So this lady is standing next to me going through my Couttsea rack while I adjust some of the pieces on hangers.
I want to believe that she thinks that I’m just a random shopper at the open pop-up shop going through the racks. She sounds like she is choking so I look to her rapidly. It’s just a scoff: “Who would seriously choose these buttons for this fabric? Like Who?” My brain wanted to look her dead in the eye and say, “Well, I would. Hi I’m Carly Coutts and this is my resort wear brand.” ....Except I only thought of that 15 mins later. Instead I chuckled awkwardly, giving her a half nod, and then slowwwlyyy scooted away.
:DUM DE DUM DE DUMMM….
Talk about AKWARD. HAHA Ps. Another client bought the piece later on, and without knowing what occurred earlier, actually complimented the buttons! To each their own... Yet in a weird, twisted way… I appreciated her feedback. The delivery could have been much better, but okay, mental note: Figure out what she didn’t like and see if her feedback is valuable or simply a subjective opinion. It’s no lie that in business customer feedback is KEY (shout-out to EXCO), and before starting a business, Market Research and testing is the whole enchilada. If you’ve been following along on this Adulting 101 journey, thus far we’ve established the following: 1. When you leave your 9-5 job, HAVE a plan
I want to say though, that the confidence in your service/product & knowing your worth will come from: 4. Sufficient market research/testing. We aren’t going to begin as professionals, but with a little time and humility, we will get there. For me, my brand has been in the ‘research’ phase since it’s inception. I’ve created numerous one-of-a-kind pieces with part of my intention being to find the perfect fit, fabric, styles and cuts, while figuring out what works and does not work (like apparently those buttons ??). Also, fun fact: People aren’t big fans of pink. Who knew? It can be a really awkward process, but market research is so valuable. It means so much to me when someone shares their feedback (both good and bad), as it is the only way that I can learn and improve. Thus far I’ve noted that certain fabrics are too hot in our climate, certain colors don’t mesh with my market, and certain styles take a little longer to catch on (though they do!). I’ve monitored what sells like hot cakes, and what sits a little longer. I’ve done my best to accommodate all shapes, sizes and heights, while coming to the harsh realization that I cannot please everyone (but I still try). I began this venture with the hopes to make beautiful pieces for my peers, but through my research I found that there was in fact a completely new demographic drawn to my product, style and message. Over the last two years I’ve broadened my clientele and in all that I’ve done, I’ve created to suit THEIR (your) needs over my initial vision. Someone can look at my journey of two years (& counting) and think, “WOW that’s a long time” - interpreting my progress however they wish. Yet in my world, i’m right on track! Anything worth doing is worth doing properly! Slowwww & steaddyyyyy my friends. My point here is the importance of MARKET RESEARCH and knowing your clientele. Don’t dive into the deep end with excitement before understanding who’s in the pool (Like seriously, what if the queen was in there and you just cannon balled her) Your job is to find a solution to the problems in your field...So what are the problems? Have you asked? It seems to me that our success is based on how well we serve our client, so to serve them, we should first know them… For me, I want women of all shapes and sizes to feel confident and fabulous near the ocean with high quality but affordably priced cover-ups. If each resort wear piece I make can serve this purpose, I would be on the right track. Success is born of failure, and failure is the child of trying. It’s an inevitable cycle that we cannot escape, but what we CAN DO is be as prepared as possible. So step one of the ACTUAL business journey? Survey says: MARKET RESEARCH. It may seem daunting, but it's okay to start from the bottom … In fact, you should! It not only teaches you more, earns you respect, gives you a clearer vision of your end goals and builds character … but then you can actually chant to that Drake song with passion and feel good about it. #LifeGoals On that note, I’m taking a little hiatus for the Christmas season! Wishing you all an amazing holiday, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!! See you all in 2020 fam! ahhh time is flyingggg!
RESEARCH CONFIRMED :
JUNGLE PANTS = GOOD FOR JUNGLE WELL... GLAM JUNGLE OR JUNGLE-LIKE PLACES IF YOU WILL
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJust your average hot-mess-express on a journey to success. ArchivesCategories |