Paula Guthrie's Page

What is your name?

Paula Guthrie

Are you currently heading a woman-owned business?

Yes

If you are in business, what is the name of your business?

Bodacious Boutique, Inc.

Where did you get your idea for your business or the business you'd like to start?

I was frustrated with trying to find Arty & Unique fashions for size 14W+. I saw a fun store in Kaui and decided Dallas needed a store like that. So I thought about it for about a year and mentored with someone that had owned a Plus Size Store in the past. I also hired a woman that had managed plus size stores for 15 years, because I had never been in retail. We are in our 4th year now and have just signed a new 5 year lease. We are commited to Bodacious Women!

Where is (will) your business located? (City and State)

Dallas, Texas

If you already have a website, what is the address for your business?

http://www.bodaciousboutique.com

How long have you been in business? (Or when do you plan to open?)

We have been open 3.5 years. We also sell Online at www.bodaciousboutique.com.

How many employees do you have, if any?

1-5

What is your annual revenue?

$100K-$250K

Describe your product or service, or the product you plan to introduce to the market.

We offer Arty & Unique fashions for sizes 14W-28W, that can't be found anywhere else in Dallas. We carry mostly casual, some career and dressy, and swimsuits year round. We also sell nationwide Online at www.bodaciousboutique.com.

How did you (or plan to) fund your business startup?

Credit cards, personal savings, equity line of credit

What was (is) the biggest hurdle in getting your business off the ground?

Dealing with the fact that I had to go into debt to do it. I was 49 and had been debt free for 20 years. I have now come to terms with the fact that you have to have debt to be in business.

What would you advise other women interested in starting a similar business?

Mentor Mentor Mentor! Ask everyone you know if they know someone that has been in the business you want to start. Who would have thought my girl friend would have had a client that had owned a plus size store? Also there is lots of free advice out there. Check with SCORE, retired executives that are part of the SBA and coach new businesses at no charge. Also find your Small Business Development Center. They are usually a county entity. They have all kinds of free classes and mentors too.

What has been your biggest mistake?

Not watching my budget the first year. I had money and spent too much and bought too many items for my store.

What has been your smartest move?

Hiring someone that knew the business, that was willing to teach me. Also taking a risk to do something new. We are the only Non Chain boutique for New Plus Sizes in Dallas. Can you imagine?

Are you willing to answer questions from other women business owners about your business?

Yes

What is your email address?

pguthrie@bodaciousboutique.com