Lessons Learned In The First Year of Business with Pam Colon

Calling all brand new business owners. This week episode is just for you. You know, one of my favorite things about interviewing guests on Boutique Chat is I feel so lucky to get to talk to store owners of all types and all sizes and all backgrounds. But I hear you guys when you're saying, hey, I don't want to just learn from people who have been there for a while. I want to hear from people who are in the thick of it, who are just getting started and figuring it out as they go. And that's why this week's guest is so important. Pam Colon is the owner and founder of Muted Closet. And Pam was also our giveaway winner here at the Boutique Hub when we ran a contest a few weeks ago asking what do you want to hear of on the show and would you be our guest expert? Pam was the perfect person for this because today we're going to dive deep into what it's been like for her to start her business. How she's grown organically with word of mouth and vendor pop up events, how she's really used collaborations to her advantage and, and now all the way working until her one year anniversary, which is right around the corner. How is she going to celebrate and how is she going to continue her workflow going forward? Now Pam's story is also really unique because she is also a teacher working full time and operating her business. And I know that resonates with so many of you trying to juggle two careers while you grow your business on the side until the point where your business can fully take over. So without further ado, this week's episode is awesome. I am so excited that Pam was our guest giveaway winner.

Thank you.

Because her story is excellent. Meet my friend, Pam Colon, the owner and founder of Muted Closet. Let's talk about your business strategy and the juicy details of what actually works. From mainstream fashion to fashion on Main street and the entire ecosystem behind it. How do we scale your company and do it with the balance and the happiness that we all seek? Let's hear from those insiders, experts and strategists that actually make it happen. I'm your host, Ashley Alderson from the Boutique Hub and I can't wait to chat. All right. Hey guys. Welcome back. I have a very special guest today. Pam, I'm so happy that you're here. I don't know if everyone listening remembers, but we had a contest a couple weeks ago about submitting your ideas for the podcast and we had a guest interview giveaway. And Pam, you had such great answers on Things that you wanted to talk about and your own experience and journey owning a boutique. So you are our guest winner. Congrats on being here today.

Yeah. Thank you for having me. I'm really excited. Cause even before, like, the giveaway thing, I was like, I would love to be just a guest on the podcast, but I'm not, obviously, this big, big boutique. So it was perfect. And I'm so happy that I won the giveaway. So it's exciting.

I'm excited, too. And I love that you said that, because I get that feedback once in a while. People are like, hey, can you just have a new boutique? Like, I. A lot of times have stories that have been around so that we can hear their lessons they've learned over time. But there's also so much value in just learning from. Hey, I'm right in the thick of figuring it out. It's my first year. Here's what I've learned so far, here's what I wish I would have known, and here's where we're headed. So I love that you and I are going to get to talk about all that today.

Me too.

Perfect. All right, so on that note, give us the backstory. What made you want to start a boutique? And how did you get to this point? Point so far?

Yeah. So I've always wanted to start one since I was little, but it was always just like, a thought. And I was like, you know, I'm never gonna do it because it's this and that, and it's kind of like, in my head, it was impossible. And then one day, it was really weird. I was sleeping. I Woke up at 4am the name came to my mind. Everything came to my mind. Then that same day, I could not sleep. I started doing all the fun business, financial stuff, getting the tax idea and everything. But it's something I've always wanted to do. The only thing that was holding me back really, was just being scared of, like, failure. And what if this happens? What if that happens? But I was like, I can't live my life like that forever. Cause then I'll never be happy. But I'm excited because it's been, obviously, you know, it's a roller coaster. There's some times that are really amazing, and there's some times, obviously, where I have to, like, sit back and reevaluate everything. But I'm happy I made a decision that's so good.

Do you feel like once you made that decision and you started to put the pieces together, that right away you had support like you had a great system around you and people that were like, yes, let's do it. And that helped you overcome some of that fear right off the bat?

Yes, I think that definitely helped me. My family, friends, boyfriend, even the local Rochester community was so supportive. Even other local businesses on Instagram and Facebook were reaching out or buying stuff, which was super nice because I did not expect that much support just starting off. But I feel like if I did not have that support, it would be really hard for me to just to keep on going. So I feel like having that strong community is really helping me and having those positive models around me.

