Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Harris.
Hi Annie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town in WV and I’ve always had an interest in fashion! I started sewing at a very young age and used to sneak paper towels from my mom’s kitchen and turn them into dresses for my Barbie dolls. That passion stuck with me as I got older, I even made my own homecoming and prom gowns in high school.
After graduating I knew I wanted to pursue those interests more and I went on to get my BFA in Costume Design & Technology. After graduating college and working in the theatre world for a little while, I didn’t feel like it was quite the right fit for me. I eventually (and kind of on accident) found a job working in a Bridal store and fell in love. I worked in the Bridal Industry for about 4 years, learning the ropes of running a business, being a buyer, maintaining websites, and connecting with clients.
While I loved working in bridal, I had always dreamt of owning my own clothing boutique. Last summer I had the realization of “if not now, when?” I got inspired by the amazing brides I worked with when they would tell me how much of a struggle it was for them to find affordable outfits for their bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, etc. Weddings are already SO expensive and they didn’t want to splurge on those “little white dresses” they would only wear once.
After saving and planning (and stressing and questioning my sanity), I finally made the first steps to starting Ivory Shore Boutique. I registered my business, started the website, spent way too much money, and months later here we are! We now have a curated “wedding wardrobe” for brides to be, along with fun accessories and boutique women’s clothing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? No. Worth it? Absolutely!
Although I had experience working in retail and bridal, I had never owned a small business before. Youtube became my best friend as I was figuring everything out. I have learned SO much about owning and running a business, taxes, purchasing inventory, editing my website, shipping, you name it.
The biggest struggle for me was accepting that I needed to get out of my comfort zone a little. I’m not usually one to “put myself out there,” so being the face of Ivory Shore was hard for me at first. Modeling the clothes, being in front of the camera, and always-on social media took some getting used to.
I’m also a bit of a perfectionist and incredibly impatient, so I have to constantly remind myself that it’s okay not to be an overnight success! The things in life that are worth it take time – just like starting a new business!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ivory Shore is an online women’s clothing boutique based out of Orlando. We specialize in little white dresses for brides-to-be and women’s clothing and accessories.
Our brand is very feminine and girly! While shopping with us you will find a lot of light colors, neutrals, pearls, and florals. Our clothing is hand-selected by Annie for its quality and style. We believe that fashion should be affordable and the majority of our pieces are under $50!
We are expanding our inventory weekly and hope to have a storefront location soon! In the meantime, you can shop with us at www.shopivoryshore.com.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am SO grateful to have the support system that I do! My fiancé and my mom are by far my biggest cheerleaders, they have been there for me from the start and never falter.
My fiancé takes ALL of my photos and is the best hype-man, he is constantly reminding me to continue pursuing my dream and to never give up on it. My mom is always there when I want to ramble on about ideas or need help choosing inventory. She has always encouraged my brother and me to follow our passions. I would be completely lost without them.
The response to Ivory Shore has been so great. My friends and family have been very supportive and my customers are amazing. So far this year we have shipped to 16 states and my goal is to ship to every US state by the end of 2022!
Pricing:
- Boutique Clothing: $15-$50
- Wedding Wardrobe: $20-$65
- Accessories: $5-$35
Contact Info:
- Email: shopivoryshore@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.shopivoryshore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivoryshoreboutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivoryshoreboutique
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivoryshoreboutique
Image Credits
Austin Flowers
