According to the ABS, regional businesses account for over 800,000 businesses. As part of our Regional Heroes campaign, we’re profiling some of these incredible small businesses, like Pink Velvet to see what makes them (and their towns) tick!
What is the name of your business?
Pink Velvet Boutique
What is your website?
Instagram – @pinkvelvet.boutique
Facebook – Pink Velvet
When did you start your small biz?
We purchased Pink Velvet in April this year and since then, we have given the business a real shake up.
Why did you start it?
I’m very passionate about the community that I have grown up in and I have always wanted to make a positive impact and difference in people’s lives. After having my babies, Pink Velvet was for sale, I knew it was my time.
Is it the only biz of its kind in your area?
There are other businesses in our area that are very similar but our mission is completely different to any business in the area and beyond. We use our presence in store, online and on social media to empower and uplift women as well as raise funds for charities that I’m passionate about. This July we raised over $1,000 for Ralph and Kathy Kelly’s Kind July initiative and flooded our community with random acts of kindness. This Christmas Period we are donating 10% of all educational toys sold to Rural Aid to help support our farmers and create Christmas magic in this tough time.
What do you love most about living where you live?
I love the support. Whatever it is, whatever I do, our community backs me 110% and I’m forever thankful for that.
Do you have a shop front?
How would you describe your client base?
Our client base is very vast and that’s because we stock a very wide range of items. We really do have something for every lady from the moment they are born.
Who/what do you consider your biggest competitor?
Our biggest competitor isn’t in town, it’s the big stores that can afford to offer free shipping and all the bells and whistles. I can guarantee though, those companies don’t have a boss that cries tears of happiness each time an online order comes through like I do.
How do most of your clients find you?
I’d say our Instagram is where our new customers find us the most. We have gained 4,000 followers in the 6 months that we have owned the business, which is H U G E for a small biz in the bush.
Do you network with other small biz in your area?
Yes! These women are now some of my besties because we know what it takes, we know what goes into it and we know that we all need to support and love each other.
What do you think is the greatest challenge your community/area/district faces right now?
Easily the drought. Our farmers cannot afford to cart water to shower and drink from at the moment. The town spirit is at a low and it’s truly depressing to see. I love Christmas and I love creating magic and that’s why I have created our 12 Days Of Christmas this December as well as donating 10% from each educational toy sold back to Rural Aid.
Who is your greatest support?
To be honest, it’s me. As strange as it sounds, if you do not back yourself and have your own mind’s support, no one else can help you. My next greatest support is the people that doubt me and what I want to achieve. It adds so much fuel to the fire and keeps me strong.
What’s your biggest goal for the next 5 years?
My biggest goal would be to create a greater following on my socials so I am able to empower, inspire and encourage more women.
What is your biggest challenge in terms of growing your business?
I’ve honestly never sat down and thought about it. I’m very different to a lot of people and don’t see things as challenges, I see them more as goals that I am going to reach and tick off.
If there was one thing you could to make the biggest change to your business what would it be?
It would be more social media exposure for sure. We are a small business in a little country town, not many people know about us, what we sell and what we are trying to achieve. Having that exposure would really boost us when we are creating magic like our Christmas mission to help farmers provide for their families this Christmas.
What/where is your favourite place in your town and why?
Easily Thom, Dick and Harry’s. I am a chocolate lover and I have travelled here, there and everywhere but no one makes a hot chocolate like Kailey from TDH.