Business Profile: With Love Boutique

Name: Anna O’Neill
B: With Love Boutique
L: 18a Sedan Avenue, Omagh
E: withloveomagh@gmail.com
T: (028) 8224 5374
Social: withloveomagh

Business Profile: With Love Boutique

 

Can you describe your business?

With Love is a ladies fashion boutique recently opened in Omagh town, offering clothes that combines a love for vintage and contemporary fashion. We’re passionate about offering beautiful clothes that have been lovingly sourced from all over the world. We pride ourselves on stocking exclusive brands and great customer service.

Why did you start your own business? 

Growing up, my Mum spoke consistently about her love and passion for clothes and her wish to have a boutique of her own some day. But family life took over and it had become something that had been spoke about but not acted on. We soon shared this passion and over the years what once was just a pipe dream became a reality. I had been working in retail since I was 17 and went on to study buying and merchandising down in Dublin.  From this, I was able to take that knowledge and experience and utilise it for my own business. So I guess my mum was the inspiration behind all of this and I’m very lucky to have the support of my family and friends.

What are the best things about running your own business?

The main perk of the job for me is the job satisfaction I get from knowing that my customers are getting something that I personally hand picked and they absolutely love. They leave the boutique knowing that they got something completely unique and feel amazing wearing it. When I receive messages or reviews from customers saying they got loads of compliments I know I’m doing something right!

What are the main challenges facing the business? 

The challenge of attracting new customers and building upon my current customer base. Being a new business it’s about increasing awareness in the local area as well as further afield. Because we live in a technology driven society I like to keep on top of my social media whether it’s snapping new arrivals or styling. It’s a great way to get yourself out there and thankfully, I’ve had a great response since opening from customers themselves and fashion bloggers.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

My advice to anyone starting a business would be to do your research thoroughly. Sit down and ask yourself what you want from your business and your goals. It’s important to be realistic and if these goals are feasible. Also, surround yourself with people who want to see you do well. It’s so important to have a good support system as it helps to motivate you and keeps you in check.

Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less? 

Exciting, challenging, reward