My latest fashion entrepreneur interview was with Delaware’s chicest online boutique: ShopMamie.com! The owners, Megan Corey and Amy Trelenberg have been long-time best friends and left their full-time jobs to embark on a stylish adventure. The end result? A boutique with trendy and affordable (almost everything is under $100) clothing and accessories. Check out my interview with Megan below, as well as my favorite picks from their site. Be sure to check out ShopMamie’s awesome blog, Facebook and Twitter, too! P.S. The name origin of “Mamie” is the fusion of “Megan” and “Amy”. Read on to learn more about these fashionistas!
MEGAN COREY: Best Advice: Work like you have a dime in the bank! Worst Advice: You cannot start your own business until you have 10-12 year of experience and money in the bank!
ST: Where did you start out in your career?
MC: Amy graduated from Penn State with an Accounting degree and went on to work for a small accounting firm. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a Merchandising Management degree and was in medical sales prior to ShopMamie.
ST: What inspired you to start your own business and how have you evolved as a fashion entrepreneur?
MC: Our initial inspiration to start our own business was to start a store housing affordable, yet meticulously selected merchandise. We wanted to eliminate the “digging” that women have to do at reasonably priced stores. Yet, now our inspiration stems from everything and anything. Ideas come to us in the shower, on road trips…really anywhere, but our main goal is to really make our business a real success that will be around for our grandchildren to takeover.
ST: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
MC: It is hard to say what the biggest challenge [has been] because there are a lot of ups and downs when it comes to owning your own business. The first couple years of owning a business is very difficult because there are some months when why you make goes straight back into your business and you get paid zero. Your life has to be ready for that.
ST: What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
MC: Our advice is to follow your heart. That is what we do and continue to do everyday. People will give you tons of advice, but if it doesn’t feel right to you, then DON’T take it. Follow what feels right to you!
ST: What’s your favorite item in your store right now?
MC: My favorite item would have to be the Missoni-like Tootsie Skirt. I’m obsessed with the fun colors of it and that you can dress it down with a tee or up with a blouse!