Tribe of Soul

Name: Alanna Bullock
Position: Owner / Founder
Website: www.tribeofsoul.store
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

I offer a curated collection of sustainable, ethically made items. Helping people support small businesses.

What products/services do you offer?

Children’s clothing, accessories and homewares

Why did you start your business and how long have you been running it?

To bring a range of ethically made sustainable items to people in one easy place.  I opened my store on July 18^th 2019

What struggles do you think most businesses face in your industry and what would you say they need to do to overcome them?

I feel like gaining momentum and being seen in the sea of online retail stores can be difficult.  I feel like constantly pushing and staying positive, connecting and collaborating with other similar businesses can be helpful.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Overcoming my fears and doubts and diving into what I am passionate about, trusting the process.

What has been your biggest ‘fail’ so far?

Definitely ordering my clothing line halfway through a season.

What do you love most about your business?

Working for myself, time freedom and making connections with other like minded people.

What do you find most challenging?

Advertising without feeling like I’m pushing sales.  Remaining genuine in my social media posts.

How do you promote your business (please include as many details as you can)?

Through social media – facebook and Instagram.  Through local markets and billboards, word of mouth and networking.  Also through collaborations with other artists and businesses.

What business skills do you have (eg. graphic design, customer service)?

I’ve always worked in customer service so that’s definitely my strong suit, other than that I’m learning as I go.

What software did you/your designer use to create your website (eg. WordPress, Wix)?

I used Wix for my website host which I planned and implemented by myself and with help from my partner.

What are some of your favourite business tools and apps?

Google business, Instagram and vsco for editing

What do you like about your website and what’s not working for you?

I love how easy it is to use and design.  I wish it had the ability to accommodate afterpay.

What lessons have you learnt during your time as an entrepreneur?

Be open to all forms of learning and constructive criticism.  Be proactive. Talk to others and network.

What key tips for success in business would you like to share with others?

On the other side of fear, is freedom.  Don’t wait until you are completely ‘ready’ because you will never be and will always be learning and growing more.

What is the one thing that you want everyone to take away from this post?

Believe in yourself, your dreams and what you have to offer others for at the end of the day would you rather say ‘I was too scared to fail so I didn’t try’ or ‘I was scared to fail but I tried’.