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From Influencer to CEO: Building an Authentic Community in Western Fashion

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Today, I’m sitting down with Megan Ery, who has been a huge influence on the Western world and Western fashion. The owner of Turquoise in Style, Megan is opening up about her incredible turquoise business that has grown so much over the past year or so, as well as how she has encouraged that growth. You will learn how she has built such an engaged community, how she’s leveraged Facebook Lives, and how impactful a Facebook group of just about 5,000 people really is.

From Influencer to CEO: Building an Authentic Community in Western Fashion

A Chance Encounter Leads to Big Changes

Megan and Ashley first crossed paths at the NFR in December—a busy time in the retail world. Despite a series of serendipitous encounters, it became clear to Megan that the universe was nudging her towards something bigger. Their interactions eventually led Megan to the Boutique Hub, where she immersed herself in learning and growing her business.

From Rodeo Roots to Influencing and Beyond

Megan’s love for the Western industry runs deep, having grown up in a rodeo family. This passion naturally evolved into promoting small businesses on social media. Early on, Megan recognized her knack for fashion and began influencing others through photo shoots and social media posts. Her unique style—loud, colorful, and unapologetically her—set her apart in a world where influencers were just beginning to emerge.

However, as the industry evolved, so did Megan’s challenges. With a wave of younger influencers flooding the market, she found herself questioning her relevance. But instead of shying away, Megan leaned into her authenticity. She embraced her role as a 40-year-old mom navigating the industry, choosing to stay true to herself rather than conform to trends.

Building a Community and a Business

Megan’s journey took a significant turn when she decided to take her small hobby business seriously. After a conversation with a fellow influencer, she realized she needed to show up consistently for her community. What started as a hobby turned into a thriving business, with Megan dedicating herself to it daily. Her Facebook group, initially a modest community, grew into a fierce, supportive group of women who rallied behind her.

Her approach to live sales also played a crucial role in her success. By showing up authentically and consistently, Megan built a loyal customer base who appreciated her honesty and unique style. Even when her live sales extended beyond typical timeframes, her community stayed engaged, demonstrating the power of genuine connection.

Learning, Growing, and Implementing

Megan’s success didn’t happen overnight. It involved a lot of learning, implementing new strategies, and adapting to her growing business. One of the first changes she made was organizing her Shopify inventory, allowing her to track her sales more effectively. This shift in focus helped her understand which products were performing well and where to invest her time and money.

Realizing she couldn’t do it all, Megan also hired a bookkeeper and accountant to help manage her finances as her business rapidly expanded. This move allowed her to focus on what she does best—connecting with her community and growing her brand.

Balancing Creativity with Structure

As a self-proclaimed ADHD brain, Megan thrives on creativity and spontaneity. However, she quickly learned that running a successful business requires structure and organization. By implementing daily brain dumps and time-blocking her schedule, she found a balance between creativity and productivity.

The Myth of Dead Platforms: Reviving Your Facebook Group

You might hear people say, “Facebook groups are dead,” or “No one sees anything anymore.” But is that really the case?

Megan Ery challenges this notion by emphasizing the importance of pivoting and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. “They don’t want to see just the product,” Megan explains. “Yes, curating and posting content is necessary, but your audience also wants to see you and what your life is like. You can still live a very private life while being a public figure. It’s about finding that balance and sharing what resonates with them.”

She highlights the power of authenticity in driving engagement and sales. “A flat lay might be great, but if I show how I style the products myself, they sell instantly. My audience wants to see what I love and wear. If I pick something out for myself, that becomes my number one seller.”

So, what if your Facebook group feels “dead”? Megan’s advice is clear: “If your Facebook group is dead, you’re probably just posting pictures. What are you doing to learn about your customer as a human being? You have to be more than the product; you have to make your customers feel like they’re part of your family.”

For Megan, the key to reviving a Facebook group lies in building genuine relationships. “Facebook groups are not dead. They are my bread and butter,” she asserts. “It’s about showing up, being the human, not the product.”

In This Episode

Megan Ery: Instagram
Turquoise in Style: Website
Pink Friday 2024

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From Influencer to CEO: Building an Authentic Community in Western Fashion

APPLE PODCAST | S POTIFY | YOUTUBE