Q and A: Pivoting My Business - Pop Up Included - During a Pandemic
As part of this pandemic I have been reading countless articles on how the fashion industry is coping. Sixty plus days in, the posts that seem to resonate the most within me are the ones with owner operated businesses sharing how they are shifting their business in this unprecedented time.
That got me thinking. Rather, reflecting is a more accurate descriptor. See, I was on track to have my biggest year on the books both in terms of revenue and projects. 2020 was off to a fantastic start. Of course, like so many folks, my projects got swept away in March faster than a Lysol wipe on a door handle after a hot food order delivery.
Three things hit me like a set of waves in Blue Crush: I understood the gravity of the situation, I was a bit bummed out, and most importantly I knew that I had to figure it out. I sat down with my entire team - me, myself, and I – equal parts terrified for my future and relieved I didn’t have staffers depending on me for their livelihood. Like I love to say over and over, more than one truth can and does exist at one time.
I couldn’t control my lost contracts on film sets. I couldn’t control my contracts with a local event venue. The ‘Rona is far reaching. What I could control was shifting some of my other business streams online. Shift It By Sarah G Schmidt is what I did. To date I’ve spoken about personal style over Zoom and have helped edit closets from FaceTime. Thanks internet, you’re a great friend. But I had another project that needed modification, too.
My semi-annual Pop Up sale could not be in any venue as that would be in direct conflict with physical distancing efforts to do my part in flattening the curve. Partly inspired by local businesses figuring out how to go online and deliver safely to the clients, I thought, why not the Love It Again Pop Up? It was that simple. Starting May 15, we’re going digital fashion friends.
I’m no wallflower when it comes to plugging my work. Especially if people come a knocking. Many have asked what I’m up to so I’m happy to share. As a business owner and operator of a team of yours truly, I thought I could share some of it. I’m getting into it through this candid interview with me and me. Hey, if Beyoncé can interview herself, why can’t I?
Question: I see that this is your fourth sale to date. Not your first rodeo. What types of items are you selling this Pop Up?
Answer: It’s a collection of items for men, women, and non-binary that I think stands the test of trend and time: embellished skirts, handsome trousers, luxe sweaters, marquee ties, slinky lounge, smart shirts, stellar shoes, structured jackets, trustworthy dresses, and more.
Question: Where do the various goodies come from?
Answer: All over really. For my work, I shop all the time. Like all the time. That is until this pandemic hit and honestly, that put a hard stop on most of my work. That said, I’ve accumulated a lot over the years so I had lots to draw from. Basically, if I see something good in the store, I’ll snag it. I scour second hand shops all over the city for finds. Sometimes folks show me items knowing that I’ll find a good home for them. A good home could for a garment could be my Pop Up sale or otherwise. If it’s otherwise, I donate, I consign, and sometimes it’s time to let the item go. Most of the time you can recycle a garment so it’s never all lost.
Question: How long is the Online Pop Up running for?
Answer: I typically open for a few hours over say three days when I host the pop up in a location. As this is hosted online, I’m not bound to traditional operating hours. I’m delighted that I can have it run for seventy-two hours straight. Friday May 15th through to Sunday the 17th. Maybe you’ll be up first thing in the morning and want to shop. Perhaps for others, the middle of the night is the time to fill that cart. For three days straight, have at ‘er.
Question: Online shopping can be limiting as you’re going off pictures. Anything to make that less tricky?
Answer: You bet. I’ll be available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am to 8pm MST to hop on a FaceTime, Instagram chat, Skype, Houseparty, Zoom, really whatever. I’d be delighted to show the item a shopper is curious about over video. Technology for the win in these troubling times. Text me.
Question: Respecting the current guidelines associated with Covid-19 responsibility in Calgary, how will shoppers get their purchased goodies?
Answer: I know, right? I thought hard about that and realized it’s not that hard at all. I’ll get it to the shopper. It’s that simple. In the checkout process you can choose one of three options: 1. Pick Up, 2. In-Calgary Delivery, or 3. Canada Post. Calgary pick-up and delivery are complimentary. For those wanting it mailed out, I’m simply recouping the expense to do that. It’s totally up to the shopper to tell me what’s best for them.
Question: It sounds like you’ve changed a lot for this Pop Up. Why not just skip it and save yourself the fuss?
Answer: Let me be clear in saying there’s no right answer to how one should behave in this pandemic (as long as they are staying out of harm’s way as best they can). That said, I wanted to give my supporters something that we could both look forward to. I know the power that fashion can have on a person. It can uplift you, transport you, comfort you, empower you, or simply entertain you for a moment. I didn’t want to deny anyone the chance to feel good in what they wear. Plus, it’s 2020, online is a no brainer.
Thanks Sarah.
You’re totally welcome, Sarah.
See you all popping up online this weekend?
