In this post, we speak to Brittany Finkle. Brittany is the Founder and CEO of Happily Ever Borrowed. We ask her questions about how she started her business, the tools she used and some of the challenges she experienced. This is part of the series where we interview female founders. If you would like to get featured feel free to send an email to [email protected] and one of our agents will reach out to you.
Key Stats
- Monthly Revenue: 5-10K/month
- Date Started / Years in Business: Years in Business July 2011
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Number of Employees: 2
During the launch phase, did you maintain a full-time job? (or even currently)
I’m still juggling my full-time job while running Happily Ever Borrowed!
How did you acquire customers/subscribers/users?
While we do Pinterest/FB & Instagram ads, we really do rely on word of mouth and referrals. We hear from happy brides all of the time that they’ve told their friends about is and that’s our favourite way to meet new clients!
What software/ platforms/tools have you utilized since launch?
We rely on Shopify to run our site and use multiple integrations such as a book that app to keep our site working. We use Shipping Easy for all of our postage and of course advertising on all social media platforms. We also use MailChimp for emails!
Which have worked / not worked?
Traditional advertising has NOT worked for our business. Print ads and vendor listings on blogs/The Knot have never been optimal in recruiting clients for us. I think more and more, women are inspired by what they see from friends and social and rely less on traditional media for their wedding planning guidance.
How did you fund your startup and how do you make money/revenue?
Originally we were self-funded. We did receive a small seed funding from the angel investors of Pipeline Fellowship, but since then have not taken any additional funding. To this date, we continue to reinvest our revenue into the company to keep it running.
If you had to do it all over again, would you? What would you do differently?
I would, of course, do it all over again because I love the feeling of serving our brides. Having a bride feel her best on her big day and not have to spend a fortune is the gift that keeps on giving. I wish I would have been able to run HEB full time earlier, but then again, I wouldn’t have learned the important lessons I’ve learned from my day job in the luxury fashion industry. While I still dream of just running HEB full-time, I know that when the time is right, all will fall into place.
Lastly, if anyone reading this wants to know more about your company… where do we send them?
Head to www.happilyeverborrowed.com or visit us on Instagram @happilyborrowed
