How She Did It!-Marie Denee

When I was first starting out, I learned a few things that enabled me to launch my fashion blog, The Curvy Fashionista. Through the blog, I was able to test the market, share my thoughts and establish myself as a reputable source for plus-size fashion. This laid the foundation for my boutique, Marie Denee, which became an extension of my blog and eventually became my brand!

Here’s what I learned:

1. Research, research, and research! Wanting to start my own business is a dream long awaited. Before I took that first step, I immersed myself in the industry. I learned what was there, what was missing, who the leaders were, who my client was and how I wanted to get there. I networked and kept ridiculous journals loaded with years of information and research to keep me current and adept!

2. Know your audience. “If you build it” does not always mean they will come. Knowing your customer’s shopping habits, her desires, wants, needs, motivations and state of mind will help you shape your product to your client’s needs. This will help you know if she likes phone calls or emails — contemporary styling or traditional styling. At times, you’ll need to know her better than yourself in order to anticipate her wants and provide answers to her needs.

3. Think outside of the box. While there are certain processes that need no reinvention, setting yourself apart from the crowd often catches the attention of industry leaders. Here is where you innovate to deliver your product in an unconventional way. Ask yourself questions — What is missing? What is she looking for? How can I make it easier for her? And sometimes, How can I catch her attention?

4. Engage and Listen. Social media has revolutionized the way information is dispersed and received. Maximizing the use of these tools can bring you an amazingly responsive and alert audience — if used properly. Just simply dropping off information without interacting with your audience is not productive. Your audience is savvy and her attention span is short. Solicit feedback, which will allow you insight into your client’s needs, wants and desires. Taking the time to listen, rather than pushing your product, will at times reveal invaluable information about what is missing.

5. Surround yourself with a strong support system. Embarking upon your dream can be scary. I have found that a supportive, encouraging support system can motivate you through times when you feel exhausted, drained, or down. Your cheerleaders will remind you of your purpose, believe in your dream, and keep you grounded!

Marie Denee is an upscale contemporary online boutique that offers today’s fashion forward, curvy, confident, and chic plus size woman, a sanctuary where she can confidently shop the latest designer fashions in her size, without sacrificing her desires for premium, fashion-forward and impeccably fit options. The blog, The Curvy Fashionista, offers this woman a resource where she references the latest in plus size fashion, trends, entertainment, and more, catered to the Curvy.Confident.Chic. plus-size woman.