Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliette Muller.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juliette. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since I formed my bow tie and accessory company, The Cutie Bar, in August 2018, my entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of fulfilling. I have worked in Corporate America for many years as a Financial Analyst, and have always been a person, driven by data, logic, number-crunching and problem-solving. However, for as long as I can remember, I have equally felt the desire to be expressive, artistic, colorful, impulsive, daring and down-right creative. So, with my love for fashion, I became a wardrobe stylist and style enthusiast for women. The joy I feel connecting with women through fashion, and helping to tell their stories through their appearance, has been amazing!
But, I still wanted more. I felt compelled to create something tangible that could further express my creative side. As a mom of two boys, my ultimate goal was to be an example for my sons on the ideologies of investing in yourself, perseverance, and the magic of having your own. So, I created a brand that would merge my love for fashion, and fit my lifestyle of being a mom with boys. A brand that would allow me to create art for and with them. A brand they would find interests in, and hopefully one day, have as their own. After much research, I said, “Why not bow ties?” My boys love them! So, I purchased a sewing machine and The Cutie Bar was born.
The Cutie Bar is an exclusive, handmade, bow tie and accessory bar full of personality. We specialize in an array of unique patterns and bow tie designs for men, women, and children.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Easy? Of course not! I don’t know of any start-up/small business that would say their journey has been easy or smooth. However, for me, the ups and downs have been rewarding. Being able to see the organic growth of a brand that I am creating, while learning and interacting with my customer base that I serve, and growing this company with my boys, have been the most rewarding.
But, like any entrepreneur, I experience what I believe are the common struggles for any budding entrepreneur, especially the entrepreneurs that create their own products.
Struggle #1: Building inventory. I mean, let’s be real – supply and demand is a real thing.
Struggle #2: Being everything. You have to be a Visionary, Human Resources, PR Coordinator, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Accountant, and the list keeps going.
Struggle #3: Building an Audience. In the world of social media, it is finding who’s interested in your product, learning algorithms, and how to stand apart from your competition.
Struggle #4: Time. There’s just not enough of it. For one, I work in Corporate America. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. Being a Financial Analyst feeds the left side of my brain. However, like most careers, it requires most of your time. And let’s not forget my most important job, being Mom. So, finding time to build my brand can be a struggle, but when you truly believe in your brand, you find the time. From lunch breaks, to scheduling dedicated work hours in the evenings and weekends, I make sure to find the time to build my brand.
Struggle #5: Sleep. Need I say more?
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Cutie Bar is an exclusive, handmade, bow tie and accessory bar full of personality. We specialize in an array of unique patterns and designs for men, women, and children.
We are different than other bow tie companies, because we have a mission to break the stereotype of how bow ties are traditionally worn. We offer unique styles for men, women and children to wear in their everyday walks of life. Our collections are filled with fun patterns and unique designs that can be worn outside of a suit and black-tie event.
Our motto is, The Cutie Bar: The New Normal.
We pride ourselves in giving back to the community. We provide bow ties to deserving organizations, and individuals needing help in professional development.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was fearless, outgoing, imaginative and goal-oriented. Some would say, head strong. I There wasn’t a project, task or idea that was too big or too much to obtain. I was perpetual at trying new things and setting goals. When one task or goal was achieved, I’d wonder, “What’s now? What’s next?”. Fast-forward a few years, I realize my imagination has always been on level 10. I’ve always imagined ways to create a life beyond what was expected of me. I was never done setting goals. The moment I achieved a goal, it was necessary that another goal took its place.
Guess what? Nothing has changed.
Pricing:
- Youth Bow Ties – $12.50 and under
- Bow Ties (Men and Women) – $24 and under
- Accessories – $12 and under
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecutiebar.com
- Email: info@thecutiebar.com
- Instagram: thecutiebar
- Facebook: thecutiebar
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