I love that. Tell me more about the setup of your business. So you're in Rochester, New York, but you're also. You're working full time and you're starting this business. Tell me about, like, what that all looks like.

Yes. So I've been teaching for five years. I teach third grade, special ed, bilingual. So it's fun. There's never a dull moment. I'm also, you know, I was like, I need to do something else. I opened up my boutique, my online boutique. And when I opened it, I did it over the summer. So I was not working. So I was like, you know, I'll see how it goes. Obviously, in the summertime, I was working on it day and night, day and night. And then once I started to work full time again, it was kind of a huge transition. Like, I know getting home from work, I'd go in at like 7, get out at 4:30. The last thing I wanted to do is take pictures and do this and do that. And I'm just like. So I really had to, like, sit down and think to myself, like, I'm going to put at least on Wednesdays, two hours to focus on this, an hour to focus on this. And I feel like giving myself those 10 times really helped me because otherwise I was just, you know, I don't really want to take a picture. I don't want to do that. I don't want to do this because I'm tired. But having those times really helped me out, so that's helpful.

So I first, I love that you're a teacher. There's lots of teachers in the boutique community or former teachers in the boutique community. So I. So many similarities. How else did you feel like you had to set boundaries or set a schedule so. So that you knew you were able to accomplish everything you needed to?

I did have to set a lot of boundaries because at first I found myself, you know, just. It can be mentally draining Like, I. Very mentally draining. And I was like, you know, there's. I'm doing something wrong because I'm on Instagram online 10 hours trying to figure stuff out. I'm like, but what am I doing? So I. That's why I joined Boutique Hub, because I needed some guidance, because I was completely lost. All I pretty much knew was, you know, I'll buy some clothes, I'll do this. And obviously it's a lot more than that. So I'm thankful I joined Boutique Hub, because even the Facebook community there is very helpful. I learned so much through there and through, like, the little podcast and through a little retail boot camp and stuff like that. That really helps out a lot.

I love it. Well, thank you for that. I wasn't expecting you to say that, but I appreciate it. And that that's the goal, right? To make your life easier and to feel like steps to follow. And you aren't just trying to figure it out on your own. And you're in a community that you trust. That's absolutely been there before. One thing, when you and I were talking earlier, you were talking about just the importance of community over competition and what that's meant in this process for you so far. Tell me how you into that and, like, what shifts that's made for you.

Yeah, so when I first started, obviously I knew it was going to be, you know, it takes time. I obviously knew that part. But I started comparing myself to, you know, companies like Pink Lily and all. There's other companies and this and that, and even some local companies that are doing super well. But then I found myself, I was looking more at their stuff and just kind of making myself feel upset. Like, I was like, look how beautiful this store is. Why, you know, why this, why that? But it was kind of like a mind shift. I really had to say. Like, I'm spending all that negative energy and it's mentally draining to me. So I kind of started looking at it in a positive way. Like, what is this business doing that's attracting so many customers? And it honestly is exciting seeing what other boutiques are doing now because you get so many ideas. And I have a friend who opened up a boutique as well online. So we're kind of like each other's support system. So obviously, you know, we're supporting each other because it's just a lot easier to get through, you know, business doing that. You feel better, your mind feels better, you feel happier. Because if you're comparing yourself, it was the most mentally draining thing. So I had to really do that mind shift. And I'm happy I did because if I didn't, I feel like I would needed closet wouldn't be around anymore, honestly. Because it really is a mental thing.

Yeah, it is. It's really the difference in looking at someone and rather than saying look at where they are, how come I'm not there yet? And instead looking at them and saying, oh my gosh, look at where they are, look at what I know is possible and I can do it too. And that's such a different feeling at the end of the day. So I love that, you know, you recognize that in yourself, but you also have someone to help hold you accountable to that mindset because man, I mean there's ups and downs and no one is immune to facing them. We're all going to go through the ups and the downs and you have to be able to maintain throughout.

Mm, for sure. Right.

All right, so let's talk a little bit more about just also maintaining that mindset. When you're tired and when you're still trying to work full time and run the boutique, are there other like systems or processes or have you been able to reach out and ask for help with others like maybe part time staff or friends to help you in your boutique as well?

