Thriving in Retail with Ana McConnell of Pilar Boutique

04/09/23 • 49 min

The future is bright for small retailers! You’re going to LOVE this conversation I had with my very first retailer! Ana McConnell is the owner of Pilar Boutique in downtown Loveland, Colorado.

Ana first started out working in her mom’s boutique, Cloz to Home. After navigating working with her mom, she branched out on her own and is currently thriving with two locations and a photo studio.

It’s no secret that being a retailer is HARD WORK. Even Ana called her first two years ‘Absolute Hell’ but in year three of opening Pilar, it all came together, and you can hear the passion she has for her business!

If you’re struggling as a retailer, you have to know there is no one thing, no “quick fix”. But Ana shares an abundance of resources and tips that will get you to where you need to be. Whether it’s accounting, inventory, networking, or team management, she has a really great foundation and wise words for all!

Be open, pivot, know your F*@%! numbers, and take a break when you need it.

I’m rooting for your success!
What’s Inside:

Advice for retailers from a retailer
How to manage your team and give trust.
Resources for retail needs.
Navigating working with family in a retail environment.
Making it past the first years, from hell to thriving.

Mentioned In This Episode:
PILAR BOUTIQUE (@shop_pilar) on Instagram
Cloz to Home Boutique (@cloztohome) on Instagram
Ana McConnell (@ana_pilar_m) on Instagram
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.: B. Brown
Profit First by mike Michalowicz
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self: LePera, Dr. Nicole
Hatch Inventory Management | Shopify App Store
Management One
Asana Project Management
Register for EVOLVE 2023 and use code podcast to save $400
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
Get your ticket to EVOLVE 2025 - $200 off when you use the code rooted
Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers
Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

The future is bright for small retailers! You’re going to LOVE this conversation I had with my very first retailer! Ana McConnell is the owner of Pilar Boutique in downtown Loveland, Colorado.

Be open, pivot, know your F*@%! numbers, and take a break when you need it.

I’m rooting for your success!
What’s Inside:

Advice for retailers from a retailer
How to manage your team and give trust.
Resources for retail needs.
Navigating working with family in a retail environment.
Making it past the first years, from hell to thriving.

Previous Episode

BONUS EPISODE: Trading Fear for Courage with Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training

Everything you need to get everything you want is available! That is just one piece of incredible knowledge from Retail Vet and Co-Founder of WhizBang! Retail Training, Bob Negen.
Becoming an independent retailer is nothing short of brave, and Bob shares some wise words when it comes to breaking away from fear as a retail owner.
As Bob joins me from a podcasting suite at the Las Vegas Home and Gift Show in this Bonus Episode, we cover the economy, putting yourself out there, and his ultimate secret on how to get things done.
Worried about your business in the state of today's economy? More billionaires were created in the Great Depression than any other time in American history
Being a retail owner is a long game. You might make mistakes. You might get derailed. Just...Begin Again.
Moving forward and working toward success is a choice, and you can do it! I’m rooting for your success.
What’s Inside:

How to break past the fear of the economy as a retailer.
Why you shouldn’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Tips for achieving momentum in your retail business.
Bob’s secret for getting stuff done.
Two top focuses for retailers for the business year.

Mentioned In This Episode:
WhizBang! Retail Training
WhizBang! Retailers | Facebook
The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success
Register for EVOLVE 2023 and use code podcast to save $400
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Next Episode

Leveraging Yelp with Emily Washcovick the Yelp Small Business Expert

How are you making your Yelp account work for you?
Everyone’s heard of Yelp, and it’s not just for home services or restaurants; retail stores make up a large percentage of businesses on the website!
Emily Washcovick is Yelp’s small business expert, and she is breaking down the “science” behind their review recommendation software and important features for business owners.
Don’t be afraid of negative reviews, and don’t solicit for positive ones either! Emily says naturally inspired reviews are the best for your page, and 87% of customers are willing to look past negative reviews if the business owner is engaging with reviews and responding to concerns.
You don’t want to miss these awesome tips to leverage Yelp and grow your visibility.
Today’s Action Items:
Visit your business page on Yelp - complete and verify your profile information for optimization.
Create a check-in offer - this is a serious must-do - to drive traffic and incentivize natural reviews.
Go now! Check out your Yelp page! I’m rooting for your success!
What’s Inside: