About The Hub | The Boutique Hub Founder, Ashley Alderson, Interview on Dallas Market Center TV

Well, welcome back to DMC TV live at nine. Joining me, the founder of the Boutique hub, Ashley Alderson. And I know if you've been watching any of our social feeds throughout the week, and it even started really on Sunday, Ashley and her community have taken over Dallas Market Center. Ashley, welcome to the show. Well, you know, the boutique hub is such a powerhouse, such a community, and I want you to really stress just how your community has grown, who you are and who you help.

So the Boutique hub launched about five years ago, and I want to say, like most businesses, sometimes it takes the first couple years to find your legs and just spend time listening to what really is needed most in the industry. And now in the last two years, this community has taken off. And what we do is we aim to be the central connection point for the boutique industry, for boutique owners and those who support them in this business. So two things. We help consumers discover boutiques around the world, and we tell the story of the boutique owner to those who love to shop like I do. But more than that, we want to be the go to place where those in the industry can connect, collaborate, find tools and resources that they need to grow training and live events like the Boutique Summit.

Right. And so the Boutique Summit has been in Dallas last summer and you hosted it again, once again, this just the past few days ago. And Dallas Market center loves it. They love the Boutique Hub and really what your story is and how many women and others that you're empowering. Give me a breakdown of the last couple days and really what you were able to accomplish.

Well, we launched last year and really out of a vision that you guys shared with us when we first came to you about hosting the Boutique Summit and bringing in 300 boutique owners from around the world. And it went off beautifully. And now this year, we brought in 500 boutique owners from around the world. We sold out in 30 hours, which is amazing.

I get goosebumps every time you say that. It's incredible. It is, it is.

And really it's the story of the community because our community wholeheartedly believes in community over competition. And I think that's why it's so strong and it's grown the way that it has. And I mean, these women are flying in and meeting people they've never met before on the Internet, but they speak to on a daily basis. And they've got this bond and this sisterhood. So they came together the last couple of days to hear from 35 different speakers and to learn.

35. I didn't even know that. Oh, my gosh, that's unreal. Yeah.

So 35 speakers, and they took away all kinds of tips, tools, and resources that they can go home and implement.

Well, to say the least, it was a powerhouse. And I know that so many of your community, they're still here, taking in maybe market for the first time, and you are a huge advocate of the market experience in general. So many of your boutiques, whether they've been here or not, you're like, hey, it may be overwhelming, but you got to come try it out. Absolutely.

We wholeheartedly believe in omnichannel experience in terms of buying and wholesale. So one of the things that we do on our platform is we help facilitate that connection between boutique owners and manufacturers and brands. And while it's great for them to connect online and we encourage that, we really think that people need to come to market because really, the wholesale experience is about partnership and relationship, and you can't always get that just online. So they need to come not only touch and feel products, but build a relationship with the brand, build a relationship with the rep, and get to know that company on another level.

Yes. And I know that a lot of them took advantage of that. Even yesterday, I saw for the first day of market, which was. Which was really great. Can you say maybe in the next two to five years? I know you're huge on vision boards. Where do you see the boutique hub going?

Oh, my goodness. I am huge.

I know that's a loaded question. Sorry.

I am huge on vision boards. You know, we just. We want to be the central connection point, the place that a boutique owner can go and feel home every single day, whether she's celebrating success that she had in her business or she just needs somebody to talk to who understands what it's like on a daily basis. So we have big vision in terms of growth in the community, but we're launching a couple really neat products that I think are going to take this entire industry a bright new direction.

Well, I will be on pins and needles waiting. My last comment. Would you say the boutique hub enjoys Dallas? Oh, my goodness.

Not a load to ask. Not a loaded question at all. Oh, you know, the first time I came here, I walked around and was like, someday. Someday I'm gonna, like, have my picture there, and our people are gonna get together here. And I dreamed about it for so long. So to finally be here, I mean, you guys are unbelievable. To work with. Every single person in this building that our team and our community has come in contact with has been perfect to work with. I mean, Southern hospitality. I'm from Wisconsin, but Southern hospitality is such a real thing. You guys are. Aw.

And you know what? I didn't even pay her to say it. She said it beautifully. Ashley, thank you. And, yes, not only is your logo everywhere, your picture is everywhere in the building, and we love that. So thank you again. It means so much to us to have the Boutique cup here. Your entire community, we wish you nothing but the best, and we would love to have you anytime you and your community want to come back.

So thank you. Thank you.

And to everyone watching DMC TV live at 9, thank you. And we will be right back here tomorrow morning with more special guests. We'll see you then.