Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Fenno. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Megan , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I started my business in 2007, right before the economy declined in 2008. When I founded FENNO FASHION, there was no Instagram, Twitter or Facebook business pages to make it easy for customers to shop. There also weren’t templates or e-commerce platforms where you could create a beautiful website within a week or less. At the time, it was not only expensive to have a web design expert build a website for you, but it typically took at least a few months.
As I continued to work on my business plan in those first few years, I wanted to make sure I had several different avenues to get my handmade accessories in front of customers. That’s when I decided to also start selling my jewelry at markets and to local shops.
Over the last 16 years, there have been many changes small businesses had to face, most recently during the pandemic.
Sticking to my strategy I established of having multiple sectors within my business, I was able to pivot quickly. Markets as well as many in-person shopping events were cancelled, so I was able to amp up my website and spend more time focusing on social media and adding new inventory to the online boutique each week.
When I’m referring to multiple sectors, here is a breakdown of all of the different products and services FENNO FASHION offers:
* selling handmade accessories online @ FENNOFASHION.com
* remembrance accessories – which is jewelry & accessories made with flowers from the service of a loved one or special occasion
* markets and events
* the ability for customers to shop at outdoor markets in the mobile accessories boutique
* selling jewelry wholesale through other local businesses
* offering permanent jewelry – which Is very trendy
* offering custom orders
* teaching jewelry design classes for birthday parties, enrichment programs and for girl scouts to earn a jewelry badge
All of these aspects still fall under ‘handmade accessories’ and within each sector of my business is consistent branding, pricing and excellent customer service.
I feel as though a lot of business owners look overlook the knowledge associated with becoming resilient and that’s the one ‘super power’ small businesses can take advantage of and adapt quickly.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
FENNO FASHION has evolved over the last 16 years and became my full time job with employees in 2013.
I’m a jewelry & accessories designer. After graduating from Savannah College of Art & Design with a degree in Fashion & Accessory Design, I mixed my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for jewelry design.
In 2018, I added a mobile accessories roaming boutique. The truck is the only one in the midwest like it. Formerly an old plumbing truck, my husband and I spent over 500 hours converting it into the cute little store on wheels it is today.
Most recently, I added permanent jewelry to our brand. It’s been a huge trend over the last several years and has been a great addition to the business.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Failure Some of the biggest mistakes can become the biggest learning opportunities.
2. Having multiple areas of expertise
With the array of products and services we offer, I’m quickly able to pivot when necessary
3. Having credentials
Having the background (a degree in my field) helps set me apart from other small businesses that are similar.
4. Having something that stands out from other similar businesses
Adding the roaming accessories boutique was one of the best investments.
It’s an experience when shopping with us at markets or private truck parties. It’s memorable and also provides validity.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Ultimate Boutique Handbook: How to Start a Retail Business by Emily Benson
I hired Emily as a consultant to take my business to the next level. A requirement of her coaching was to read her book. There is so much helpful information in this book.
One of the most impactful takeaways is about focusing on mindset as a small business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.fennofashion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fennofashion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FENNOFASHION/
- Other: About permanent jewelry: About remembrance accessories: https://fennofashion.com/collections/remembrance-jewelry-accessories Custom order gallery: https://fennofashion.com/pages/custom-design-work Our story: https://fennofashion.com/pages/about Meet the team: https://fennofashion.com/pages/meet-the-team
