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! ***
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment