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 Inc, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This month’s spotlight is on Valene Grovum, Owner of Drift Up Clothing.
Drift Up Clothing is an online shop with a twist on consignment. Based in Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island we carry new and pre-loved men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. We offer free local delivery from Ladysmith to Parksville as well as flat-rate shipping anywhere in BC. With us you don’t have to wait long for a payout- we purchase your items upfront.
Our CEO Mandi interviewed Valene about her experience as an entrepreneur, and how she is using social media to help her business succeed.
A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
The website launched on March 2, 2022. So – we are coming up on our one-year anniversary soon!
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start your business?
I have had chronic health issues since childhood, which made working difficult and it became clear to me over the years that I needed to think outside the box and become my own boss so I could have flexibility in my schedule.
3: What do you love most about being a business owner?
I love most things about entrepreneurship! I get to be creative and try new ideas often. I love collaborating with local businesses and hope to do a lot more of that in the future. There are so many possibilities and opportunities to do and try new things when you work for yourself and I’m very grateful for the support of my community.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your business?
The hardest thing about being an entrepreneur is the feeling that you should be doing everything for your business and that you should know everything with regard to running your business. In some ways, you do need to know every aspect, and it’s important to at least know the basics of all areas of business in order for it to run smoothly, but at the same time, be okay with knowing when it’s necessary to be asking for help and outsourcing tasks that aren’t in your area of expertise are important.
5: What is one thing about working in your industry that people would be surprised to learn?
I think people would be surprised to know there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that has to be done to run an online shop successfully. It may appear like it’s as simple as taking pictures of clothing, making reels and posting them on Instagram, but it takes a lot of work to research and price items, wash, dry and steam clothing, then sort, hang, photograph, and post the images. Then there is filling and packing orders, delivering them, and all of the accounting and marketing aspects too. It’s not a comprehensive list by any means- but there’s lots of work that happens that goes unseen.
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favourite social media platform? Why?
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
Social media is a very important tool for my business. Most of the traffic from my website comes from a referral from one of the social media platforms. I do think if used correctly it is a great marketing tool.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
Connect with a social media expert right off the bat. Don’t waste time trying to figure it out yourself, there are strategies and tools you can use that are effective in helping your business grow.
A Little More About Valene
I was born and raised in Nanaimo. I’m an avid thrift & consignment shopper. I’m a university student. I love walking in nature, playing with my dogs, kayaking, and paddle boarding. I despise being cold and yet I have a newfound love for sprinting into the ocean in the middle of winter for a quick dip! Seriously, I’m obsessed with doing it. Does anyone want to go?!
I’m a serial entrepreneur and have multiple other ventures aside from Drift Up Clothing. In my spare time, I’m studying makeup artistry, and fitness. My love for knowledge runs deep. A few things I’ve done in the last twenty years are work as a health care aid and veterinary assistant, study to become a culinary nutrition expert, functional nutritionist, certified health coach, and permaculture designer as well as a sugaring tech, and Temple Style Lomi Lomi massage and Kahi Loa practitioner. Two things you might be surprised to know about me 1) I’m an ordained minister. What does that mean? I could officiate your wedding! 2) I love to write and won a scholarship to Gabby Bernstein’s Best Sellers Masterclass to help propel me forward to become an author. What can I say? I’m random, and spontaneous, and love trying new things!
Connect with Drift Up Clothing
Website
Instagram
Valene’s Personal Instagram
Know A Voss Boss?
Do you know a Voss Boss who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
