Two sisters, two styles, one colorful vision. Christie and Mary own The Blush Label, a stylish home fabrics boutique. Inspired by the beach, Puerto Rico, and their own personal styles, Christie and Mary have designed the perfect colorful touches to any home.
When and why did you decide to start The
Blush Label?
Mary: We
incorporated in July 2012 after making a trip to Puerto Rico to visit our
father's side of the family. The colors on that island are so beautiful and we
wanted to bring them into our homes. Once we were able to get the logistics
together of starting a business, we sat down, started designing and eventually
The Blush Label was launched in April 2014.
What was your background in and how did
it prepare you for being an entrepreneur?
Christie: I
grew up figure skating, and from a very young age designed each and every one
of my competition & practice dresses. I would draw them while sitting in
class (clearly not paying attention as I should have been!) and my mother would
make the patterns from scratch and somehow bring my designs to life.
Having a business partner can be tricky,
how did you and yours meet and how do you balance your roles?
Mary: We're
sisters so working together came naturally for us! Of course since we are
sisters, we fight like sisters too, but it's only ever because one of us is
really passionate about a certain product or launch and we want it to be the
best for our customers. We work great together and have a deep understanding of
each other, which is why we've been able to bring our business to place where
it is and where it's going. I couldn't ask for a better business partner --
Christie is incredibly creative and does an amazing job bringing The Blush
Label to life.
Where do you find inspiration?
Christie: I
find a lot of inspiration in nature, music, and at the beach. We came up with
some great ideas after visiting the Amalfi Coast, and our family in Puerto Rico
last year. And sometimes I'll go over to Duke University and walk through Sarah
P. Duke Gardens and draw from the flowers and plants there.
What's been your biggest challenge?
Greatest success?
Mary: Our
biggest challenge and greatest success was going to Atlanta Market -- there was
a ton of preparation (and a lot of pressure on both of us) but it was worth it!
Not only was it great for business, but we learned a lot and really listened to
how the market responded -- that was important to us.
Favorite product on your site?
Christie:
That's a hard one because I genuinely love everything we've designed so far.
I'm going to have to go with the Pineapple Glasses because I use mine all the
time!
Best form of marketing?
Christie: I've
been doing some blogging, but Instagram has been very powerful and helpful for
us. We weren't in the greatest spot at Atlanta Market and would have been
missed by so many if we had not put our location on all of our Instagram posts.
So many people told us they only came to that side of the building because they
saw our posts and knew we were there!
What's next?
Mary: Next,
we're off to High Point Market in April! We're looking forward to showing
there, meeting new customers, and debuting some new products. Come by and see
us if you're planning to attend -- we'd love to meet you!
