Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in footware but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sally Allen, Founder of Tanya Heath US, located in Chatham, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I find and introduce thoughtfully made, fairly priced luxury brands to the U.S.A from Europe. TANYA HEATH Paris is my premier brand. Designed in France with Italian leathers, our luxe shoes and interchangeable heel system allow women to create their own shoe and heel combinations, a timeless shoes that they can wear much more often. My clients are women who commute, travel, and like the liberty of switching from a high to a low heel to suit their lifestyle.
Tell us about yourself
After many years in retail and consulting, I wanted to start a business that embraced my own values whilst allowing me to exercise the skills and knowledge that I had acquired throughout my career.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
TANYA HEATH introduces an innovative way for women to shop and consume less. I feel so accomplished when my clients find TANYA HEATH as a problem-solver. My clients are smart, professional women who are not afraid to try something new and love the versatility and creative expression that TANYA HEATH allows. I feel so fortunate to have met so many of these wonderful clients and brand advocates!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner means taking risks! Having the belief in what I can accomplish and funding my inventory and growth from my own savings is a financial risk that keeps me awake at night. Each new idea, marketing opportunity, Trunk Show partnership, and product takes a commitment of time, money, and know-how. Sometimes those ventures pay off, and many times those risks do not pay off. After three years, I think that I’ve gained so much insight from both my mistakes and my wins that it’s starting to pay off.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
For anyone looking to start their own adventure, make yourself vulnerable. You are going to need to leave your comfort zone to learn, grow, and scale.
Secondly, find your people. Don’t be so disappointed when your friends aren’t as excited about your business as you are. Work to find allies and build a network of diverse skill sets and knowledge bases. Introduce yourself through networking groups, social media, and similar businesses.
Finally, learn from your mistakes. They are not failures but just part of doing business. The failures will allow you to refine your mission, strategy, and plan. They make force or allow you to redirect. Use those moments and time to refocus and get better.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://tanyaheathus.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanyaheathus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyaheathusofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallymallen/
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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