Yeah. So honestly, this gonna be like she's just saying it cause she's on the show. But listening to your podcast had been very inspir only because I found myself that when I am in one of those moods where I'm just like, what am I doing wrong? Even listening to something kind of makes my mood have a little bit more hope. It's kind of funny to explain, but it makes me feel better. And I also try to, you know, I had to really reflect and sit back and you know, really think about the long term instead of just looking at it, oh, where am I now? It's kind of more envisioning like okay, what could it be five years from now? It could be this, it could be that. Because obviously in life there's so many ups and downs that it's just so unpredictable and working full time and with that can be super stressful. So I, yeah, it's all like mindset and just having like a routine like I said, like I'm trying to get myself accountable. My goal is to work out more because it helps. I've only done it once in the past three months, but we're gonna get there. So you know, doing stuff like that, that relaxes my mind and that way I can focus and use that positive energy towards my business and work and all that stuff.

Yeah, I love that. Have you started like when you think about theme days in your business, like where there are certain days you're doing X, Y and Z so that you can balance both working and running the boutique at the same time and you can still get the most important things done.

Yes. So I forgot which boutique I was looking at. It was so long ago. But other ones do it as well. They have set days for different things. So for example there was I starting a throwback Thursday. So one of my old inventories I would post on Thursday if I still have it in stock. I try doing giveaways at least once a month only because it can, you know, it can generate new, a new audience, new, you know, new people to look at your stuff. I've been doing these stashes as well online and that helps a lot, a lot with like my old inventory. And I feel like the biggest thing too is I told myself I'm going to give myself 30 minutes on this day, let's say it's Wednesday to interact with other people on social media. Whether it's liking their picture commenting and not people I particularly know but people that are in that area just making those connections with local community, with other people. I feel like that setting those times has really helped a lot.

Yeah, that is helpful. How else I know you are a mobile boutique. Like you do pop ups and vendor events. How else in your first year of business have you really worked on getting the word out about your business?

Yeah. So it's funny you say that because when I was in school I was such a private person, I would not talk. So for me having to get my name out there was really awkward cause I'm super quiet. Well, not anymore. But I was super quiet to myself and I'm like I don't want to sound salesy. I don't want to be like those people who are doing hey buy this, buy that. I don't want to turn anyone off. So it was really hard for me. So I really had to be like if I don't market myself, nothing's going to happen. So I feel like I, you know, with time I got a lot more comfortable. So I feel like a lot of it too. Like I said, I do as many pop ups and vending shows as I can teaming up with local businesses and I also try to as well. If there's local giveaways, I enter in those and I do community events. So for example, I'm doing Rochester Fashion Week Within a few weeks, it's an organization. So all that money is going to go towards a charity and it's a huge event here in Rochester. So I'm really excited to do that. I feel like a lot of it is just like building, you know, those relationships because I've met some people at my vending shows that honestly have been the best customers ever. So, like forming those relationships are so important. But yeah, I like doing that. And I have these little business cards and if I see like a store or not a store, like a bakery or local restaurant, some of them have like a little table where they have other places, you know, put their business card. I always keep some in like a little stack, you know, like, I'll put them there. But yeah, you know, it's a lot about, you know, just trying to work really hard getting your name out there, especially being online, because it's hard because, you know, online, you know, people want to try stuff on. They want to, you know, does this fit? Does this not fit? So that's kind of like one of the disadvantages of being online that you really. They don't get to try stuff on, but it's online and everyone likes online shopping, so you don't have to leave. So I'm still working around that and I want to continue doing more local stuff and doing getting my name out there more and more.

Absolutely. Do you find, like, I'm sure with all the vendor events and pop ups that you've done, you found ways to streamline that process. So what are some quick tips you wish you would have known earlier when starting vendor events and pop ups to make the experience so much better?

