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I want to own a boutique....but I have a few questions...

okay guys here it is. My sister and I and a close friend have decided that we want to open a boutique. My question for my boutique owners is how do I get started? We would like to make our own clothes. This would be a bridal boutique. We have wonderful ideas for wedding dresses and accessories. So do we start off selling someone elses product or do we sketch ours and send them off to be made for us? Or do we make one or two originals and then have others made. We are kind of stuck on this part and need some serious advice. How does one start a boutique with their own fashion designs?

Tags: ?, My boutique owners, bbwo-small-business-talk

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Permalink Reply by Ktasha on July 5, 2008 at 3:29pm

Hi Tamela,

I'm not a boutique owner, but I am a tax professional that specializes in home based and small business start-up. I'm also quite resourceful and will share with you the links I found that you may find useful.

1) StartABoutiqueBusiness.com is a resource site for designers to start, maintain and promote their businesses.
2) fabjob.com's Become a Boutique Owner

Just wanted to mention that some other issues you might want to consider are they type of business you plan to establish. If you visit my page, you can check out my blog posting on Business Structures. I'm not sure how much research and planning have already gone into your venture but you and your partners will want to consider forming a business plan and operating agreement, etc so that all involved parties will be clear on how the business will operate in terms of income and expenses.

Please also check out my website to see all the services I offer which include business plan writing, small business start-up, tax services, small business bookkeeping and much more.

Oh, by the way, let's continue to network. My second business is in the travel industry and I'm a Honeymoon and Spa Specialist. My travel website offers couples a chance to create a free online wedding registry where their guests can help pay for parts of the honeymoon and more.

--
Ktasha N. Hardge
President & CEO, Hardge Connections, LLC and
Co-Owner of Global Connections Travel

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Permalink Reply by Tamela on July 24, 2008 at 6:27pm

Wow, thank you so much for the resources and I will for sure be checking out your site.

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Permalink Reply by Newbie Preneur on April 25, 2010 at 1:30am

This is awesome. I may ask you questions about a children's clothing store in the future. I feel blessed that I came across this information tonight.

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Permalink Reply by Margaret Salmond on July 7, 2008 at 1:35pm

I know of a magazine that may offer some assistance. Its called VOWS Magazine and its for boutique owners. Here is a link to their website http://www.vowsmagazine.com/

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Permalink Reply by tjerdine on July 11, 2008 at 4:25pm

Yes, this is a good magazine.

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Permalink Reply by Tamela on July 24, 2008 at 6:28pm

Thank you for the site information. You guys know your stuff!!

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Permalink Reply by Newbie Preneur on April 25, 2010 at 1:31am

Oh My Goodness. Those dresses make me feel like I have a lot of work to do. They are simply beautiful. Thank you for the link.

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Permalink Reply by tjerdine on July 11, 2008 at 4:23pm

Hi Tamela. I too am embarking on a quest to open a boutique. I am not a designer, but I am interested in carrying other designer lines. My biz plan is complete, however I cannot overcome the financing issues. My dream may be deferred until I can find creative ways to finance other than a traditional bank loan. Sorry, I digress.

Be careful with your sketches. Bridal is a very cut-throat business. I know of one big designer that just recently got sued for copying another bridal designer gowns. If you currently have sketches, I would suggest speaking with an Intellectual Property attorney about protecting your ideas.

Do you know where and how you go about getting your gowns made? Most bridal designers set-up shop in China. These are mostly your larger designers. Can you take on sewing your gowns on your own first? Or have you considered seeking out a seamtress/tailor who has experience with dressmaking, namely bridal?

I think making samples of own originals and taking custom orders is a great idea. When you have some samples, you can pull together a trunk show. Possibly partnering with a local business, or wedding reception facility in your area that would help you get potential customers.

Do you need brick and mortar right now to start off? You are at an advantage if you can start taking custom orders working from home, and them lauching your own boutique when there is a demand for your gowns, or marking your line to other boutiques around the U.S., which would require you displaying your goods at tradeshows. Or, as you suggested, you could sell other lines, and continue to build your private label in your own store. But, you will be in competition with other designer's merchandise. Just food for thought.

Sorry this response is so long!

p.s. Someone on the post mentioned VOWS. This is a great magazine that I subscribe to. It caters to people who own bridal boutiques.