My alter ego

Some of you may not know this but, I’m a small business owner. When I say small, I mean minuscule. But, I own it nonetheless and I’d like to share it with you.

Right after I had Ava, I really got into this mommy/daughter stuff. I was on pink overload for several months. After she turned about two and half, she began to like princess stuff and dressing up. I took her to the local big box stores and couldn’t really find anything I liked. Everything is made in China (hope that doesn’t offend anyone) and all of it was poorly made and very itchy. So, I took matters into my own hands.

I spent several months researching vendors for dress up clothes made here in the US. All the while, securing a DBA, web address, etc. Luckily, I found A Wish Come True. This company is based in Pennsylvania and is extremely awesome! They mostly design and manufacture dance costumes, but have a Dreamy Dress Up line, too. After finding them online, I went to the Dallas Market in January of last year and checked out their merchandise. Man, I wish this stuff came in my size. It’s all so pretty. Very vibrant colors, soft velvets and nothing itchy anywhere. I proceeded to buy a good sized lot to get some inventory started and off I went.

I did some Google advertising, which got me very few customers. I did some Facebook advertising, which got me even fewer customers. Then I found giveaways. I did three giveaways last year and that is where the bulk of my business came from. I mean, who doesn’t like free stuff right?

And then, life happened. After a giant sales boom in October, I got busy with school and life and got a new job. Yadda, yadda, yadda, sales trickled to three in the past three months. Now that school is winding down and I’ve settled in to my new day job, I’m hitting the pavement with this little dress up business.

This afternoon I place a huge order for tons of new dresses and tutus. I’m still trying to figure out the marketing side of things. It’s funny that this is the hardest part and I do public relations and communications for a living…

Anyway, if you get a chance, stop by my little store or check  out the Whimsy Girls Blog for coupons and updates. We are also on The Twitter at @whimsy_girls so please follow us. Oh, and we are on Facebook. Can’t forget that one!

I would appreciate your feedback on the store design, copywriting, blog and products. Thanks and hope you stop by!