Okay, so my first one, it was a learning experience. So I was like, you know, I'll just have a rack of clothes and I'll do this, I'll do that. I got my little square thing, which is great. I was excited. But then I was at the vending event and I was like, I don't have bags, I don't have cash and I don't even have the prices on anything. So I was freaking out. I told my boyfriend, I was like, you need to go somewhere, you need to get some bags and you know, get white bags because they're neutral. He got me these pink, blue, orange bags. I was like, okay. And after that I was just like, I need to figure this out because it was so stressful. And luckily that event, it was very mellow. There weren't that many people. It was a good learning thing and everyone else was really great. Over there. And I guess what has really helped me is obviously you learn something new with every single one you go to. I try to do a checklist of everything that I need, make sure I have everything, obviously bags, cards. I feel like cards are really important because the amount of people that ask you for your information, if they're not buying, it's crazy. Also, this has really helped me a lot. It's super random, but I found it having a little stack of claw clips or hair stuff really attracts people because I've noticed that every time I have like a little pop up and I have those things there to just kind of catch their eye, I get a lot of traffic. But yeah, I guess it's really just like planning and not the night before, like three, four days before. And getting everything in boxes, your clothes, your racks, putting prices on stuff, which is super important, charging your phone, doing this. I feel like you learn something new every single time.

That's so true. Have you built yourself? I'm sure like just a checklist to make your life easier. Like check, check, check. I'm ready to go. I've got all these things I had.

To because otherwise I'd be like, what am I gonna forget today? So it's gotten a lot better, luckily. So now I feel like I feel great, I feel confident. So I guess it's just having everything like prepared, like everything that you know you need. And I would do it three and four days in advance because that way you, you know, the next day you may wake up and be like, oh wait, I need this too. I need that. So that way any last minute things you can put into there. So that helped.

Are you carrying home and gift products in your store? Add ons and upsells and decor and all the things to round out your retail experience? Well, if so, I want to invite you to save the date for our Hubventory feature week featuring all home and gift on June 19th through the 23rd. During this week, you're going to shop exclusives by a number of brands on Hubventory. You're going to be able to plan collections by using our pinnable boards to help you shop smarter on Hubventory. Plus, if you're a hub member, don't forget about those hub member discounts. Hundreds of brands have discounts built into their products just for you on hubventory.com. so save the date for our home and gift feature week June 19th through the 23rd on hubventory.com. are you also working on like collecting email addresses while you're at the vendor event and just so you have like follow up. I always think about like this and you probably already heard me talk about this in retail bootcamp, but every vendor event that we go to has a hard ROI and a soft roi. So there's the sales that we can make. Great. We calculate hard roi, but the brand exposure and the email address and then the follow up funnel, there's even more potential for growth there.

No, for sure. So at my first pop up, that was one of the only things I did right. One of the only things I had a little clipboard and it was like you had to sign your name and write your email. And of course that was like, you know, it could be entered to a $25 gift card because you need something that you know, grab their attention. And that helped a lot with emails and you know, because it's easy to underestimate like the power that email still has because you're like, you know, everyone's on Instagram and Facebook, they don't check their emails. But in reality everybody checks your email.

So.

So I'm still working on growing my subscriber list cause that way they are in to know about everything. So that's really helping out a lot. So I'll do that at my next popup as well.

That's so good. When you look back, your one year anniversary is coming up in. Did you say June or July?

June.

Oh man. So good. So in your first year of business, if you look back, what are like, what are two things that you could change or do different or do sooner in your business in the first year?

So one thing which I highly recommend and I'm in the process of doing now, I don't know, I waited so long is getting an accountant because it's I, you know, I was like, this is going to be easy. I'll be able to do my own stuff and this and that. And then come tax quarterly taxes. I'm like, do I know what I'm doing? So I feel like doing that is super important because you can do all your bookkeeping your and just getting some that you can trust to get that financial stuff, that's one less stress. And then also another one is inventory. Because when I first started shopping, I was thinking more like, oh, what would I like I would wear this, would I wear that? But I wear this. And I wasn't really, you know, envisioning oh, what may this customer want? What do you think will attract them? So it's funny how that works out because half the time A lot of the stuff that's my favorite is just, you know, just chilling there. But the stuff that I'm like, it's okay. Is the one that sells the quickest. So it's interesting to see how it is because you never really know. And also, I. Unless you're an influencer, I wouldn't recommend this. But I overbought inventory, so too much inventory and it's just overwhelming. So obviously I would be more strategic with how I did stuff because you don't want to be all mixed up with your financials and this and that. So the social media part, I had downgrade and the website, it was just all the little behind the scene things that make such a difference. Definitely get an accountant, you know, organize with inventory and all that stuff. It's overwhelming.

