Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Howell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Megan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It was April 2015. We had just moved into our new home, my husband was out at Poker Night, and my girls were fast asleep upstairs. I sat down on the couch and decided, “Today is the day!” I got online and registered my business… Something I had dreamed about for a long time! Jeron, my husband, came home and I said, “I did it! I started my business!” Needless to say, he had some initial shock but knew this was something I had been dreaming about for years.
To be honest, it was a slow beginning. I am a full-time elementary school counselor, I have two young girls (five years and three years old at the time), we had just moved into a new home, and to be honest, we didn’t have a lot of extra money to spare on “frivolous” things. But… That’s what sparked my desire to go ahead and start Top Trendsetter. Fashion has always been exciting to me. Jeron and I have attended many fashion shows, both big and small, and I like to stay up on the current trends. At this stage in my life, however, I just wasn’t able to fulfill my fashionista dreams with buying a lot of new clothes and accessories for myself, and I knew there were tons of women in the same boat as me. I promised my customers and myself that through Top Trendsetter, I would offer boutique items without the boutique price tags!
I started off small, just running the business out of my home. My customer base was mainly friends and family. Over the years, as we have grown, Top Trendsetter has reached customers as far as North Carolina, California, and Oregon, just to name a few. It excites me when I come across a new customer, and I LOVE to receive feedback from my customers. I market myself through Facebook, mainly. We have a private Facebook group, and that’s where items are released first, on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. CST. They are then released on our public page, on Instagram, and on our website. I also have items in our boutique in Lone Star Mercantile (Allen, Texas), so people can easily shop in person. In addition, I have a few ambassadors who promote and sell Top Trendsetter products.
Over the years I have also helped several other women start their clothing boutiques. Some may think this is crazy, helping the competition. But, I know the obstacles I faced when starting my dream, and if I can help someone through those obstacles, I’d love to do that. After all, if my journey inspires someone, I’d love to help them follow their dreams!
And that brings us to where we are today. We are still growing, still serving, and still inspiring others. I hope that Top Trendsetter helps other women feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside, all while staying within a budget. And remember – there is no right or wrong when it comes to fashion. Be bold. Believe in yourself. Be Top Trendsetter, and define your own style.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is there ever a smooth road?! No, things have not always been smooth sailing, but anything worth doing has many bumps along the road, and that’s what makes success that much sweeter. One struggle I have had is simply putting myself out there. I am naturally a people pleaser, and I never want to “burden” anyone. So, that being said, I have had many fears about “selling myself” and telling people about my business, for the fear that I am “bothering” them. Thankfully I have had many supporters along the way who believe in me and love my business, and they continue to encourage me to tell others about Top Trendsetter. And, while this is something I am still working on, I am growing in that area, and I’m beyond grateful for those who are on this journey with me!
I also have had to learn a lot through trial and error. This started as a dream. I didn’t know anyone in the business and I didn’t have a team to rely on for guidance along the way. It’s taken many ups and downs, many positive and negative experiences, and many late nights trying to just “figure it out.” But, after several years, I have finally found a system that works best for my customers and for me!
Another struggle is time. I guess you could say I have three full-time jobs. I am a boutique owner. I am a full-time school counselor. I am a mom. Trying to juggle family activities, my day job as a counselor, and growing my business hasn’t always been easy. I get up at 4:30 a.m. to workout. Exercise helps keep my sanity! I then go to school, where I work with elementary aged students. After school, it’s carpool for after-school activities, before heading home to make dinner and take care of other “mom duties.” Inventory, invoices, packaging, and marketing often don’t happen until 9 p.m. or later. But again – I wouldn’t change it for the world! It’s what works for me and allows me to succeed in each job!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Top Trendsetter – what should we know?
My motto at Top Trendsetter is: Define your own style. Fashion is what you make it, and that’s what I love about it. These days, anything goes, in regards to what’s fashionable. I try to find a variety of items that allow women to channel their inner fashionista. Sometimes feeling beautiful on the outside helps our inner beauty and confidence shine through!
Top Trendsetter is a women’s boutique, focusing on trendy & in-style clothing and accessories. We sell online (www.toptrendsetter.com), on Facebook, and on Instagram, but we also have a booth at the Lone Star Mercantile in Allen, Texas (Booth AA04). We are known for carrying items that are both trendy and affordable. I love fashion, and I started this business to help women be able to stay fashionable while on a budget like I was. Our items typically range from $10-$39, with an occasional higher priced item.
What I am most proud of is how I have grown Top Trendsetter from a dream I had to a reality, and I have expanded into more than just selling online. I am proud that my girls see their mom working hard to follow her dreams. By watching and (occasionally) helping me, they are learning the value of hard work, and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. As a mom, I want them to know not only the value of a dollar but the value of hard work and perseverance.
What sets us apart? I believe in ordering small quantities of items, rather than large, which allows for more individuality. It’s always been a pet peeve of mine to walk down the street and see everyone wearing the same outfit, so I would rather order a larger variety of items, rather than a larger quantity of an individual item. As our customer base grows, the quantity I order grows too, but I keep it all in proportion so that we aren’t all dressed alike!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Passion. I believe that without passion, all of those obstacles described earlier would get in my way. But, I believe in my company, my product, and myself. I know that I have something special with Top Trendsetter, and my passion for seeing my dreams become reality have continued to push me forward. I have a passion for seeing others happy. Hearing from my customers, seeing them dressed in a Top Trendsetter purchase for a family photo, and seeing the joy on their faces as they shop, further fuels my passion for what I do. When you love what you do, it’s not a job… It’s a joy.
Pricing:
- Average price range: $10-39
- Free shipping nationwide
- 10% discount for customers who do a “local pickup” in Prosper, Texas
Contact Info:
- Address: Storefront: Lone Star Mercantile
2031 W McDermott Dr #295
Allen, TX 75013 - Website: www.toptrendsetter.com
- Phone: 9724899633
- Email: toptrendsetter@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @top_trendsetter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopTrendsetter/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
