Two-Piece Set (ThePreppyMAG Boutique) | Bag (Chanel)
Shoes (Nordstrom) | Sunnies (Michael Kors)
In case you missed it, ThePreppyMAG launched its summer collection a few weeks ago! And I cannot tell you how many questions people ask me IRL, in the blog comments and on Instagram DM on how to start their own boutique or their own business in general. While the blog has been around for 5 years (!), I’m still pretty new at this boutique business, so I’m definitely NOT a pro. BUT, I have learned a few things along the way that I am so happy to share with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Below are a few tips (both tactical and mental) on how I successfully launched my company, ThePreppyMAG Boutique. Of course, I love all of your questions, so if you have any be sure to leave them in the comments or slide into my DMs! 😉
1| Do your research. No matter what you are setting out to do, you need to become a pro in EVERYTHING. In my case, I had to become a pro in all things e-commerce, wholesale retail, packaging, and of course, influencer marketing. I think is probably the easiest step to overlook. You think that you find one resource in a Google search and it becomes your bible, but that is not a great approach to take. Instead, read everything, order samples, reach out to industry leaders for advice. Not only does this information help you make educated decisions in building your business, but it also helps you fake it until you make it!
2| Be selective. If you try to do everything, you won’t be successful! At least at the beginning. People always tell me, ‘you should sell jewelry’ or ‘what about shoes,’ the list goes on, but I tried to do everything, my attention would be spread too thin. Being selective doesn’t only apply to what you sell or what you do, but also the quality of your goods. It is going to be really, really, really hard not to pick the cheapest option (the cheapest packaging or the cheapest tags, etc.), but you have to think of the end game. When your customer receives that box, you want it to look perfect and feel special.
3| Embrace your support system. ThePreppyMAG Boutique would be impossible without my amazing family and friends. While I have financed the entire project on my own, my parents, siblings, and cousins have been the first to raise their hand and help out. For example, everything is packed and shipped out of my parents’ house because my NYC apartment is not anywhere close to being big enough to act as a warehouse! While this isn’t monetary support in building my business, it is a super essential piece of the puzzle. Moral of the story– when someone offers to help, take it! You don’t have to do this on your own and nobody expects you to!
4| Be Your Own Advocate. This is the tip I could be better at taking myself! Everywhere you go and everyone you meet, be ready to share and promote your brand. I hate to say it, but nobody is going to sell your company as well as you can, so give it your all! When I was in the Bahamas last month, I was wearing the ‘What You’re Wearing To The Beach‘ swimsuit and someone came up to me asking where I bought it. At first, I was really humble and just said ‘ThePreppyMAG Boutique.’ My dad actually had to step in and say ‘She is actually the owner of the company…’ and the rest was history! Those ladies who asked about the bathing suit at the swim-up-bar are now active followers of my brand on social media and have bought their own suits! Long story short, always be ready to sell yourself!
5| Take Risks. Launching your own company is fucking scary! You’re investing your hard-earned money into something that may or may not work so you have to be ready for the best and the worst. Were there a few styles that flopped in my holiday collection? 100%! But, I would never know what worked or what to bring back for summer if I didn’t take that risk in the first place.
Again, I’m only in my first year of being a business-owner and I have A LOT to learn, but I encourage every single one of you to give it a whirl because it is incredibly rewarding.
What I’m Wearing
Two-Piece Set (ThePreppyMAG Boutique) | Bag (Chanel)
Shoes (Nordstrom) | Sunnies (Michael Kors)
Okay, so now what you likely came here for…this amazing two-piece summer ensemble inspired by another one of my favorite New England summer destinations, Martha’s Vineyard (travel guide here). Martha’s Vineyard is such a picturesque place to visit with their gingerbread houses and nautical perfection, which is why this pale-blue, open-backed ensemble fits in naturally.
My mom picked out this lovely set and at first, I wasn’t a fan. Of course, mom always knows best and as soon as I slipped this baby one I was IN LOVE. Not only is it super cool to wear on hot summer nights, but it is also super flattering. I actually decided to size-up in this one (medium) so the shorts were a bit more breezy and the top could easily be adjusted with the bow-tie.
An open-back like this one calls for a sticky bra, which are usually almost always THE WORST! Luckily, I’ve recently found one that I’m obsessed with from Aerie (under $40!) and it has gotten me through the last few weekends. It is totally supportive, sticky enough to last all day without fearing that it will fall off, and super comfortable.
Last but not least, let’s talk about my very simple by bright accessories. With this monochromatic, pale-blue look, I knew I wanted a pop of color to make it feel summery and island-ready. My pink Chanel bag gives it just the perfect pop-of-pink to make it ready for an fun night out at the Sand Bar.
