Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gruber.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a teenager growing up in Houston, I discovered a love for shopping and a delight in finding deals in the strangest corners of the city. Fashion spoke to my very soul, and I realized that I needed to develop my passion into a career if I were to be truly happy. I attended Auburn University, studied in both NYC and in Italy, and graduated with a degree in Fashion Design. These years were a wonderfully exciting time in my life. After graduation, I worked retail but always dreamed of starting my own business.
My talent lies in an appreciation of quality made apparel pieces that will complement a wardrobe for years to come, as well as in finding fun, quirky pieces to mix-and-match with existing classic pieces. Paying full price for my own clothes was never an option; it wasn’t practical and it definitely wasn’t as fun as finding great deals. Boutique shopping made sense to me as a consumer and I looked hard for quality items at a discount. However, as most boutique shoppers know, it takes a lot of time! I was spending more and more time searching out great bargains in boutiques near and far, and the obvious career choice finally hit me: I needed an online presence to present my love of fashion at an affordable price.
Entrepreneurship runs strong in my family and they encouraged me to follow my dream. I created the Muse Boutique Outlet and, over the past few years, have developed it into a strong, online store that caters to the individual buyer who is searching for unique fashion without brick and mortar pricing. Muse’s philosophy is to work closely with the customer, answer specific questions about specific pieces and help them find the right clothing at the right price. Our customer service is the foundation of our success, and it represents everything that I have always demanded from retailers. It has been a great experience to create a shopping experience I have always imagined.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having your own business is never easy, but I find it to be challenging and rewarding at the same time. There are many sleepless nights, frustrations and tears, yet each of those challenges me to push through and to celebrate the small successes as well as the bigger ones. One of my biggest struggles is to maintain a social life and be present with friends and family even though I am glued to my e-mail. The market is hyper-dynamic and my team and I must constantly learn and communicate with each other. While the road is not smooth, the journey has certainly enriched us… and we are enjoying every second!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Muse Boutique Outlet – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Muse Boutique Outlet is a women’s e-commerce boutique outlet. We source quality women’s designer apparel, jewelry, shoes and accessories for our customers and provide our merchandise at a discount off-retail. Museoutlet.com allows nationwide shoppers, especially those that do not have access to great boutiques, to be able to shop at any time. Better still, our customers can have a new piece delivered to their wardrobe in a few short days without spending their entire paycheck. I am most proud of how we have grown and expanded in a short time, and am also proud of the customer service we provide to our clients. Many compare us to a big box department store outlet, but that is a far cry from what we are: We pride ourselves on carrying unique brands and pieces that you would not find at a department store.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am most looking forward to diversifying our product selection as well as offering local pick up and pop up shops. We understand that some shoppers want to feel and try on the merchandise. Creating a shopping experience without the brick and mortar overhead allows us to continue to connect with our customers without charging for a typical shopping experience.
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason and to take it in stride and learn from your mistakes. Of course, any business owner wishes they could do things differently, but that is never the case, is it? Our practice is to live, learn and take action the next time. Experience is a great teacher, and I’m proud of how far we have come and how we can continue to build upon our experience. We are doing great things!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4141 Directors Row
Suite D - Phone: 7138631670
- Email: sarah@museoutlet.com
- Instagram: museboutiqueoutlet
- Facebook: facebook.com/MuseBoutiqueOutlet
- Other: www.museoutlet.com
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