Introduce your business and tell us your story: How did you decide on what to sell, and how did you source your products?
We saw a gap in the market for a tent which could be left up semi-permanently, was sustainably made, and beautiful to look at. We first drew the design in a scrap book where it stayed for 10 years. Then a series of events led us to a manufacture to make our product a reality! We wanted something made really well by happy people who enjoy making the product.
How did you earn your first sales? Which channels are now generating the most traffic and sales for you?
Facebook really launched us back in 2012. Thats how we seeded our product out to people. Because we had stunning photos we found people sharing them all over the world. Before we knew it we had a huge following. Still Facebook, also Chrome and Safari Mobile searches. We've had some good online PR so have been lucky to have some referrals from sites like Buzzfeed.
Tell us about the back-end of your business. What tools and apps do you use to run your store? How do you handle shipping and fulfillment?
Mailchimp has been good. We need to get into more apps! On my to do list. I absolutely love what Shopify are doing with integrating apps. So many exciting apps out there to build your store into something out of this world! We use a warehouse and fulfilment centre that integrates with Shopify. I do think more warehouses need to up their game on integration with Shopify. It's so popular and so easy.
What are your top recommendations for new store owners?
Find your tribe! There are some great fellow Shopify owners out there. Don't be afraid to ask for help and find inspiration within your community.