Meet Gianni Johnson of Fabulously Frugal Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianni Johnson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my business in June of 2018. I remember constantly posting pictures of my outfits on my Instagram account and people would always direct message me asking where did I get my clothes from. I am an avid thrifter and have been for the past ten years. I would explain to my followers that I found many of my outfits in the thrift store. Each time, I received the same response “Girl, I need to go thrifting with you, then.” So one day I made an Instagram post asking my followers if they would be interested in buying some of my vintage thrifted pieces. The amount of positive feedback caused me to start the business that night.

Initially, I started without a website or LLC. I was literally just selling clothes from a second Instagram account that I made strictly for selling purposes. Fast forward, the business is thriving and picking up. I was selling merchandise back to back. I started thinking maybe it was time to take my small undocumented business to the next step. I found a graphic artist and asked him to make a logo for my business; he agreed to do so, and we worked together for weeks coming up with the perfect concept. Once my logo was completed, I thought it would be time to build a website for my brand. I thought it would take some of the extra work off me if I had a website. It took me about five months to make the website myself (yes, I was too cheap to hire someone, I mean, my business name is fabulously frugal.)

Anyway, after the website made its grand opening, I noticed business wasn’t as rapid as before, however that didn’t stop me (although it did discourage me.) as a result of my business sales declining, I began searching for pop up shops to attend and get my brand out in the open. I remember going on Eventbrite and looking for pop-up shops in my area. I came across my first opportunity and took full advantage of it. That was the beginning of something great for Fabulously Frugal Boutique. I started vending at more and more events and gaining followers from networking. All in all, I am still striving to grow my small business. It is not where I want it to be yet, however it has grown so much and so rapidly. I can not complain, just have to work harder.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning a business has been very hard for me at times. Sometimes we don’t realize how far we have come as business owners. Most of us want to see success overnight and that is not how it work. The hardest part of owning a business has been “consistency” I struggle with being consistent at times, which in result make my customers inconsistent. I am still trying to master the art of marketing. If I was able to market better then my sales would be through the roof, like before.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fabulously Frugal Boutique LLC – what should we know?
Fabulously Frugal Boutique is an online vintage shop tailored to women that love unique fashion. Each item is handpicked by the CEO of the company and sold with love. I would say what sets us apart from other companies is our prices. Our boutique is not called frugal for nothing. We provide one of a kind vintage pieces for our customers. The great thing about our business is that there is only one of each item, therefore, making that item extremely exclusive.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Starting a small business is hard. I am sure every small business owner has had at least one person to motivate them. I would say the one person that motivated me during the come up was a friend of mine name Lagbeh Weah. She’s a local hairstylist in Philadelphia and she’s popping! Having her by my side during the beginning of my journey was so vital for Fabulously Frugal. She practically brought most of my merchandise lol. But her constant support made me go harder. She was actually growing her business at the same time of me growing mines, however we still managed to support one another consecutively.