Today we’d like to introduce you to Dahlia Strong.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s been an interesting journey. I started my Traveling Boutique business in San Diego over ten years ago. Prior to this, I was invested in Real Estate, but I devastatingly lost it all during the downturn in the economy in 2008. I needed to start from the ground up again and I wasn’t sure in which direction to go. After a day of contemplation, I decided to go back into the clothing business that I had been in 20 years before, it’s kind of funny because I didn’t expect that idea to pop up, it was farthest from my mind. I thought WOW, I had been out of that business for so long, I questioned myself if I would be able to do it.
In between my original clothing business and the Real Estate business, I had owned a furniture store in Los Angles for nine years. I decided to use my creative juices in design and lots of determination I jumped into the traveling boutique business and it turned out better than I expected. When my partner Dom and I moved to San Diego, we didn’t know anyone. I started to cold call events to introduce myself. Cold calling wasn’t my favorite thing to do, but I persevered. I think in the first five years of business, I did every event that came my way. I did 100’s of them, from East County San Diego all the way up to Los Angeles. In time, things began to grow and I started to get to be known and I eventually was asked back to most of the larger events in San Diego and Orange County. My brand started to grow as well as business. I’ve learned through experience that regardless of what our hardships in life are, hard work, consistency, and dedication creates amazing outcomes. I’ve also learned that you can apply your sense of style in anything in life.
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?
It had been anything but a smooth road. Owning your own business is always a challenge. There are no instructions or GPS systems. I had no compass. We were new to San Diego and I did not know the areas at all. I wasn’t familiar with areas, I didn’t know the difference between Del Mar, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe to Poway. Luckily now I do!! I was scared but I just kept on doing it. I just kept on showing up and in time it started to make sense. Eventually, I got to know more people and they got to know me. San Diego is a very generous city. People give back in large ways, raising money for charities, helping the underprivileged, donating their time and giving of themselves. My advice to someone starting out in business is to be laser-focused and try and keep trying!!
What should we know about Dahlia Traveling Boutique? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have a women’s clothing traveling boutique. I set up at private events and charities. This offers women the opportunity to try on and purchase the latest in fashions in a fabulous setting. My look is very Southern California casual with a Boho vibe. My customers are of all ages. Textures, fabrics and the flow of the fabrics are very important to me. And for that reason, I spend a lot of time choosing when buying my clothing. My look is basic but it has a touch of the feminine. It’s “put it on and go”. Just add a fabulous pair of sunglasses, great purse and shoes and you’re dressed. I have learned that my very nature is to style women, I show women what would be flattering on their bodies and guide them. I want every woman to walk away with pieces that they love and get complimented on. And they do!! I get told that all the time. That is my payback. I love when my customers look great and feel great at any age.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
What is the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Depending on her career path I’d suggest that she finds herself a mentor, a person that inspires her and she can see herself in that person. Just the nature of being young and not having much life experience can be a great thing. There are no should and should not. I would encourage anyone to just go forward and take steps and learn from them. You can always course correct. It’s a fabulous feeling to see what is possible and to get to know yourself in the process of building your business.
Contact Info:
- Email: Dahliastrong@aol.com
- Instagram: dahliatravelingboutique
- Facebook: Dahlia Traveling Boutique
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