Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Tarbunas.
Hi Janelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For years I pondered starting my own business but I didn’t know where to start or what kind of business I wanted to be in. Then I started purchasing from small boutiques online and loved how unique everything was and finally found my niche! Once I made the decision to open my own boutique, I researched everything I could and pulled the trigger. I started with my website and a Facebook page. Once I was comfortable, I knew I wanted more interaction so I started doing local pop-ups and fell in love. Now I get to connect with my customers and build relationships online over social media and in person at the pop-up events I attend.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning your own business is a lot of hard work and doing so over social media platforms is even harder. Of course, I have days where I think, I can’t do this anymore. These days do come but they also pass if you pick yourself up and push through. In retail there are slow months and during those months it’s easy to get down on yourself but then a customer contacts you with an amazing review or you release a new style and everyone loves and you think, I got this!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My job is to shop for my customers and find pieces that they will love, that are practical and effortless. I attend fashion markets with hundreds of vendors to find the perfect styles but I’m also looking for quality and affordability. I’m always looking for amazing styles that can be worn from day to night. I want my customers to get the most out of what they purchase and being able to wear an amazing affordable top to the office and then out to dinner with friends is important.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m a one-woman show! I do everything myself. I purchase everything that is in my boutique, track it, unpack it, stem, price, photograph, and tag it. I Manage my website, app, text messaging, social media, customer service, email, and phone calls. I do all my own photos and videos, including the editing. I prepare, package, and drop every package off at the post office myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: Shopleandco@gmail
- Website: www.shopleandco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopleandco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopleandco/
