Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Burton, owner of Strawberry Chic Boutique, located in Monroe, NC, USA.

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

Strawberry Chic Boutique is a hidden gem located right outside of the Downtown Monroe Area. It is a place for women of all ages where they can find a unique outfit for their next special occasion. When you step inside, you instantly feel happy. Our boutique is covered in pink, and everyone talks about how good it smells inside (it's our secret signature scent!) Our customers range from high school students to retirees. If you are looking for a gift for a special friend or a treat yourself a gift, consider us your one-stop-shop!

Tell us about yourself

If you had told me when I was younger that I would grow up to be a boutique owner, I would have told you that you were crazy. I always wanted to be an equine veterinarian, and when I got to college, I changed my mind. I started working for Belk my freshman year of college and then worked at a Bridal shop after that. Those few years working retail taught me so much about the industry, and I grew to love it. I decided that I wanted to open an online boutique, and it has just kept growing. When a customer comes in and is able to find a piece of clothing that they absolutely love on their body, that is what motivates me! To see a smile on their face, to see them feel confident in themselves, that is the goal!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been opening our storefront. For two years, we operated online, and when COVID struck, we decided to start a Facebook VIP group. Through the VIP group, we were able to expand our business so much that we decided to open a storefront location. Since then, we have hired two wonderful employees and are continuing to grow our business.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is that I am literally always working. If I go on vacation, I take myself and do what I can do there. If I have a day off, I still check emails. My boutique is my baby, and I do everything in my abilities to make sure that it runs smoothly and, most importantly, that every one of my customers has an amazing experience shopping with me!

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

  1. Do your research. Google is your best friend when you are first starting out. Decide what business structure you want and go from there. There are so many resources online!
  2. Find a good bookkeeper/accountant. This is the thing that no one likes to talk about, but it is one of the most important aspects of owning a business. Find a person you can trust and make sure that all of your books are well kept up for tax purposes. No one likes it, but it's so necessary!
  3. Support other businesses. Don't be afraid of competition. Find you a boutique bestie (or a small business bestie) and build each other up! Do collabs and giveaways together. A win for a friend is a win for you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:  https://www.strawberrychicboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strawberrychicvip/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopstrawberrychicboutique/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonhinsonburton

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.