Tessa Blakney is the founder of Silk N Honey, a boutique that started online and grew into a brick and mortar store in Downtown Memphis, opening in the midst of the pandemic. Despite the challenges she faced, Tessa has done a tremendous job of growing her business and she joins me today to share some of what she has learned along the way.
We’re diving into so much in this episode, including how she overcame her fear of putting herself out there to promote her business, where she is focusing her energy for social media, and some of the lessons she learned while merging the retail art and the retail science together. If you’re new in the business and are looking to get traction on your marketing and finances (and be inspired along the way), this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
>> From Online to Brick and Mortar During a Pandemic – LISTEN NOW ON iTunes <<
>> From Online to Brick and Mortar During a Pandemic – LISTEN NOW ON Spotify <<
See the Full Boutique Chat Podcast Website here
Watch the interview on YouTube:
What You’ll Learn In From Online to Brick and Mortar During a Pandemic:
- How Tessa got started in the business.
- What was most surprising to Tessa operating her own business.
- The main channels she is growing her business through.
- Where she sees the most engagement on social media.
- What she plans to focus on this year for social media.
- The lessons Tessa has learned when merging the retail art and the retail science.
- Why she uses the Profit First method for her financials.
- The importance of having good people around you.
Favorite Quotes
“Our goal this year is to dive into TikTok more because it’s crazy how one video can make your business go viral and take it to the next level.” – Tessa [8:10]
“You can’t grow and get to the next level all by yourself.” – Tessa [11:15]
“Chase your dreams and don’t settle.” – Tessa [18:50]
Resources:
- Tessa Blakney: Website | Instagram
- 15% off code: NEWBBIE for Silk N Honey Boutique
- Jance Chartae
- Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz
Join the Hub for more training, information, and connections.
www.theboutiquehub.com/join
Use the hashtag #AskAshley on Instagram, or tag her at @ajalderson or @theboutiquehub to suggest topics for the podcast and let us know what you thought about this episode!
Do you love the Boutique Chat Podcast?! Subscribe to our podcast and after that, leave us a review on iTunes Apple Podcasts here!
Original Air Date: February 15th, 2022
Do you love the details of What it Means to be A Brand New Business Owner in 2022? Let us know what you think about our show and help spread the word about the #BoutiqueChat Podcast.
Recent Posts:
- A Heart for Retail: Supporting Stores in Times of Crisis
What does it take for local retailers to thrive after facing disasters and challenges? In this episode, Patrick Keiser, Executive Director of Heart on Main Street, shares how he founded the organization in 2022 to provide tools and resources to help Main Street retailers succeed within their communities. Patrick explains the pivotal role that retailers play in rebuilding hope after a disaster and how his mission has evolved since its inception. - Black Friday Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses
Black Friday is upon us and holds so much potential for small businesses. However, if you want to ensure a seamless and successful Black Friday for your small business, you need to start planning now! We have you covered with Black Friday marketing ideas for your small businesses PLUS another annual retail event you do not want to miss out on this year! - The Power of Persistence: Navigating Failure and Finding Your NicheWhat happens when your business fails, and you lose everything? Kelly Shiley, CEO of Mary Square, joins the show to share her raw and inspiring journey from launching her business in the kitchen with a baby by her side to losing her home after a business deal fell through. Learn how she bounced back from early failures, the importance of believing in yourself, and how to persist when everything seems to be falling apart. Kelly shares insights on finding traction, understanding market gaps, and why failure is often the first step to success.
