Shopping and Giving Back at the Same Time- Frayla Boutique
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tina Schwaner, owner of Frayla Boutique, located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Frayla is a social business that balances commercial and social goals. It is a for-profit model that sources products from socially responsible small businesses and equity projects and offers the products to shoppers who want fun, fashionable attire and home decor while also doing good. Here are some of the causes you help support while shipping with us. Cleaning the oceans, suicide prevention, ending school violence, fighting cancer, animal rescue, and our favorite women-owned businesses.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in Eastern Colorado, so I'm a farm girl at heart. I have been a hairstylist for 30+ years and started Frayla alongside my hair business. Now I focus mainly on the boutique, and I have a stylist that covers the salon. Yes, we also have a private hair studio within Frayla. I have two grown boys and a wonderful husband. We love Colorado life and also traveling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Receiving the BBB Purpose + Profit Verification. Frayla was one of the first businesses in the USA to receive this honor.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Work-life balance. I'm not sure that exists for small business owners. For me, Frayla is like one of my children; I will do whatever it takes to see it succeed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be sure you have a purpose and passion for the business you want to start in the hard times. That is what will keep you going.
- Surround yourself with people that know more than you.
- Be prepared for anything, well you can't, so just know something unexpected will happen like ummmmm, a Pandemic.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We have the best shop dog in town; Waffle, the shop dog. She is a four-year-old King Charles Caviar. She has her own Instagram page @Waffletheshopdog
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fraylaboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fraylaboutique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraylaboutique/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/frayla_boutique
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.