Starting a small business is a labor of love but creating an online presence can be difficult when you’re starting from scratch.
Shana Brownlee and Cathlin Stuntz decided to put their dream into action and created a mother-daughter owned small business, Our Favorite Things Boutique, in June of 2016. They were unaware of the help the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University could provide until Small Business Saturday.
After an appointment with SBDC, Shana and Cathlin were excited to implement the Center’s recommendations for their social media. Shana says, “What’s more, with the help of an intern, we now have a beautiful website from which we have booked several parties and created new contacts.”
“We started by offering signs and now have pillows, windows, flower boxes, benches and other projects that customers are able to purchase, or create themselves,” Shana added. “We expanded our location to be able to offer classes on refurbishing furniture, making chalk paint, and painting techniques. We are also now offering team-building events to local businesses.” Our Favorite Things Boutique is now making DIY kits for people to order and do at home during this time.
Shana and Cathlin have worked to create a business that is their customers’ “happy place.” They have been told they are “the best-kept secret in Bloomington-Normal,” where they encourage creativity, having fun, and leaving the stress of life for a few hours. They love what they do and hope their customers love it just as much. With continuous improvements to their products and offerings, they hope to be not such a secret, but well known!
For help developing or reconstructing your online presence, and more, give us a call at the SBDC and set-up an appointment.
And check our Our Favorite Things Boutique at 1513 Fort Jesse Rd in Normal IL, 61761 or at https://www.ourfavoritethingsboutique.com/
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