Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Outlaw.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My business, The Glam Boutique, was initially directly related to my role as an independent consultant with a direct sales jewelry company. I wanted to broaden my business and expand on the types of accessories I could provide to local consumers. There was a great supply gap in my rural hometown, specifically for quality accessories and gifts.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Over the past 18 months, Covid-19 has certainly provided its own set of challenges. In addition, it has been a struggle to balance a new business and maintain full-time employment. Retail can be unpredictable, which adds another layer of stress.
The Glam Boutique has a brick and mortar location in addition to an e-commerce site. At this time, I am the sole full-time employee and managing all of the intricacies of the business can be overwhelming.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In addition to being a full-time entrepreneur, I work on the CREATE team at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Chapel Hill. I manage a regional program within Create called SmartUp. We provide technical assistance to small businesses in rural and urban distressed communities.
We hire graduate students to work as consultants with the businesses in our cohorts. Some examples of the types of projects we deliver are financial projections, marketing strategies, process improvements recommendations, etc.
I’m very proud of the work we do because it is impactful and meaningful to the businesses and communities in which we serve.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
As it relates to The Glam Boutique, I would like to franchise the company. It would be a major accomplishment of mine to provide a model that will help aspiring entrepreneurs start their own accessories boutique whether it’s a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce business. In recent years, the retail industry has seen a surge in small boutique-style businesses, especially e-commerce. I expect that trend to continue. E-commerce in general is rapidly growing and the possibilities with technology are simplifying the ways in which we shop online. With that said, I think it will force all small businesses to consider an online shopping presence overall. The Glam Boutique has built a presence in both markets and we are ready to meet the needs of consumers. Shop with us!
Contact Info:
- Email: nicole@theglamboutiqueqwindsor.com
- Website: theglamboutiquewindsor.com
- Instagram: @theglamboutiquewindsor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglamboutiquewindsor/
Image Credits:
Gabrielle Joseph (first two) Self (second two)
