For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Lauren Mair, Owner of Ellemair Co!
Ellemair Co. is a clothing company that is made with passion and soul. Down to earth, bohemian statement pieces, incorporating recycled, and vintage fabric into the products. Brilliant colours, and intricate patterns make my soul happy. Clothing is much more than just dressing yourself. It is an outlet for creativity and feeling good about yourself and how you look. I base my designs on timeless bohemian styles that are easy to dress up or down.
Our girl Madison, interviewed Lauren about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being a Female Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
This spring marks 8 years in business!
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Ellemair Co?
I always knew I would do something in a creative field, but I had no idea what. What started as a creative hobby really blew up overnight into a business. A family member worked for the City of Brampton and told me about Summer Company, a program to promote youth as entrepreneurs. This program helped make the jump from hobby to business.
3: What do you love most about being a female entrepreneur?
The community! Over the past years I have met such amazing like minded women. People that support me and really understand what it’s like to run a business. I look forward to seeing these women at markets and shows throughout the year. This past year has been very unfortunate not being able to connect with everyone due to covid.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as a female entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your business?
I’m 100% creative and have 0 organization skills. This makes taxes, and paper work challenging! I’ve learned a lot by trial and error and for sure learned the hard way for most things. Once the business was going it sort of just keeps going, all of the sudden years have gone by and ideas and dreams have passed. This past year I had worked really hard on focusing on the big picture goals and trying to tackle them vs pushing them to the back burner for another few years!
5: What is one thing about working in the fashion/design industry that people would be surprised to learn?
I wear pajamas 99% of the time! I am rarely dressed up but when I do it’s 0-100! I think a lot of people in the industry feel this way, your entire life is based around fashion, clothing and style. Although I work in the fashion industry as a designer and business owner I have a pile of clothes that need to be fixed, hemmed, patched that has been growing for years!
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
Instagram. I’ve always gravitated towards it being visual! I find I’m able to show and express my designs the easiest. I’m not big on literature or text so being able to speak with my photos and designs is easy for me!
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
It was free advertising! It was also a way to curate an online portfolio as an artist, allowing anyone I meet to be able to search and browse my work! It’s the biggest key I’ve had in my business growth.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
10000% It is THE reason my business has grown and been able to reach so many people. I am only able to reach so many people across the world due to social media!
9: What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
Be yourself! Your people will come to you if you stay true to yourself. Don’t pretend to be a type of person, or cater to a certain type of person. Be brilliant, be bold, be you. As simple as it is, the right people will find you, just put yourself out there, there is nothing to lose!
A Little More About Lauren
I am Lauren, 25 years young! Mama to 3 dogs, and 1 Cat. Living in a century home built in 1863 in Orangeville, Ontario. Lover of all things vintage with character. Brilliant colours make my soul happy. My dream is to live on a farm surrounded by animals, growing my own food. I have always had a passion for renovating and creating beautiful spaces. As my partner and I renovate our home I fall more in love with the possibilities a space can hold.
Connect with Lauren
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Do you know a female entrepreneur who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
