Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renae Ferrario, Founder of BlveOlive Boutique, located in Glennie, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
BlveOlive Boutique is built on self-love and inspired by classic finds for the ones who love & live retro beauty and fashion. Products that allow you to share your unique style and love for yourself with the world with a little extra vintage touch.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a Hair extension, bridal hairstylist, and pinup style lover, and I created BlveOlive in 2013 to spread self-love, the love for others and to showcase beauty in other ways starting with graphic tees featuring bold hairstyles on them, known as Alt-Hair ego collection. BlveOlive has now become a haircare and accessories go-to shop over the years and offers unique finds with a vintage flare across beauty, fashion, home goodies, and more. I am a solo-run, female-owned company that strives to reach the many lifestyles of the modern pinup girl, vintage-obsessed, & retro soul through feel-good products.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Inspiring young and old generations to feel beautiful in their own skin, create a lifestyle they identify with, and motivate them to manifest self-love from inside and out. I believe loving oneself first can contribute to positive change in the world, and that's what this business is all about for me. As they say, "vintage style, not vintage values."
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Staying consistent while your business ebbs and flows. You must adapt to the ever-changing trends, economy, and technology to stay relevant in your industry. As an introverted business owner, it can become challenging at times to always "be on" your game when it comes to marketing. The more you can plan your strategies ahead for those times of ebbing, the more your business can flow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Having a support system is everything. Fear-based thoughts happen to everyone, so learning how to navigate them is crucial. If you don't have support at home or in your personal life, find a community online that will keep you motivated.
- Consistency is key. Showing up for your business consistently is when you'll really start to see momentum. As mentioned above, a business will ebb & flow. To manage that, work ahead so that when life things happen, your business can operate without you.
- Trust the process. If you know you have something good and you do the work, you show up, and your business will thrive. I know someone who built a multi-million dollar business by selling leaves from their backyard. You can do it if you believe in yourself and put your heart into it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://blveolive.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blveolive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blveolive/
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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