Yeah, it is. And especially when you're working full time and running the business, there's such a retail art side of the brain and a retail science side of the brain. Some people are blessed to have both and some of us are not. I'm not. Right. I'm definitely more the art side. So to have someone who can be the analytical person in your business relationship, that's huge. Accountants are.

Yeah, I was like, you know, this is really easy. I could do it. And then I was like, nope.

Yeah, on the corner of like, I could do it, but should I do it? Two totally different questions.

I mean, I got our time zones wrong today. It's what's speaking for itself.

Hey, we don't need to tell anybody that. That's no problem.

No secret.

What do you feel like in your first year of business has been the best business advice that you've been given.

I would feel organic growth in building that relationship with your customers because I know a lot of people are like, you know, I'm starting off. Let me buy my followers off here. Buy my followers of that. But what people don't realize is that it's not generating authentic people and audiences and it's actually being, you know, negative to your algorithm and stuff. So I. Those relationships, even, like, I feel like local businesses have helped out a lot of just following them, keeping with the community, you know, talking to your customers, even if it's not business related, like happy birthday, doing this, doing that. Oh, you know, it's beautiful picture because you want to make them feel also like obviously you do care about them. And it's not only just the business side because you'd be surprised at, you know, how much they can trust you and you know, with all that other stuff So I feel like building relationships is the most important thing because it keeps people coming.

Yeah, that's so true. Tell me more. I know you've done such a great job collaborating with your local business community. What are some other ways, like, you're engaging with them on social? Have you done any just, like, cold outreach to introduce yourself and say, hey, I'd love to work with you?

So, yeah, so I've done that. And at first I was like, what if they say no? What if they do this? But everyone's been so great and it's fun doing it. And I've also been trying to. One thing on my to do list is this year I want to get my stuff into, like, a local hair salon or something like that, because that gives you so much exposure. So that is one goal I have for myself this year, is to try to get, you know, some of my pieces into, like, a local salon, something like that, because it is also building community and, you know, but yeah, social media is super important. I had to start doing reels and they. The first few were really awkward and I think I deleted them since then. But it's just, you know, getting in yet to know what people are looking at, what they like, what is trending. And obviously it's like half the time I'm like, okay, can I do this without being, like, super cringy and this and that? Yeah, I feel like it's. Social media is free marketing, so I feel like that's super important and it gets your name out there.

It absolutely is critical. And you're so right. I think all of us have deleted some of our very first reels and posts and live. Like, the very first time I think I went Facebook Live, I felt like Ricky Bobby on Talladega Nights. Like, wow, what do you do with your hands? I have no idea. But we've all been there, for sure.

That's one thing I have not done that I'm still kind of scared to do, but I want to do alive. I want to, but I'm kind of scared, but I know it's super good for you, so I'll put that on my to do list as well.

You're going to message me and I'm going to tune in. I'll be your first viewer on your first Facebook Live. We're going to make that deal.

Yes. Perfect. Perfect.

Something else that I know you've mentioned that's been really helpful to you in your first year of business is just managing the mindset of the highs and lows, and we Kind of touched on this at the beginning of our conversation, but I want to go back to it because it's so important. You know, we all have like those really encouraging and discouraging days. But are there other habits or practices that have really helped you just to come back to, here's where I am, here's where I'm going, and to just keep confident in what you're working on every day?

I feel like kind of having an accountability partner really helps out a lot because everyone's going to have those days. Even the most successful people are going to have those days where they're feeling down. And business is, like I said, a roller coaster because you never really know the economy. Things are going up and down. But having someone, you know that works in business, an accountability partner that kind of understands the highs and the lows has really helped me as well. And of course, talking to my family and stuff as well. But mostly people that are in your field or can relate, I feel like that helps because then, you know, okay, I'm not the only one going through it. There's other people going through it and they got through it. So I can too. Because the biggest thing I see as well, just recently I've been seeing a lot of, like, local and just kind of other online boutiques closing after like less than a year or a year of being in business. And I feel like for me, I could have been at that point if I didn't change my mindset because it's so easy to do. So I just feel like, you know, having that accountability partner and looking at the long term instead of just like, you know, short term, like right now I don't have anything. Or that because it is. It takes a while, I think I read somewhere, I don't even know where, that it takes three years to like, for your online boutique to actually start making profit. So that's what I keep in the back of my mind to make me feel better.

