Jennifer Bartlett of Aura Boutique on Taking Charge of her Success
Describe your business in a few words:
My name is Jennifer. I live in a small town in Indiana. I have a clothing boutique (Aura Boutique) in which I operate online or by appointment. I have an “eye” for what looks good on people. I’ve fluctuated so much in sizes and have learned little tips and tricks along the way of how to dress your body type to look your best and be confident. I strive to provide a wonderful, unique, shopping experience and want to make sure each and every customer loves every purchase!
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
I’m a single mother of four. I’ve worked my share of “9-5’s” and being responsible for so much on my own was always a challenge for me. Trying to find a good mom/work balance seemed impossible! I knew I had to have flexibility and I knew I wanted to be in charge of how successful I could become!
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I wasn’t positively sure what route I was going to take, and sometimes some options seemed impossible. I knew I sure wanted to!
Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out, and did it go as planned?
I did so much trial and error with social media, ads, etc. Some were more successful than others. I’m still learning.
What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
My first year of sales I went above and beyond my expectations! I ended up actually thriving during the pandemic. I’ve maintained amazing customer relationships. I have perfect ratings and excellent customer service. I’ve made many women feel beautiful, confident, and happy! That was the ultimate goal!
I’d have to say I’m proud of myself. I’m my biggest critic. I hate to admit, but I’m very self conscious and have plenty of insecurities. Despite the obstacles, challenges, and fears I’ve managed to maintain the successful business, raise 4 beautiful, healthy, very smart, respectful children, run a household, and am also enrolled back in school and doing great!
Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?
I just addressed this, it’s definitely a challenge! You have to find some sort of work/life balance for all of it to run smoothly. Do one thing at a time, and remember it’s okay if something doesn’t get done that day.
What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?
Along with other challenges and responsibilities, I also just got out of the hospital last month. I barely survived Covid pneumonia. I’m very lucky to be alive. I’m also very grateful to have been given another chance, and am thankful for the motivation I now have to make the most of every single day and live every moment of my life!
What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
I’d like to launch a clothing line! I’d also like to get the word out and have more website visitors and sales. (Don’t we all, lol!)
What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
I want to connect with other Entrepenistas and share tips and hopefully develop some lifelong friendships along the way!