Dear Lila,
Could you share your background prior to becoming an entrepreneur?
Lila Allocca
I have always wanted to work for myself. Before becoming an entrepreneur, I worked for Merrill Lynch as a Legal Assistant for 10 Years. I just never liked sitting behind a desk. It left me feeling uninspired. Also, due to the fact that I do not have a College Education, moving up the corporate ladder would have taken much longer than I was willing to wait for.
How was it helpful to you as you began your entrepreneurial journey?
Actually, being in the corporate environment pushed me to want to break free on my own, so I guess just being there was helpful.
What led you to purchase BritchinPost.com?
That’s my favorite question. Probably a common answer in my field as well. The birth of my daughter Olivia inspired me. I was shopping for her at one of my favorite online boutiques (Britchinpost.com) and had to call the owner to ask a question. In the midst of conversation, she told me she was going to be selling her online store. The Lila Lightbulb went on and I was soon the new owner of the Britchinpost.com online Girls Boutique.
What would you consider the most difficult challenges you faced when purchasing this business? How did you overcome them?
My first challenge was to find interesting and innovative ways to advertise my business online. I wound up joining some mommy boards and blogs and was able to find some great advice there. Another challenge was how to stand out from the competition. I have to admit, that’s a tough one because when you are a retailer in a rather small community of online girls boutiques, we all pretty much carry alot of the same things. I try to pick clothes that are stylish, comfortable, and well made. Another way we are looking to break that challenge is by starting our own brand. We just recently co-designed two fall dresses to kick off our newest venture and are quite excited about it. For now they will only be available through Britchinpost.com.
Have you had any business advisors? If yes, how have they helped you and your business? In the nearly 7 years of being owner of Britchinpost, I have not had much advice. I pretty much “winged it” so to speak. I learned the tricks of the trade as time went by.. Recently, however, I hooked up with a really great Creative Director and Website Designer named Micheal Sparks. He has, and still continues, to help grow Britchinpost into a more defined shopping experience. I also have made some really great connections recently that are sure to grow Britchinpost even further.
Tell us about Britchin’Post and the products it offers.
We offer girls boutique clothing, shoes, gifts and accessories. All handpicked by me to ensure Quality, Comfort and Style. Prices range from Moderate to Higher End depending on the outfit and event.
What do you find most challenging as an entrepreneur?
What I find to be most challenging is staying one step ahead of the competition. I am a firm believer that there is enough out there to make everyone happy in this business.
What do you find most rewarding?
I love when a customer will call or email me after a transaction and let me know how satisfied and happy they were with their experience with Britchin’ Post. Pictures of their little girls are always nice as well.
What are your plans for the future?
As of now, Britchin’ Post is working on designing our own brand as well as creating a Catalog for our customer base.
What advice would you give someone thinking of purchasing a business?
My advice to someone who is thinking of purchasing a business would be to thoroughly research the business, see what other people are doing, go to trade shows and mingle with (in my case) retailers and designers. Get a hands on approach to finding out as much as possible before committing to anything.
Are there any other questions you wished I had asked?
I probably would have done more research on my particular business first because I kind of jumped into it and feel I could have come farther in less time if I had. However, it’s in my nature to be a risk-taker and to go with my gut. Those three attributes together make for a perfect recipe in my opinion.
For more information about Lila Allocca and her business, please visit britchinpost.com.