America's New Entrepreneur--Pyne & Smith Clothier

A Division of Gardner Bank

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MICROBUSINESS FACTS: In today's economy, starting a microbusiness is often a necessary and increasingly viable option because of relatively low barriers to entry. For example, a college degree is not required, most business owners who utilize start-up capital, finance their businesses with personal savings, and all ages are represented in microbusiness, with a median age of 50+ for owners.  (Association for Enterprise Opportunity--The Voice of Microbusiness).

 

Pyne & Smith Collection

 

My name is Joanna, I am a dressmaker and design and hand make all items in my studio, in a small beach town in southern California. I was taught to sew by my mother & grandmother, and adore the art of dressmaking.

 

'Pyne & Smith’ clothing is designed & made to be well crafted, beautiful & functional, with a touch of bohemia. I only use linen & cotton, linen being a woven fabric that is breathable & hangs beautifully. Both fabrics are perfect for hot or humid days. Most of my dresses are 'easy fit' meaning they allow for comfort, movement, and breathability. They are tailored to give a clean shape and style. 

 I started 'Pyne & Smith Clothiers’ in January 2015. The previous two years before that I spent working, almost daily, on perfecting a style of dress that was comfortable, beautiful and functional. After making a few I thought were nice, I noticed other people liked them too. I then realized this was something I loved doing everyday,  and would also allow me the time to still be a Mom! So I researched suppliers, equipment, ways I could sell, the time it would take me to make a dress, whether I could provide a range of sizes that would fit a lot of body types, etc.  A lot of research!

I started selling on Etsy in January 2015. I then started to do a flea/art market in Los Angeles, once a month. After seeing that the dresses were selling, I went ahead and opened my website, www.pyneandsmith.com and I’m really starting to see each of these avenues work out. Etsy is a wonderful place to start out if you take the time to follow their guidelines to sell successfully, such as using key words, tagging your photos, and maintaining your shop. Attending a craft/flea market is also good to have a place that customers can see your physical work.

From these outlets, I was approached by a store owner in New York to carry my dresses, so they are now in New York!

 

If you are starting out with a new business, I recommend trying various social media platforms out, and seeing which one works best for you. I use Instagram a lot, (@pyneandsmithclothiers) and find it to be a great source to direct potential customers to my website or Etsy shop, but I also have a Pinterest account (www.pinterest.com/pyneandsmith) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pyneandsmith).

Typically you will find one platform you mesh well with and it tends to grow organically from there, as long as you are consistent! Above all, be persistent!

 

At www.smallbusinessbank.com, we're thrilled to feature businesses like Pyne & Smith Clothiers as our bank customer! Visit her site at www.pyneandsmith.com.

Learn how YOUR business can be featured on our blog and promoted for FREE via our social media platforms/website by calling John at 1-855-856-0233, Ext. 114 today!

For more information about our simple and value-based banking products/services visit www.smallbusinessbank.com.

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