Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrin Miller.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katrin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We moved to Houston from Singapore almost 3 years ago as part of my husband’s job. I was pregnant at the time with our second child and everything in the first 2 years revolved around the kids. At first, I started an initiative here in Houston where we organized arts and craft events and workshops for women and especially mums seeking new connections and learning something outside their ‘mum-life’. We offered babysitting during the event to give everyone the right focus. Women and Mums loved the idea, however, it was hard to get them to commit to events. When my daughter turned 1 years old in November 2016, I came across the clothing brand LuLaRoe and got hooked on the prints, the comfort and the ease of shopping. A friend of a friend was an independent retailer here in Houston and I enjoyed my first shopping experience after 3 years that truly focused on me. I could come to her in-home shop, browse and try on the clothes while my kids were playing happily in her home. I started to pick out clothes and create outfits, so my friend said, “You should do this too, sell LuLaRoe!”. I thought ‘Yes! I should!’ After a discussion with my family, I decided to go forward and become an Independent Fashion Retailer.
LuLaRoe’s application process takes around 4-6 weeks which you may use to set up a business, online shopping page, and group (mainly run on Facebook). In March 2017, I was official and launched my business. It was overwhelming at first, sorting the items, cross-check inventory, and photographing items to build my online shopping albums as well as promoting my business with customers. I organized pop-up events at my home, took part in online sales events as well as collaborated with other local businesses. It’s essential that you build personal relationships with your first shoppers and they will introduce you to their friends and family through online connections or if they are local by booking in-home pop-up events. I have been doing this now for 7 months and I have found my true passion and creatively styling looks, using the fun color and print palette LuLaRoe offers.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think there is no such thing as a smooth road to setting up and running your own business. You learn from mistakes as an entrepreneur. You must figure out what works for you and your business. It’s a journey you take and requires a lot of self-reflection, re-invention, and courage. There are many challenges you face as a new business owner. You’ll hear different voices and opinions about the brand and product you sell. I think the hardest part about running your business is positively handling the expectations you may have set on your social network. I must say I am happy that running this my own business hasn’t interfered with my friendships and personal life. Another challenge and this still is my biggest challenge is time management – I still strive to find and improve the perfect balance of family time and business time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am running my own LuLaRoe clothing boutique out of my home in Houston and online as an independent fashion retailer. LuLaRoe is known for its buttery soft leggings and comfortable styles. The collection of styles is for women of all ages and sizes from XXS- 3XL. You’ll find shirts, skirts, comfortable dresses and layering pieces. There are also fun styles for kids and men to consider. I am now specializing in combining LuLaRoe pieces to create stunning outfits, helping women to discover their identity in very comfortable clothing. I truly enjoy the creative side of this business and the appreciation for my passion and talent.
LuLaRoe’s vision is to enable women to feel beautiful, spreading confidence and happiness on the customer side as well as empowering people to add to her family’s income and independence. It makes me very happy to see others admiring my work and having the ability to bring joy to their lives.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a very interesting city in the United States. Although directed by large corporation, there is still a huge amount of small and medium-sized businesses with very interesting ideas. I believe that there is ample opportunities to find like-minded people and be successful with what you are passionate about. The international influence adds a pinch of salt in terms of open mindedness and general interest for new things. All of this makes Houston an amazing place to be. I have the necessary infrastructure, wonderful people that offer you a lending hand and often help you finding new ways to connect with your customers.
Pricing:
- Leggings $23$25
- Shirts $35-$38
- Dresses $45-65
Contact Info:
- Website: www.facebook.com/LuLaRoeKatrinMiller
- Email: lularoekatrinmiller@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/lularoekatrinmillervip
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
