Where do you see yourself after graduation? Working in the corporate world crunching numbers? Getting an entry level position at a retail store hoping one day "I'm going to open my own store and I'll make the rules"... We all know life after graduation seems like your working for something bigger to come along in the next 10 years....
ECU Graduates Ashley Dodd and Lauren Priest left the Pirate Nation in December of 2009 and entered the "real world". Both armed with a degree in business marketing, they set of into jobs appropriate to their field of study. But the two came together and found a way to incorporate what they've learned in college, working retail, and working in marketing, to launch their online boutique LASH by Lauren and Ashley in September 2012 .
ECU Graduates Ashley Dodd and Lauren Priest left the Pirate Nation in December of 2009 and entered the "real world". Both armed with a degree in business marketing, they set of into jobs appropriate to their field of study. But the two came together and found a way to incorporate what they've learned in college, working retail, and working in marketing, to launch their online boutique LASH by Lauren and Ashley in September 2012 .
"Now or Never.."
MP: What inspired you to join the online retail industry?
AD: In one of our business classes we learned about market research and one of the projects was to research for an actual company. It gave us a lot of real life experience...
We also got experience while Lauren and I both worked at Pink boutique where we were able to help the owner with buying the merchandise...
Lauren and I had thought about it before and because Lauren was working in sales, and I worked for an advertising/marketing company it made since to try going online. I had a friend who can code websites and I have a background in graphic design, so we just thought... 'Why not now?'
MP: What does it take to work and run an online boutique at the same time?
AD: It takes a lot of motivation and organization...
We meet with a lot of different people and business owners who gave us advice about all the different areas of running a business.
"You need to be passionate about it to give it your all."
MP: What are the pros and cons of and online retail business?
AD: Running an online boutique if a lot more flexible and you dont have to pay rent. The hard part is catering to customers who are less enthusiastic about shopping online and are more hands on.
MP: What can customers find at LASH?
- Jewelry created by local designers
- Personal stylist feature where you can ask Ashley and Lauren for advice on putting outfits together (Ask the Stylists)
- Great clothes and accessories for the college student budget in their "LASH for LESS" section!
MP: Any last advice for the Merchandisng Enthusiasts?
AD: Any one can do this if you set your mind to it and you have a good plan! Think of ways to be different...
It's a new year and a new semester! Take what you've learned from Ashley and Lauren's climb to success and start planning your next move. Just because your in school or have a job doesn't make it impossible to take chances and do something bold and fun! Once you make a plan and do your research all it takes is passion and confidence.
Ask questions.
***Join ECU A.I.M.O and LASH this Spring semester for a Stylist Party! More detail will be posted so keep a look out! ***
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