As part of our Create & Cultivate x Vistaprint Brand Campus, we’re sharing all the ways that Vistaprint can help you grow, adapt, and evolve your business. Explore ‘Real Stories’ from Vistaprint Alums, and learn how entrepreneurs use Vistaprint as a one-stop-shop for all of their small business marketing solutions.
Whether you’re sourcing a physical product, seeking digital design services, or simply looking for inspiration, Vistaprint is the marketing partner that enables small business owners to elevate their brands – at every stage of their journey. Read on to discover how real business owners use Vistaprint's design capabilities and wide product selection to help their businesses grow organically—and how you can too.
Whitney Rife Becker, CEO/Founder, The Retail Therapist
What do you love most about having your own brand/ business?
I love being my own boss and that I have been able to create a lifestyle that I love. I get to be a wife, a mom, I get to travel and experience life, and most importantly, I get to make women feel good about themself and express themselves daily with the cutest clothes, accessories, and shoes on any budget.
Have you always been entrepreneurial? What led you to take that first step and establish your own brand/business?
Yes, it honestly started with selling food in a play kitchen, then in 4th grade, I made staple necklaces and bracelets, and sold them for $0.25 each. My parents both work hard and own their own business so I learned a lot from them. I have worked for as long as I can remember and had always wanted to own a boutique one day. I loved shopping and my mom had always dreamed of owning a boutique as well. It is so fun to get to do it alongside her and with the help of my brother we have turned our little dream into a big reality. I had no idea owning my own boutique would turn into becoming a Fashion Blogger/Social Media influencer as well and then open the door to owning a tanning salon as well – but that’s the fun!
What challenges have you faced in launching your brand / business? How did you overcome them?
In every business there are always challenges and curve balls thrown your way. Going to the Apparel Market the first time was overwhelming and I could have planned better for it but it only took one trip to learn what works best for us. There were days we had a negative bank account and some days we didn’t know how we were going to pay our employees. What I did know though is that this was my dream, my baby, and we were not giving up. Beyond the first year, 2020 as a whole was really tough for any small business. Thankfully with our online store and the power of social media we were able to adjust and keep going.
“ Vistaprint is essentially an extension of my business, and my go-to source for all of my marketing and packaging needs – business cards, flyers and sale flyers, pens, masks, and more.”
How has Vistaprint helped you grow, evolve, or adapt your business? What are some of the tools and services you have used and how did they help you?
I have used Vistaprint since The Retail Therapist opened online almost 8 years ago. Vistaprint is essentially an extension of my business, and my go-to source for all of my marketing and packaging needs – business cards, flyers and sale flyers, pens, masks, etc. Each order from the boutique gets a cute postcard as well, designed right on Vistaprint. You name it, Vistaprint has always been there for us. I’ll never forget the day I was able to order personalized bags from Vistaprint for our storefront.
How do visual elements play a role in your branding? How are they important to your overall marketing strategy?
I love to update our packing based on whatever season we are in plus sometimes like to include special discount codes plus features and highlight customer photos or influencers we are working with. If it is Christmas, every order gets a Christmas card, if it’s summer, you may get a cute summer card with return policy + if you tag us in a picture on social media, you may even see yourself on the mailer. It is so nice to be able to depend on Vistaprint to update all packaging plus ship in a timely manner and be so affordable. Every penny counts when owning a business and I am thankful Vistaprint is always cautious of that.
“YOUR time is now. While you’re waiting, someone else is already a step ahead of you.”
What tips would you give to other aspiring female entrepreneurs to help them launch or scale their businesses?
DO IT! Quit searching for answers to questions you may have. Not every business is ran the same and you have to do what is best for you and your business. In today’s world, it’s so easy to compare your start to someone else's middle, especially with social media. STOP doing that and just start. You can’t wait on someone to get back to you with an answer that you just sent a question to via DM. You may always be waiting. YOUR time is now. While you’re waiting, someone else is already a step ahead of you.
What would you like to see change for the next generation of female entrepreneurs?
I would like to see females not worry about being a female. I started my business over 8 years ago when females were not as far along as we are now. Women clearly deserve to have CEO after their name and I’d love nothing more than for another female to never have to worry again IF she can do it all because SHE CAN.
Whitney Rife Becker is the every girl's girl. As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, Whitney documents her love of fashion, food, and daily real-life experiences as a working Mom on her blog and other social media outlets. Coming from a small town in Virginia where she owns a women's clothing boutique and tanning salon; Whitney now resides in Murrells Inlet, SC with her husband, Shawn and son, Bo. After starting her blog in 2011, Whitney has reached over 400,000 followers across her social media platforms. Her signature style mixes high end designer pieces with everyday affordable styles. You can find her boutique storefront in Tazewell, VA or shop online at www.shopretailtherapist.com
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