Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adreana Alvarez, Founder of Love Her Shop, located in Sacramento, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Love Her Shop's customers are women that are looking for high-performance leggings that are shape-flattering and affordable.

Tell us about yourself

I (Adreana Alvarez) started Love Her Shop after my husband purchased a pair of expensive leggings for over $100. Each. I tried to use them for workouts, but the first pair kept sliding down while I was in my kickboxing class. I discovered that the second pair was a see-through fabric when I squatted in front of a mirror and saw that you could see everything when I bent over. I just threw both leggings in the trash and didn't think anything more about them until later that evening. My husband came downstairs holding the leggings in his hand and yelling, "Why are these expensive new leggings that I just got you in the trash?" I told him oh, those leggings, despite being a brand name and costing a lot, were horrible. He then asked me well what I would change about them. I quickly started listing all of the things I would love in the perfect legging: High waisted, non-see-through, 4-way stretch, contouring to smooth out my curves, compression, and of course, pockets. Since my husband is an engineer, he said, "Ok then, problem solved, you have a list to get you started to create the perfect leggings." I laughed and said, "What do you think I am a fashion designer?" But then I became curious, and that night began the google searching: How are leggings made? What is the best material for leggings? Who makes high-waisted leggings? What material properties do not allow light to pass through them? It led me down a rabbit hole of researching, emailing fabric manufacturers, and contacting cut and sew shops, and 4 months later, I had a prototype that I absolutely loved. I was getting a lot of positive feedback on them from people at the gym. I still didn't know if this idea would go anywhere. I didn't set out to start a company at this point, and I also felt like I had a huge part of my business plan missing, and that was my purpose. During this time of me going back and forth on if I should start the company, my husband and I went downtown to have dinner. As we were leaving the restaurant and walking to the parking structure, we walked by the hospital. I noticed that there was a woman that had been released from the hospital wearing a hospital gown and some scrubs pants. It looked like she had been through some sort of physical trauma. She had a black eye and bruising on her cheek. Something about seeing her trying to hide her face as she was on her phone communicating with someone about coming to pick her up made me feel moved by her pain. I told my husband that I wanted to go up 2 blocks, where I knew there was a little boutique, and I wanted to buy her something to wear. I found a black hoodie and some stretchy lounge black pants. I picked a medium size, purchased them, and hurried back to find her. She was still outside sitting on a side bench, so I walked up to her and said, "Hi, I just purchased these items from the store 2 blocks away. I thought you would like them. If they don't fit, the girl at the store said you can come to exchange them with the receipt." I handed them to her, and she just looked directly at me and said in a calm voice, "Thank you, the one thing I just prayed for was for another human being to just show me a little bit of love today." I couldn't even speak, I had tears streaming down my face, and I nodded my head, smiled, and quickly turned away and walked to where my husband was standing on the corner waiting for me. Her words hit me. I had an overwhelming feeling, and I told my husband, "I am not scared to do this. I will start this company, but my company will have a purpose. I will give proceeds of my profits to women in need in our community and call my company "Love Her Shop." I created Love Her Shop to help women feel confident, beautiful, and powerful, to have self-love and pride in their bodies. As a bonus, I would make monetary donations to local nonprofits in my community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Love Her Shop was started almost 5 years ago out of my home. I started selling at local pop-up shops at local gyms and farmers' markets, and in 2019, when COVID hit hard, I had to move my business to online sales only. This was a blessing in disguise. During the pandemic, many women were looking to work out at home, but at the same time, due to the uncertainty of layoffs, people were keeping a close eye on their expenses, and since my leggings were sold for $25 to $35, they just took off online. In 2020 Love Her Shop hit a new milestone when I had to move the business to a large warehouse, had our first year of over 1 million dollars in sales, and hired staff to help keep up with growth. I am happy to say that I have also been lucky enough to donate to organizations such as WEAVE, The Glass Slipper foundation, Saint John's "Red Door" organization, girl scouts, and local Foodbanks. My business continues to grow and expand, and this year I look forward to expanding my line for men.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

When I started my business, my biggest challenge was Learning analytics, marketing, and SEO. I didn't know any other e-commerce business owners, so all of my knowledge was self-taught.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't let fear of failing stop you from starting.
  2. Ask local business owners in a similar space if you can shadow them or have them mentor you.
  3. Listen to your core customers, and don't be afraid to change the original plan that you had in mind.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lovehershop.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovehershop/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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