“Utilize social media as much as possible and reinvest back into your business before paying yourself. Hard work truly pays off.”
– Alyssa Wagler
In the ever-evolving landscape of small businesses, those who can anticipate trends and seize opportunities early often find themselves at the forefront of success. Today, we bring you the inspiring story of a small business that not only recognized an expanding trend but also harnessed it to achieve remarkable growth and accomplishments.
Meet Top Notch Boutique
Top Notch Boutique, a family-owned clothing retailer located in Washington, Indiana, is a shining example of a small business that not only caught a trend early but cultivated it into a thriving enterprise. At a time when social media influencers and social media shopping were starting to gain momentum, Top Notch Boutique owners Alyssa and Adam Wagler recognized the potential of these trends and positioned their business accordingly.
The journey began when the young couple became interested in pursuing their own interests and dreams—not those of a regular 9-5 job. “After studying Cosmetology at Vincennes University and only doing hair for roughly 3 months, I quickly realized it was not for me. That’s what sparked my interest to start my own small business,” says Alyssa. The Waglers decided to take the leap of faith into the world of small business, and they never looked back.
Seizing the Opportunity
Top Notch Boutique started by specializing in boutique clothing, offering unique and hard-to-find apparel that appealed to a wide audience. They also committed to customer service, making sure orders were packed and shipped in a timely manner. As the ‘influencer wave’ continued to gain momentum, Top Notch Boutique expanded its product range. They introduced accessories and men’s clothing, and they began marketing on TikTok. This move not only tapped into the demand for unique, fashionable apparel and accessories, but it also created an image for Top Notch Boutique as a trusted retailer, both online and in-store, for those seeking to embrace current trends.
Building Success
Alyssa and Adam started the boutique six years ago and have seen tremendous success in recent months. Not only has their apparel been in high demand, but after seeing Top Notch Boutique’s car diffusers, the social media platform TikTok requested 15,000 car diffusers be shipped to their warehouse. “My employee Ellie Harner played a big role in this order as she made all the diffusers in a short timeframe,” Alyssa said. The boutique was given only four weeks to fulfill the order, and their employees were up to the task.
When asked what advice they would give to someone who is thinking about starting their own business, Alyssa and Adam say that staying consistent and building your social media presence is key. “Utilize social media as much as possible and reinvest back into your business before paying yourself. Hard work truly pays off.”
In regard to Crane CU’s Business Services, the Waglers say that Crane CU was there to help financially when they needed a little boost. It’s important to trust and build a relationship with your financial institution.
The Flourishing Future
Today, Top Notch Boutique stands as a flourishing business that not only caught a trend early but continues to lead it. In addition to their online store, they continue to support the community with a brick-and-mortar location in Washington and also have a “mobile boutique” that allows them to take the shop to area markets and festivals. Commitment to unique fashion and exceptional customer service has made them a staple in the world of social media influencing and online retailers.
As we look to the future of small businesses, Top Notch Boutique serves as an inspiring example of how identifying and acting on trends early can propel a business to new heights. Their story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to following your dreams. So, if you’re a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, take a page from Top Notch Boutique’s book: Keep your finger on the pulse of emerging trends, adapt your business to align with them, and be willing to work hard and learn along the way. You may just find yourself riding the wave of success.
