In this episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Lori Sanborn, the owner of Urban Threadz Boutique, as she shares her experience transitioning from a salon owner to running a successful online boutique. Lori opens up about her challenges and triumphs, offering valuable insights for locally owned businesses.
Key Topics Covered:
- Starting from Scratch: Lori shares how she began Urban Threadz Boutique as a side project while running her salon and how it quickly became her full-time business during the pandemic.
- The Power of Live Selling: Discover how Lori leveraged live Facebook sessions to create a personal shopping experience, connecting with customers and building a loyal following.
- Pivoting in Business: Learn how Lori successfully navigated the rapid changes brought by the pandemic and the economic downturn by investing in new technology, including transitioning to a Shopify platform.
- The Importance of Niche Marketing: Lori discusses how she identified her target market—women aged 55-85—and tailored her product offerings to meet their needs, with jewelry becoming a top seller.
- Overcoming Challenges: From managing rapid growth to dealing with economic shifts, Lori emphasizes the importance of consistency, community building, and being adaptable in the face of challenges.
Why Listen? Listeners will gain practical tips on growing and sustaining a locally owned business, especially in the face of unexpected challenges. Lori’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and customer connection. Whether you’re an aspiring boutique owner or looking to enhance your current business, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.
Takeaways for Your Business:
- How to create a personal connection with customers through live selling.
- The importance of knowing your niche and catering to their specific needs.
- Why adaptability and willingness to pivot are crucial for business survival and growth.
- The benefits of continuous learning and investing in the right tools and strategies.
Tune in to learn how Lori’s journey can help you navigate the ups and downs of owning a small business!
Meet Lori Sanborn:
Lori, a former salon owner, transitioned into the boutique world after being inspired by live Facebook boutiques. Initially integrating this idea into her salon to reduce physical strain, she fully committed to the boutique business when Covid forced her to close the salon. Together with her husband, Lori now runs a successful online live selling boutique from their home studio in Saugatuck, Michigan. Despite the challenges and constant learning, they love their work and have built a thriving business over the past four years.
Her business: https://urbanthreadz.net/
Meet Your Host:
Jennifer Kok delivered her second daughter two days after opening her service-based bakery business. She went on to own and operate her business for 20 years, pivot during a recession, build a national franchise, and then sell it all for a profit in Fall 2018.
Today, she is a sought-after Business Consultant, who helps locally-owned businesses with annual revenues between $100K and $1M fast-track their growth in 90 days with less time on Social Media and Zero Paid Advertising.
Download my freebie 3 steps to Grow Your Business:
My program: Fast Track Your Business in 90 Days
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