Founder of online fashion hub The White Owl Boutique Tanya Shepley is devoted to creating a business which caters to customers with different tastes and needs.
Tanya started The White Owl Boutique in May 2004 after realising the market at that time did not offer what she really wanted. “I have always had an interest in fashion and there was also a degree of frustration of not being able to find clothing that I liked once I hit a specific age,” said Tanya. Having always been interested in fashion and having a background in hair and beauty, alongside unlimited support and encouragement from her friend who happened to be a graphic designer, Tanya finally decided to take the plunge and launch White Owl – meaning wisdom, passionately pursuing her dream and trying to achieve higher in her life.
Launched four years ago, The White Owl Boutique was not an online store at first. “I commenced market trading at various locations around Brisbane, and approximately six months later I launched my online store. Most customers would recognise me from the markets, festivals or events as I only ceased that type of trading in early December when I opened my bricks and mortar store.” Different from other online fashion hubs, Tanya typically showcases most of the online clothing herself. “I think most customers tend to relate more to a non-model. I also have a wide range of timeless clothing that suits the busy woman and will easily take them from the desk to dinner or for those casual lazy days.”
Tanya expresses the importance and value of shopping local and supporting small business. “We offer a variety of unique products and most people don’t want to be seen wearing the same item as another colleague etc. It has been sad to see the demise of key shopping precincts around Brisbane however, fortunately, the Bulimba area has always had very loyal residents which means the world to us small business owners.”
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