Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tanya Coe, Owner of Goodbuy Girls, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Goodbuy Girls is a women's neighborhood boutique that became internationally famous for vintage cowgirl boots. We are a mix of new and vintage, and our customers are a blend of loyal regulars, locals, and tourists from all over the world.
Tell us about yourself
In short, I always had a passion for fashion, even from a very young age. After high school, I wanted to go to FIDM in California, but my mom was a single mom of four children and told me we could not afford to send me there. I had a 4.0 and had a free ride to local colleges. Hence, I stayed behind and ended up getting my degree in Accounting because I was assured I would be able to get a good-paying job upon graduating. I did, but about 2 years in, I realized I was so unhappy and decided to take some time off to find a new path. I was good at thrifting and started using it as a source of extra income. My best friend, Kim Davison, was the same way. We started collecting together and dressing our musician friends and decided to start an online business and named it Goodbuy Girls. Six months later, she found a $300 a month space, and we opened our first brick and mortar in March of 2010. The business was very slow in that location, and after a year and a half, we were low on funds and almost closed up shop, but we got a last-minute opportunity to move to Five Points, where our current day location still stands and have been able to continue making it. There have been a lot of ups and downs in almost 13 years, and I often wonder what keeps me going. I guess it must just be that I really like it and the pros outweigh the cons for me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am so proud of all the press the shop has received and the big-name celebrities we have gotten to work with, but at the heart of it, I feel like my biggest accomplishment are the moments when I notice that my shop has brought someone joy.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I'm sure it's different for everyone and depending on the type of business. I personally struggle with never feeling like I can take a break and that I constantly have to be innovating and staying ahead of the game; it's honestly exhausting. It usually takes me getting to a breaking point with it to allow myself time away.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Listen to yourself, don't automatically take other people's advice; you are the one that has to live with your decisions and choices.
- Be passionate about it because longevity takes more work than you can even imagine.
- Learn how to take care of yourself and find the balance because you are all you have.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Sending love to all you entrepreneurs out there, Tanya.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.goodbuygirlsnashville.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodbuygirls/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodbuygirls/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/GoodbuyGirls
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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