Meet Alison Grooms of Jules & James Boutique in Carrollton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Grooms.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Three years ago, my daughter was born and I stopped teaching so that I could stay home with her. I still wanted to be able to contribute to my family, but I really wanted the flexibility of being a stay at home mom.

I started an Etsy store where I sold embroidered items. The store grew and was very successful. This led to me buying all kinds of items at wholesale prices. One day I asked my friends on Facebook if they would be interested in buying all kinds of high-end items at just barely over wholesale prices. The answer was an overwhelming “YES!” I created a group on Facebook and started selling shoes and all kinds of women’s clothing at unbelievable prices.

My hobby grew and grew until one day I started thinking of it as a business. I got very serious about what I was doing, and have turned it into a full-fledged brand.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a mostly smooth road with a few bumps along the way. I feel like I paved the way for many others who now sell on a social media platform.

When I started my business, I had never met another person who sold through social media. I have had many times of trial and error, but I feel like I have made it my own and have figured out what works for me and my brand.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I do all of the buying and designing of all of the merchandise for Jules & James. I am also the main social media coordinator and marketing specialist. I think that what sets us apart from other retail stores that you could purchase from online is that you see that we are real people.

People can purchase on my Jules & James page, but then in one click they can see my profile and see that I am just a normal person. I am a wife and mom, and for the most part, live a very normal life. I think people just want to see people that they can relate to. Jules & James gives a lot back to the community, and I think our customers are loyal to us because of that.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I do. We have that small-town feel, and I think that it gives us a sense of closeness with our customers. Our tagline is generosity, kindness, friendship. Everything we do is filtered through those three words. Because of our social media connections – we think of our customers as our friends.

When they come in the store, that’s the way they are treated. I think that’s been the secret to our success, but really, it’s no secret at all.