Today we’d like to introduce you to April Tolbert.
April, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from The University of Memphis, I felt the natural trajectory should be to seek a career in the corporate world. I worked for several companies before I landed my last job in Corporate America as a Branch Manager for a rental car company. In that role, I truly learned how to run an efficient and effective business. I was responsible for the success of that branch, so I worked very hard to make sure my branch performed. At some point in my career, I realized that I could utilize the things I had learned from this company, along with my degree in Marketing and build a successful entrepreneurial career. In March of 2009, I purchased a camera and began taking pictures. Because I have such a supportive network, it was not hard to find clients. When I discovered that I had a gift, I decided to nurture it and hone the craft. I left my corporate job in October of 2009 to pursue photography full time. Essentially I am a self-taught photographer, but I made it a point to attend conferences and workshops, even to get a mentor, to perfect the art. I did, and my business flourished.
In 2016, I was bitten by the fashion bug on a visit to Los Angeles. When I returned home, I felt that my skills as a photographer, again, along with my Marketing degree, would be the perfect foundation to open a clothing boutique. Because of my network of existing photography clients, the online boutique grew wildly within six months. Eventually, it grew to a point where I had to choose between photography and the boutique. The boutique won. Gabby Grace Boutique has paved the way for many new ventures such as designing, public speaking, event hosting.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a smooth road with a couple of minor bumps. With everything in life, there are struggles. You will encounter pushback. You will find times that things aren’t up to the standards that you set. As an entrepreneur, you will experience much “ebb and flow”. Sometimes things are good. Sometimes they are not so great. The key is to set goals and have a plan to achieve them, and regardless of what bumps come, remains diligent in striving for excellence.
Please tell us about your business.
Gabby Grace is an online clothing boutique that caters to the everyday woman. I wouldn’t put an age on our brand, but our clientele is the professional, sophisticated woman that seeks a sexy, stylish but modest look. Our slogan is “Timelessly Trendy”. What that means is that we focus on pieces that will transition through time and seasons, but we throw in trendy elements to keep up with what is current in fashion. We also celebrate the curvy woman. Although we are not a plus-size boutique, I am a curvy woman, and I represent the part of our population that wants clothing to that makes us feel confident, even though we aren’t a size 2. On the flip side of that, the more slender women out there can also feel confident that what she buys from Gabby Grace will be flattering to her body style as well. Recently, we got into having our own clothes manufactured so that we have control over the fit! We are proud of the fact that we cater to such a diverse clientele. The bottom line for us is to make EVERY woman feel beautiful and walk-in self assurance. What sets us apart is that we hold the bar high for customer service and integrity. You will never have to wonder “if” you will get the merchandise you paid for. We operate with a spirit of excellence, and if there is ever a problem, we go above and beyond to make it right.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Our city is vibrant! We are building up and becoming a force to be reckoned with! We have so much culture and flair and diversity. If there is one thing that we can all agree on in this city is the support of our sports teams, and we have some of the best food this side of the Mississippi! I am a proud Memphian!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabbygraceboutique.com
- Email: gabbygraceboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: ingstagram.com/gabbygraceboutique
- Facebook: facebook.com/gabbygraceboutique
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