Q & A with Rachel Lessne Owner of Green Envy Eco Boutique

Q. What is the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?

A. The biggest challenge I faced as a small business owner was initially getting the customers in the door. Once they do come in they always like the store and they will come back but getting the right people to come in the first time and realize I’m here has been a bit of a struggle. It’s finding the best places to advertise and I found that niche advertising like in a natural magazine, that is where you really get the customers that will come back again and again.

Q. What is the proudest moment you’ve had as a small business owner?

A. When a customer comes in, regardless of whether they buy anything or not if they just say “Thank you for having this store. You’re really making a difference” because that’s what I wanted to do. I want make a difference with people, with the environment, with disadvantaged people in third world countries and when somebody just says that to me even if they don’t buy a thing that makes me very proud.

Q. What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting a business?

A. The advice I’d give is don’t listen to anyone that says you can’t do it. I did have a couple of people say “What are you doing. The economy is bad. You can’t open a business. This is the age of Wal-Mart and people don’t shop in boutiques anymore.” It did get to me at first but surround yourself with positive people because they just reinforce you.

 

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