Starting a new business is like learning a new language.  To get your business off in the right track, seek advice from the professionals within. The clothing designers have seen every type of boutique. From the thriving ones to the ones struggling to keep their doors open. They have stories from both sides.  

Straight from the designer’s eye, we give you an interview of 81 Poppies designer, Michelle Weisman. While shopping in local boutiques in Orlando, FL we have came across her fun-loving collection. She built her business from the ground up so we definitely trust her to say more than a thing or two about making a clothing boutique happen! 

What was the final pull that made you jump two feet into the entrepreneur design world? 

I think it was a little bit of pressure from my piers as well as fulfilling a dream of mine that I have had since I was in grade school. I think moving to Austin from New York was the first step, it allowed me to have more freedom and the cost of living was significantly less. And after living in Austin for about a year I realized that I was ready to make my dreams come true.

I love the story of how you came up with 81 Poppies. Where there any other names you considered? Yes I struggled with other names before I came to 81 Poppies. I was seriously considering August for a while until doing research I found this business name was all over the map.:)

What is it that keeps you motivated and on top of the trends? I think just my love for fashion keeps me motivated and hearing my customers say how much they LOVE their 81 Poppies really drives me to keep going. I stay up on trends through reading fashion magazines, trade newspapers like WWD, blogs, and constantly shopping the market to see what else is out there.

If you owned a boutique, what would be the feel? You know, the details… colors on the wall, what type of music would you play? 

That’s a great question! I would want it to be very inviting, with lots of color, vintage fixtures, a wall garden to bring the outdoors in, comfy seating areas with fun printed sofas and throw pillows. I would want all of your senses to be stimulated when you walked in the door and create an experience for the customer that she will never forget. I also think it would be fantastic to have a coffee/tea bar inside the store.

What is the best customer service you have ever received? What was it that really stood out? 

I think the best customer service is when the sales staff makes you feel comfortable and not pressured into buying something. I can’t really think of a specific instance where the customer service stood out. 

If your best friend told you that she wanted to start a clothing boutique, what would be your biggest piece of advice?

 I would tell her that she needs a solid business plan, she needs to plan on not making money for the first 3 years, and make sure she has cash flow. The worst part of my job is hounding stores for money so I can ship them their orders.

At what point in your day do you need a boost? Does this normally mean a coffee run, or what is your pick me up? 

I usually get pretty sluggish after lunch and usually need something sweet. I am trying to cut down on my sweets so I will grab an orange or make a smoothie to tide me over before dinner.

Do you feel social media has impacted your business?Have any stories of how it has connected you to the right people? 

Yes I think social media is great for my business. It is a great way for me to connect to my customers and share what is happening as well as see what they like and what I am not getting any response on. I have had some great bloggers find me through social media as well as interns that have been a huge help to my business!

What is the future of 81 Poppies? 

The future holds so many opportunities for 81 Poppies, but I am focusing on making the collections stand out from the rest, and always striving to produce great quality clothing. I want to grow the business one step at a time which means selling to more boutiques, getting the brand recognition, and eventually going into other avenues like accessories. I launched my first Jewelry collection this Spring which was a collaboration between myself and my friend and jewelry designer Micah Yancey, which we named Micah Yancey for 81 Poppies. http://www.bonbonbymicahyancey.com/brands/Micah-Yancey-for-81Poppies.html

Another thanks to 81 Poppies for this incredible insight into retail business. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Michelle Weisman and her feminine, chic 81 Poppies brand.