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“One of the easiest ways to connect with people is through your own faults and failures… I’m a really big beleiver in really sharing and truly connecting with people.”

Welcome back to the Boutique Chat podcast! In this episode, we’re thrilled to have April Rector, founder of The Light House Boutique,  sharing her journey of starting a boutique and the challenges she faced along the way. April shared so many insightful stories, let’s get into it!

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A Dream That Sparked a Business

April’s journey began with a simple Sunday walk with her husband during a challenging time in their lives. The spark ignited when they entertained the idea of opening a business, leading to the birth of their boutique. Despite initial doubts and uncertainties, they embarked on this entrepreneurial adventure.

Turning Dreams into Reality: The Boutique Renovation

Finding the perfect spot for their boutique wasn’t without its challenges. April’s determination led her to a rundown property that needed a complete renovation. With her husband’s engineering skills and her own grit, they transformed the space into a beautiful boutique. Despite the tumultuous times, their dedication prevailed.

Navigating the Pandemic Storm

Launching their boutique in May 2020 amidst the global pandemic might have seemed daunting. However, April’s resilience and adaptability shone through. Despite minimal inventory and no grand opening, word of mouth and pent-up demand fueled their initial success.

From DIY to Systematic Growth

As sales soared, April realized the need to streamline operations and scale sustainably. Despite being a teacher by day, she managed everything from inventory management to social media single-handedly. Implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) became pivotal in maintaining consistency and efficiency.

The Power of Podcasts and Email Marketing

April’s commitment to continuous learning led her to discover invaluable resources like podcasts. Listening to podcasts like Jenna Kutcher’s “Gold Digger” and leveraging tools like Flowdesk empowered her to kickstart her email marketing efforts. Despite her initial apprehensions, her authentic and heartfelt emails resonated with customers, fostering strong connections and driving high open rates.

Data-Driven Decision Making

April’s weekly ritual of diving into her business numbers underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making. By meticulously analyzing sales trends, product performance, and profit margins, she stays ahead of the curve, even during challenging times. Her focus on profitability over raw sales numbers showcases her business acumen and strategic mindset.

Embracing Change and Growth

Through her journey, April emphasizes the importance of adaptability and embracing change. Whether it’s evolving product offerings or embracing new marketing strategies, she remains open to experimentation and growth. Her willingness to learn, iterate, and pivot has been instrumental in her boutique’s success.

In This Episode

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Must Have Resources

• The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube
• Boutique Summit 2024
• Small Business Marketing Handbook
• Small Business Hiring Handbook 
• Brand Owner Basics Masterclass
• Tradeshow Marketing Handbook
• 2024 Trade Show Calendar
• Boutique Hub Black
• Hubventory.com

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