We recently connected with Tay Sangiorgio and have shared our conversation below.
Tay, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
As a small business owner running an online women’s clothing boutique, developing confidence and self-esteem has been a tough, but very essential part of my journey. Here are some key factors that I truly believe contributed the most to my personal growth in this regard:
1. Passion
My passion and admiration for the fashion industry played a crucial role. When you genuinely love what you do, it’s easier to stay motivated and confident in your abilities.
2. Embracing Challenges & Learning
I learned to view everyday challenges as opportunities for growth. Running a small business is immensely tough, but each obstacle I encountered was a chance to learn and improve. It’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s okay to ask for help. I made a commitment to continually learn and stay updated on the latest trends, customer preferences, e-commerce strategies, and any subject related to my field. The more knowledge I gained, the more confident I felt in my ability to make informed decisions for my boutique.
3. Setting Achievable Goals & Celebrating Successes
Setting achievable goals and being adaptable in the ever-changing fashion industry have allowed me to track progress and navigate uncertainties confidently. It’s so important to celebrate even the small wins. Recognizing my achievements, whether it’s hitting a sales milestone or receiving positive customer reviews, has boosted my confidence over time.
4. Self-Care
Taking care of my physical and mental health is essential. However, my versions of self-care aren’t always the typical regular exercise, balanced diet, and 8+ hours of sleep, etc. Many times, it involves shutting my phone off, binge-watching a TV show, applying a face mask, and indulging in a carton of ice cream. I cannot stress the importance of incorporating things into your everyday routine that bring you joy. I’ve learned to love my alone time and enjoy simply spending time with myself. My self-care time is my ‘me’ time, where I practice mindfulness, express gratitude, and do things solely for myself. Allowing myself to have that self-care time has significantly contributed to my overall well-being and self-esteem.
5. Believing in Myself
Above all, the unwavering belief in my vision and the value my boutique offers to customers remains the driving force behind my journey to build confidence and self-esteem. It’s easy to want to give up and get down on yourself, but I always remind myself that ‘I deserve this.’ – I deserve to accomplish the dreams I’ve had since I was a little girl. I deserve to have my dream career. I deserve to live my dream life. Positive self-talk has boosted my confidence in life and work in incredible ways.
In summary, developing confidence and self-esteem as a small business owner has been a journey of self-discovery, learning, resilience, and a deep passion for what I do. It’s an ongoing process, and I continue to work on these aspects every day to ensure the success and growth of my online women’s clothing boutique.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been obsessed with fashion for as long as I can remember. I began working in the fashion industry at the age of 16, which eventually led me to pursue a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design. After completing my education, I channeled all my energy into building Dusted Rose.
Dusted Rose is a brand for trendsetters, for the effortlessly cool girls who exude confidence and embrace their uniqueness. Dusted Girls are the girls that get it (and the girls that don’t, don’t).
My primary focus for this company has always been to promote individuality and confidence among young women everywhere. I firmly believe in the power of a great outfit. When you leave your house feeling hot, comfortable, and confident in what you’re wearing, your entire day is elevated. That inner confidence becomes a magnet for positivity, drawing good things, people, and opportunities into your life. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.
In a world where everyone shops at common fast-fashion retailers or overpriced designer stores, I wanted to provide a different experience. Dusted Rose is an online destination where young women can access trendy, high-quality clothing at an affordable price point. My mission is simple: I want to make sure you’re always the best-dressed person in the room.
One particularly exciting aspect for me is that I am my target customer, so I can genuinely relate to them. I want to listen to them, understand their needs, and be the store they turn to for comfort and style. I consider my customers my besties, even if they don’t know me personally.
What truly excites me about running Dusted Rose is the continuous stream of new opportunities, the connections I make, and the limitless possibilities in this business. I thrive on engaging with people, networking, and learning new things every day. As a small business owner, witnessing the growth of my business is an incredibly rewarding experience. I am dedicated to providing my customers with a strong community where they can feel inspired, confident, and uniquely themselves. I am committed to bringing out the stylish, kick-ass girl hiding in all of us.
In the near future, we’re planning some exciting new product launches, so stay tuned for updates!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that impacted my journey as a small business owner the most were:
1. Resilience
The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward has been crucial.
My advice to those starting their journey is to develop resilience by embracing failures as learning opportunities. Don’t be discouraged by obstacles; use them to strengthen your resolve and adapt to change.
2. Adaptability
The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and the online market is no exception. Being open to change and staying adaptable has been essential.
My advice is to keep learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies. Be willing to pivot your strategies when necessary and embrace new ideas and approaches.
3. Customer Focus
Understanding your target audience and putting their needs at the forefront of your business is vital. Building a strong customer relationship has been a key driver of success.
My advice is to actively listen to your customers, collect feedback, and continuously improve your products or services based on their preferences. Building trust and loyalty among your customers can be a game-changer.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
One particular challenge I’m currently facing as an online clothing store owner is the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce and digital marketing.
The online retail industry is highly competitive, with trends, algorithms, and consumer behavior constantly changing. Staying ahead and ensuring that my boutique remains visible and relevant to our target audience requires continuous effort and adaptation. The pressure to be innovative and stand out can be overwhelming.
To address this challenge, I’ve been investing time and resources in staying updated on the latest digital marketing strategies, SEO techniques, and social media trends. Additionally, I’m exploring new technologies and tools to enhance the customer shopping experience on our website.
Ultimately, I believe that embracing change and learning from the challenges we face are fundamental aspects of entrepreneurship. By staying agile and proactive in addressing this challenge, I’m confident that Dusted Rose will continue to thrive in this dynamic digital landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopdustedrose.com
- Instagram: @shopdustedrose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopdustedrose
- TikTok: @shopdustedrose
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shopdustedrose/
