Another Day Passed, Another Lesson Learned

For a starting business, House of PlumRed has Taken over my life this past week. Actually, since last week, I had been studying for the GMATs to see if Grad School was for me... I think I might have over studied, because until now, my brains has been mush. My boyfriend, the most supportive man alive, had taken the day to drive me to my test and even pack me lunch. Cute right? Anyways, the test could have been better, but I am really trying to figure out whether I need to take them over again or not. I am not too sure that I can take another crazy week of work and a test.

Of course, I did not fail to spread my self thin..AHH, because 5 days after the GMATs, HOUSE OF PLUMRED was to be at its FIRST expo: OC Boutiquing expo, and by friday, samples to Lucky Magazine had to be overnighted. Honestly, I thought, it couldn't be too bad to sew on 200 clothing labels, drive to Los Angeles Fashion District to pick up retail supplies, buy my first mannequin, Price tag hundreds of dresses, pack up the car, and set up an absolutely beautiful booth in Costa Mesa.
Did I mention I don't know how to sew? yes...I must have been delusional, but I am proud to say I overcame another week as the "CEO" of the House of PlumRed.

1. I learned how to buy a sewing machine. There are a myriad of different spools of thread...and yes, I had to pick among $15, $25, and a $500 sewing machine. I bought the QuickSew ($15)...and it never turned on...I upgraded to the $25 machine, and after 100 labels, the needle disappeared...and I don't think I'm pro enough to go with the $500 machine.
2. Learned how to sew...it only took 2 spools of thread haha.
3. Bought my first mannequin. Plastic, Dress Forms, Headless! Ahhhh the variety can make your head spin.
4. Set up my expo. An expo takes more than 2 days to set up. That is what i have learned after staying up till 3 am the morning before and arriving at the site at 7 am.
5. Also...sleep is good.
6. I learned what a "Bobbin" and "Seam Ripper" was all by myself :).

I think those were the biggest lessons. The expo was a SUCCESS. We just added another 60 people to our customer base and made what we usually do in 2 weeks, in 8 hours.

Result? Time to Plan the next EXPO and do it all over again! Yeeee!

The Like Us, They Really Like Us :)

Since the NEW PR company has taken over, check out what you might see in SEVENTEEN MAG, INSTYLE, US WEEKLY, or BETTER TV!

I think the pieces will be coming out in their Summer Issues, but I cannot wait to see what happens!

HOPR has also been mentioned in some other great online blogs...I hope the love keeps on spreading!



OC REGISTER: New Online Boutique Owner is Chasing a Dream

HOUSE OF PLUMRED: Steal Jennifer Anniston's Style

I LIKE MY OUTFIT: HOUSE OF PLURMED

3 Months and Running!

Wow...is all I can say for the past 3 months. I cannot believe it has been three months!

So many things have happened since then. At the end of December, I officially took on House of PlumRed as my full time gig. The day HOPR officially became my dream was the last day of December.

Since that day, I have been trying to figure out the best strategies for me to really get this business going!

January: Planning and Prepping.
February: A Marketing Super Charge
March: Our first EXPO!

In January, I decided to give the marketing to the experts and after many weeks of being a part of the FASHION NETWORK ONLINE. I posted a couple random blogs asking my fellow fashion peers what marketing strategies they used, and I found ALINE MEDIA. (I guess they found me).

So far, Jennifer, our PR Rep has working hard to get us the best exposure my little online boutique could get :).

I felt like such an amateur, though, after getting a little more (or maybe, too much) insight into the wonderful world of fashion and PR. I thought I had it down pretty well with my business plan, financial excels, and marketing strategies using facebook...lol there's a big bad world out there full of Lookbooks, Presskits, and Samples, OH MY!

After two fashion shoots...














To see more photos of our behind the scenes...
BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS


We have successfully filled our SUMMER SPRING COLLECTION!

Next step? Our first EXPO!