Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Isabelle Glasgow, founder, and CEO of Ivory Belle, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ivory Belle is an online women's clothing boutique that launched in the middle of the pandemic in October of 2020. Our mission is to inspire women all around the world to wear what they want and truly express their personality through the style of clothing that they wear.
Tell us about yourself
I, Isabelle Glasgow, the Founder and CEO of Ivory Belle, started Ivory Belle when I was 18 years old and a freshman in college. Due to COVID-19, all of my college classes were online, so I had some extra time on my hands. Although I was in full-time school and working three jobs, that didn't stop me from going after my dreams of launching my very own clothing company. I worked those three jobs to save up money to launch my business. During that time, I spent hours on end researching and educating myself about starting an online business. On October 18th of, 2020, Ivory Belle launched online, and in just the first year, I was able to grow Ivory Belle to a 6-figure company. I have always had a passion for fashion, and I have always been an entrepreneur at heart since I was a little kid, going around door-to-door in my neighborhood and handing out flyers for kids camps that I held at my home for all the kids.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In May of 2021, I was featured on live TV for the local news in Utah, "Good Things Utah." That was a pretty big milestone in my business and an experience I will never forget. I am sure all small business owners can relate, but I believe that everything I have done to build this company from the ground up is a huge accomplishment, and there is so much I am grateful for.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Not having a set schedule every day is one of the hardest challenges but also one of the greatest things about owning an online business. Some days it's hard to feel motivated when there is no set schedule, especially trying to balance school, personal, and work life. But I try to look at it in a positive way, and I am grateful for all of the unknown on some days because it pushes me to go outside of my comfort zone and think outside the box.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay consistent. Consistency is KEY.
- Stay true to who you are. Don't think you have to be someone else to run a company. Show up for your customers and followers on social media every day and be real & raw with them.
- Find what you love, do what you love, and make a living from it. If you are truly passionate about something, get creative and think, "how can I turn this into a business?" Whether that is selling clothing and accessories, becoming a life coach, sharing your favorite recipes, writing a book... you name it!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The "right" time is NOW! Start that business, launch that podcast, write that book, post that picture. If you keep waiting for the "right" time, you'll never get over your fear of just simply starting. GO FOR IT!!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://shopivorybelle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivorybelleshop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopivorybelle/
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.
