Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Perry.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Carrollton, Texas where I graduated from Creekview High School. After graduation, I headed north to Denton and in 2009, I graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Elementary Education. I landed my dream job as a fourth-grade teacher in Frisco Independent School District where I taught for eight years and eventually went on to earn a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Amberton University.
I absolutely loved my time in the classroom, but after having my daughter in February of 2016, my husband and I decided it would be best for me to stay home with our new baby girl. I was absolutely thrilled, but making the transition was a tough adjustment for me.
Sure, taking care of a newborn kept me busy, but I found myself desiring more. I needed something I could call my own, and that gave me a purpose beyond just being a mom. In April of 2016, with a little help and encouragement from my friends and family, “The Paperline Boutique” was officially born.
The online Facebook group started with about 200 of my closest friends and family and has grown to nearly 9,000 members. Most days I’m busier than I’d like to be, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This journey to becoming a business owner has been such a great experience and to say I’m thankful to be where I am is an understatement.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building this business has certainly had its share of ups and downs. I knew a bit about the retail market when I first started in 2016, but it has been a learning curve with lots of trial and error since then. Owning an online boutique seemed like such a daunting task in the beginning – there were order minimums, roadblocks with vendors, quality control issues, etc. I remember feeling so overwhelmed at first. Two years later, my business is still a “work in progress” and each day brings new challenges, but learning to face them with grace has always been my promise to myself.
Please tell us about The Paperline Boutique.
The Paperline Boutique is a women’s clothing boutique that I run out of my home in Frisco, Texas. All of my business and sales are done via Facebook and Instagram or during in-home events and pop-up shops. I offer free local pick up and ship nationwide.
I’d like to think I’m known for bringing quality clothing and accessories to women at very affordable prices. My prices range from about $15 to $32, and I offer sizes Small through 2XLarge. All new arrivals are posted in our closed Facebook group and buying is easy as commenting with your email address and size. I send you an invoice via Paypal, and most items are ready for pickup or shipping within 24 hours of payment. I’m not quite as quick as Amazon Prime, but I’m working on it!
I am most proud of the love and support I receive from my family and friends. They’ve spent many hours helping me fulfill orders, driving to the post office, tagging items, etc. I am extremely grateful to have such a strong circle of people who are as passionate about my business as I am.
I also feel blessed to have some of the best customers – women who are so busy but take time out of their day to send me an encouraging message, or to thank me for helping them feel their best. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been brought to tears reading notes from my Paperline gals. They are truly one of a kind, and I am so, so thankful for all of them!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
That’s such a tough question because each and every moment I’ve spent dedicating myself to this business has been part of the reason it’s so successful. The laughs, tears, and mistakes have all been a part of the journey.
If I could go back, I probably would have given myself more grace during stressful nights of fulfilling orders, spent more time forming relationships within the retail business, and been more confident to call myself a “business owner” and not just a stay at home mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePaperlineBoutique/
- Phone: 214-458-3342
- Email: paperlineboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: the_paperline_boutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePaperlineBoutique/
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