Sidra Rubin, Founder of Blush + Vyne
Name: Sidra Rubin
Company: Boutique Blush & Vyne
In less than three sentences tell us about your company and what you do.
I sell women’s fashion and encourage women to dress for themselves with a side of “try something new “. My business is mostly ecomm and Instagram is where you can find me offering try ons and style tips week after week.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I do everything and try to outsource photography whenever it is available. There is no secret. It is a constant challenge to keep viewership up and interested. For me the biggest secret to my own success is to stick to my path and I stopped comparing myself to others.
What are three pieces of advice you would give to a female founder starting out?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Find your unique voice and it’s ok if it changes over time !
Build an email list.
Who is someone you look up in business and why?
There are so many US and Canadian boutiques I admire. Not even people I know personally. I started off by following 12th tribe for a while. Ascot & heart. Haley Bogart in Toronto.
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
Because of the nature of the business I originally bought the target market varied greatly. And I tried to be too many things to too many people. I would definitely have hoped to have stuck to one target and gone from there.
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today? Please share the story behind it.
I have been in retail for 17 years. Arguably the most difficult industry. I bought my first business 17 years ago. A brick and mortar store. It had no computer. Customer records were on cue cards in boxes. During the 10 years I had that business I renovated once. I moved locations once. Not to get into all the details but that business needed to close or get rebranded. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I closed. It was long time community place. But starting over was equally as hard. I was always behind the 8 ball. I didn’t get on to you tube when I should have. Instagram started just as I was switching business. I just kept going. I still keep going. During the ups and downs. It’s a very personal space I’m in. It’s just me. I’m the business.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I feature other small businesses on my account and will share anything anytime asks me to. I love to support and highlight others who are working hard.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about you and your business to share with our community?
I have been in this business for 17 years. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what the definition of success truly is. Because in Retail, it isn't always financial. I think it is important for all business owners to truly define success to themselves as they go along their journey because it has a way of presenting itself in many ways.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
It means being brave. It means trying something new. It means failing. And it means celebrating successes.
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