to meet and chat with that you otherwise never would have met. There is an amazing community out there of customers, followers and small business owners who love to support and encourage each other. It is so heart-warming to see and experience, especially with the large majority being women supporting other women. It really is a unique group of people. With that being said, you do also get the odd ‘bad egg’ every now and again that don’t seem to like anyone new entering ‘their market’, but at the end of the day, the good 100% outweigh the bad!
One thing I do struggle with, running a small business and being essentially a one-woman band, is that it means I have to do pretty much everything from website design, bookwork, ordering, packing, advertising, content creation and a ton of other stuff. While I do enjoy a lot of this, it all takes time and I constantly need to be learning and teaching myself how best to do everything rather than focusing on just one thing. In saying that, I have also been lucky to start working with Mama Management recently who have been helping me with a lot of UGC, creating stunning product images and reels for me to share. These two ladies are an absolute lifesaver and I am so glad I get to work with them.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
At the top of the list is definitely going to have to be a better work and family life balance!
I am planning to cut back work in other areas of my life so that I have more time to put into family life and growing Boutique Behinds into the amazing business it is becoming. I am constantly looking for new products to stock and am releasing new products online each month. My goal is to continue doing this and increase our product range bit by bit to become a one-stop-shop for all your parenting essentials.
If you own a business and have products you think would fit in well at Boutique Behinds, then please flick me a message or email. I love working with other businesses and getting to see all that they have to offer. Likewise, if you are a customer looking for something specific, please do let me know and I will do my best to find it for you.
Visit the Boutique Behinds website to find out more and to browse their products. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
