My sister and I celebrated another year at our shop Twig and had a bit of boutique style party! We ran a “stuff the bag” Customer Appreciation sale, had refreshments and did giveaways! Four years in business is a big deal in a small town and we like to thank our customers for their support and encouragement!
But Let’s Back Up
How did we get here, where did it all begin and how did we get our start? I share the story in detail here, but I’ll run through it briefly.
I was working in a picturesque boutique just over four years ago and selling my clothing line through them. The owner decided she was done with the boutique and gave my sister and I first dibs on buying it. Owning a brick and mortar shop was nothing we had done before, but it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up!
It is incredible to look back and remember how bare bones everything was. If we had a good sales day, it would send us in to a tizzy trying to juggle which items to restock. But little by little, week by week, we built up the stock and expanded what we offered.
Sometimes people will tell us how easy we have it and if you consider our pleasant work environment, they have a point. But there are so many additional elements and details to running a shop. Lots of long hours and behind the scenes work. It is such a blessing to have a sister to work with because running it alone would be overwhelming!
Customer Appreciation Party
Planning our annual Customer Appreciation “Twig birthday party” is always fun! We try to be creative and do something out of the norm. Giveaways are rather a must. We are known for great giveaways and people love a little trinket from Twig. It is endearing how many people will share with us how much they have enjoyed the giveaway items that they received at past events!
Refreshments are an essential part of a party too, aren’t they? We like to make cake pops as an extra special treat. Typically we try to make them together, but this year found my sister making them by herself – all I did was add the sprinkles. But I did that expertly, in case you are wondering!
Balloons are another party essential and this year we had balloons that matched our bags and tissue paper which made them feel quite on pointe!
A bouquet of fresh cut flowers was graciously supplied by our parents! They are our biggest cheerleaders and encouragers (and probably customers – sorry Dad!)!
Party Prep
Though the party was for the weekend – Friday and Saturday – preparation started a few months back. And when I say a few months back, I’m talking very few.
I’d love to come across as super organized with a scheduled plan, but the truth of the matter is that a lot of what I do is last minute. I simply say this to reassure you that you don’t have to have a breakdown of a ten-year goal in order to make things happen. You simply have to devise a plan, give it your best, and make the most of it!
Yes, a detailed breakdown is a terrific thing to have, but don’t get so hung up on creating the plan that you fail to take action on the project!
We made up pretty cards with a date/time reminder on them and gave them away to customers leading up to the party. We also ran radio ads and posted about it on social media. And our customers were the best about spreading the word and telling their friends and coworkers!
After Party
And now the Customer Appreciation party is done and we are on to the after party. When I say after party, what I really mean is the tidy and restock of the entire store! We had an incredible turnout and everyone had the best time! But Black Friday is only a few weeks away and we need to place a lot of orders to prepare for another exciting shopping day!
There is much to be done leading up to a party and tidying up after a party, but the delight of our customers and success of the party makes it all completely worth it!
If you dream of owning and running a boutique, pursue that dream. Remember baby steps add up and lots of hard work will bring you to party days such as this. It is a lot of work, a lot of juggling, a lot of judgment calls, but it is also a whole lot of fun! If you ever want to talk about it with someone who is in the business, just reach out or comment below! I’ll be happy to help how I can!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. https://www.theamericanlady.com/2021/04/07/beauty-in-the-details/