I have been to several blog conferences but this was the first time I have attended The Blog Societies' TBSCON. The convention was in Avalon, GA at an upscale boutique hotel, The Hotel at Avalon. Upon arriving, I went up to my room and met my fabulous roommates for the weekend, Julia of GlitterandJuls and Megan of BeingMrsFowler. We spruced up and headed on over to the Opening Night Cocktail Party. (Julia, Me, Megan) There were so many really great activities, cocktails, and brands! The brand networking opportuniteis at this event were amazing! LaCroix Brand   Kendra Scott...

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Are you opening up a shop but have no clue how to negotiate a commercial lease for retail space? In my latest online course I teach you the details on commercial lease length, how to negotiate commercial lease build outs, and so many other very important aspects of commercial lease negotiations. ...

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Now I have 2 courses created! So excited to announce my Boutique Brand Builder course! This is for the shop owner or aspiring shop owner who either wants to strengthen their brand, change up their brand, or actually create a brand from scratch! In this post, I am going to give the deets on this awesome lecture series. ...

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I get constant questions on how I did it? How did I quit my Fortune 100 job climbing the corporate ladder,  and give up the easy 9 to 5 for an extremely risky business endeavor?  I can tell you one thing, I have had lots of failures and tons of successes with my business in the past 6 years but one thing always remains, I absolutely LOVE my job and being my own boss! Yes it was risky, but not because of the nature of my business. Retail is not a new business model, but the risk lies...

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Announcing my new role with Style Blueprint! I have been a published fashion stylist in print for about 5 years now. It is a side hustle that provides an escape for the month, one that I truly love. I recently accepted the fashion stylist position with one of the south's most popular blogs, Style Blueprint Memphis. Making the transition from print to digital as a published stylist has been a decision that I feel has propelled my brand and in this post, I will explain how choosing digital can help any profession gain the exposure needed to take...

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If you are a first time boutique buyer market can be extremely overwhelming! Coming from a gal who has experienced one of the largest markets in the world, Magic in Vegas, to a more lax market such as Atlanta's Americas Mart, I can slip some great tips to know before you go! If you are a first time boutique buyer market can be extremely overwhelming! Coming from a gal who has experienced one of the largest markets in the world, Magic in Vegas, to a more lax market such as Atlanta's Americas Mart, I can slip some great...

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A huge chunk of shopping today has gone to the internet and buyer decisions are being made through the referrals of social media and influencers. It's no wonder why social media and affiliate marketing has become a main staple in everyone's marketing plan, but did you know that social media is placing a very high value on video content? The more you post rich videos that have high viewership, the better your visibility chances are. In this post, I will show you how to build the perfect video studio for your blogging business, or for any business at...

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You all have sent in several questions for the Guide to Biz Q&A session, some business related some more personal but all in all a great turn out and I am super excited to give ya'll the low down on life as a multi-entrepreneur. Using the word multi because I have my hands in several different companies at the moment, some going great, others are a struggle but hey, that is the nature of being self-employed! Here are 14 questions that you all have asked and I am answering with complete transparency. I will be hosting a second...

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  Want the ULTIMATE BOSS GIRL OFFICE? Most of you know me as a fashionista but I bet you didn't know that I am a super budget shopper. I thrive on quality products at great deals. Maybe that is why I am so adamant about my boutique, The Ivory Closet, being price sensitive while also offering great quality! With that in mind, I am not a grazer when it comes to shopping. I usually will find a shop that matches my style and buyer criteria and frequent, no, pretty much LIVE in that store. haha When I invested...

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I am so excited about my latest venture and it seems the lovely customers in my shop are too! I have recently collaborated with local soap maker, Kimeli Wade to design and develop my own line of soaps. Everyone is dubfounded that I went from fashion and now to soaps...it seems I am all over the place right? Well I promise I have a very good reason to dabble in the suds business. ...

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This year at BlogHer I got the pleasure of meeting Stevie Jewel, a Canadian born rock star fulfilling her dream in Nashville! Her drive and ambition to accomplish her goals are incredible and I am so excited that Stevie agreed to an interview with City Chic Living about her blog and work. Also, check out her Chanel inspired The Ivory Closet Couture line Nashville Tee and shell feather earrings (available at www.ivorycloset.com) ...

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As a business owner, mommy, and wife, I have many duties but as a professional woman I have needs that are essential to a happy life. Many of you who know me know that work never stops for this lady, but lately, I have been extremely overwhelmed with back to back businesses dilemmas, pregnancy, and life in general that I finally stopped and forced myself back to the basics.  As a business owner, mommy, and wife, I have many duties but as a professional woman I have needs that are essential to a happy life. Many of you...

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So I just got back from Atlanta's off season fashion market and boy was it different from Magic in Vegas! If you own a shop and can't decide which market to attend, here are my comparisons. ...

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I get the question all of the time, how did you do it? How did you give up your steady job and great pay to start your own business? Weren't you afraid? What if you didn't make it? Do you think I could do it? My answers...YES...I was a little scared. Not "making it" never crossed my mind. Give up my job? I looked at it as if I was starting on my dream. I didn't feel like I was giving up anything. Do I think you could do it? It depends, the answers that I give to...

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A few years back, an out of town customer joked about Memphis just being a bunch of gold chains and hustlers... I politely bit my tongue and smiled as I continued to ring her up... she didn't know the offense I took deep down. I love my city and each and every part about it. Little did I know, those words would stick with me and actually take on a whole new meaning.  ...

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So, this is the last The Ivory Closet opening of the year...I swear! 3's a charm and you know I always strive to be the charmed one! So here it is! Franchise number 2, shop number 3. Introducing.... The Flowood, Mississippi The Ivory Closet location. ...

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So the past month I have been a little inconsistent in blogging but I promise I have two really good reasons. This is one of them and the other will be posted next week. ...

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The closer we get to the holidays, the more we're seeing bold holiday hues & I love it! A large statement piece deserves a gorgeous back drop. When pairing big pops of red, go for a strong contrast with classic black & white pieces for maximum impact and timeless style. ...

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 The past few weeks I have been a little absent on the blog, but I swear I have a really good reason. As many of you know, I own a couple of boutiques in Memphis, TN. I am working on moving one of those shops to a larger location but that's not all that is in the works for The Ivory Closet brand. I am so excited to say that my business has officially graduated to a corporate level. The Ivory Closet is officially open for franchising and we have our first ever franchisee partner, as well as...

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Have a business idea or even a full blown business model? I bet you have decided on all the ins and outs of your company and how it will operate, but have explored the external environment in which your business exists? Before solidifying your value prop, explore the external environment. Explore the space in which your business was designed to operate. ...

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