So, yeah, it's such a journey. And I think like the first year, and if not the first year, the first two years, like, it's a lot of just investing to see what's going to work and then taking all of your profit and reinvesting it until you can get that flow and the organic traffic is such a key to it. How many people can I get on my email list? How many people can I get in my Facebook group? How many people can I get to my website and just incrementally building every step of the way? All right, Pam, other quick Questions for you in your first year of business. Best book that you've read or listened to.

So I have, I honestly do not remember the name, but I have it over here so I can show you. Hold on. It is common. Unclutter your soul. And for me, I like reading a lot of like motivational books. I like everything. But I've been really into motivational books lately because I guess it also helps when I'm feeling down. So I've been into motivational books and just kind of, you know, make myself feel better. So it's one of my favorites.

All right, so besides books that are motivating, what podcasts are you listening to that are motivating or other channels that you follow that give you inspiration?

Well, of course, like I mentioned, your podcast is very inspiring and I also did join a group called Boss Babes. They're also super inspiring because kind of like the same concept as Boutique Hub. And it's great having so many different communities. So it's everyone at the same like minded goals, entrepreneurs and working together, collaborating. And I just feel like just how positive people are in like their podcasts make you want to keep going and going and going and you learn so many new things. So I've been trying to like, you know, get signed up for as many things as I can. I also did join a local little, it's like Rock Girl bosses, a little thing as well. It's like local Rochester girls and their businesses and they're super encouraging too. So I've been trying to get all that fun stuff, trying to connect and listen to a little bit of everything.

Awesome. You had to fill your cup. Keep filling that cup.

Exactly.

All right, so I know you're coming up on your one year anniversary. How do you plan to celebrate?

So of course a big giveaway. I'm really into giveaways and I want to do something special. It's like memorable. I want to build that momentum. I have different ideas in mind, but I'm trying to decide between different ones. But I know I definitely want it to be something that people would go back on my social media to obviously check up on. So give away a sale. But I want to introduce it in an exciting, fun way that will catch people's attention. But yeah, it's really exciting and who knows, maybe I'll even do a pop up somewhere for my one year anniversary. But I know I definitely want to do as much as I can. It's already been a year and it feels like it's flown by like I can't believe I've done this for a year already.

Unbelievable.

Yeah.

Well, Pam, this is a big question. So I love asking guests this question at the end because I love hearing about business and I love hearing about the products we sell and the strategy and everything. But there's such a bigger purpose behind why we do all the things we do. So if you think about your life, I'm just going to say 30 years down the road and you think back to all the people that you've come in contact with, the friends you've made, the customer that you serve, what are the things that you want people to remember most about the person that you are, how you live and this journey that you've been on.

I think the biggest thing is, is that like, how genuine someone is. Like, obviously, you know, you have your boutique, but there's also a different side of you and, you know, building those connections, making people feel like they're loved, making them feel confident, motivated, just kind of being like their little sideline cheerleader. So I want people to remember me as someone that's encouraging and motivating and kind. So, you know, I, I would like to say I'm nice, so I think I am nice. So, you know, building all those relationships has helped a lot because the amount of people I have come back that I've met from, you know, previous pop up shops, just to come say hi to me is kind of surprising because you're like, wait, they're coming back because of me? Like, why would they be coming back because of me? So I think it's just being genuine and transparent with your customers. Transparency and honesty is really important as well because if they see something's not perfect, of course you're a person, so it's going to make them feel more relatable to you.

I love that being genuine, being kind goes such a long way.

Memorable for sure.

Absolutely. Well, Pam, thanks so much. Congrats on winning the contest and being on the show. Thank you for having me. You're so welcome to have you. Hi. Awesome, thanks. Hey guys. Thank you so much for listening to this episode. We hope that you loved it. Don't forget to hit subscribe and leave a rating and review down below for a chance to be one of our featured listeners each and every week. For more information on our spirit of community over competition and and how to access complete show notes and bonus downloads from our guests, head on over to the boutiquehub.com and join the community. We'll see you next week.