Let's Talk Shop(ping)

Happy Monday, friends! We have something a little different for you on this Monday… Today, we are flipping the tables. Today is less about talking, more about listening. That’s because we need your help!

If you recall, when we rebranded as CarrieColbert.com and launched this brand new website last November, we also launched a store: SplendorMade.com. And that’s where we desperately want your input!

And keep scrolling because we have a big announcement as well!

Background

As I mentioned above, last fall, all the things collided! A rebranding + a new website + a new content plan + launching an e-commerce platform — oh and having a newborn baby in the mix. So, a lot was going on at once.

Launching an online store had always been a part of my vision… another step in making this more of a business and less of a blog. As I talked about in my business Q&A a few weeks ago, when it comes to revenue streams, we try not to depend too much on affiliate revenue. That’s because we don’t always want to be pushing affiliate links down your throat. Buy this, buy that, you must have this, you must have that. Rather, we like to focus on creating high quality, colorful content.

Along with that, we brought in the added layer of curating colorful products. Yes, this added an additional revenue stream for us. But hopefully it also is a nice extension of our brand for you, the customer.

Now, my original vision for the store was this:

Selectively partner with designers and brands we already know and love to produce exclusive colorful products for us.

The idea was that (a) we would have products you couldn’t find elsewhere, and (b) we would bring attention to these designers and artisans by introducing you, our audience, to them.

Initial Product Release

That’s why you saw for our initial product launch we partnered with cuteheads (and here), Colores Collective (also here and here), Willow Crowns (and here), The Confetti Bar, Inslee, and Amy Tan (also here, here, here, and here).

Of course we have a few branded products that we created ourselves — most notably our coffee table book of Houston street art, but also the sweatshirt, t-shirts (and here), and onesies (and here).

But the majority of the products were collaborative in nature and, as I mentioned, exclusive to our site. And that seemed to work relatively well. We rode the high of launching the new site around the holidays and sold lots of products.

Thank you for your support!

Here’s Where You Can Help

But now, we are in a state of reflection, as we consider where to go next with the store. Please understand – we are brand new to this aspect of the business! I’ve never before worn a retail hat, if you will.

Upon reflection, there are pros and cons to my original vision. For instance, I still love the idea of having exclusive, collaborative products. However, exclusive usually means that I have to commit to buying a lot of inventory — which of course translates to lots of dollar signs going out the door. I’m totally okay with that – if that’s what you want (i.e., you will buy those products 🙂 )

So, we’ve been tossing around questions amongst ourselves as a team. But we thought it a great idea to go straight to the source! What really matters isn’t what we think, but what you, our customers, think!

What do you want to see in our store? Should we just provide the best, on-brand, most colorful products that already exist out there in retail? Or do you like things being exclusive goods you can only find here? Have you shopped with us before? If so, thank you! If not, what would help push you over the edge to shop with us?

So many questions for you! If only we could get in the mind of our customer. 🙂

Since we can’t peer into your brain, we’ve put together this easy peasy, super simple, quick questionnaire.

If you could be so kind as to take two minutes out of your day to answer our questions, we would appreciate it so very much!

Plus, everyone who completes the survey can be entered to win a signed copy of our best-selling coffee table book!

Click here to take the survey.

Major Sale Announcement

Now, with all that in mind, it is time to get rid of the old and make way for the new.

So, we are happy to announce that our entire store is on sale for half off! Yep, you read that correctly!

50% off the entire store. 

Some items are extremely limited in quantities at this point. So, act fast before your favorite items sell out!

Click here to shop.

A Few More Things

1. Be sure to check out my look today. I have to say – it’s one of my favorites lately. Love the juxtaposition of sequins and denim!

2. As you read this, I’m on my way to sunny California for Alt Summit! I made last minute plans to go out there to learn and network. My friends Ali and Amy are each speaking, so I’m looking forward to being there with them. If you’re going, let me know!

3. Check out the homepage for my updated Curated by Carrie section – my weekly top 10 picks. This is updated every Monday morning. Some great ones today! Add to cart…

Finally, as always, thank you for your support. And today, thank you especially for any and all feedback on the store and products. Have a great day and week and we’ll see you back here in the morning.