When I started my first retail business, I didn’t have a huge following, a massive ad budget, or investors backing me. What I did have was determination, a clear strategy, and a willingness to show up consistently.
In just two years, I grew my retail brand from $0 in sales to over $200,000 in revenue across two retail locations. Here’s exactly how I did it — and how you can apply the same strategies in your own business.
1. Using Instagram to Build Visibility
My very first sales didn’t come from ads — they came from Instagram Lives and giveaways. Going live allowed me to build trust with my audience in real time, while giveaways encouraged sharing and engagement.
➡️ If you’re still figuring out what to say in your content, my guide 550+ ChatGPT Prompts for Entrepreneurs will help you brainstorm posts, emails, and captions that actually connect.
2. Creating Small Intimate Events
I wanted my brand to be more than a product — I wanted it to be a community experience. Hosting small in-person events gave me the opportunity to connect with my customers face-to-face and build loyal relationships.
➡️ If you’ve ever considered selling at pop-ups or hosting your own events, check out my resource: How to Sell Your Products at Pop-Up Events.
3. Building an Email List to Sell Beyond My Neighborhood
Instagram was great for visibility, but it had limitations. By creating a strong email list, I was able to reach people outside my immediate area, nurture relationships, and drive consistent sales.
➡️ If you’re just starting your business and want to strengthen your foundation, read: How to Figure Out Your “Why” and Use It to Strengthen Your Business Messaging.
4. Scaling with Sales Funnels
As the business grew, I needed systems to capture leads and convert them into paying customers. That’s where sales funnels came in — turning interest into consistent revenue.
➡️ If you want to learn the exact steps to set up a funnel that works, grab my eBook: Sales Funnel Mastery.
The Results
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Year 1: $86,000 in sales
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Year 2: $200,000 in sales across two retail stores
And here’s the best part — I documented everything along the way.
➡️ Get my full behind-the-scenes process in my eBook: How I Made $200k in 2 Years.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be an influencer to build a profitable business. By showing up consistently, building community, and putting systems in place, you can grow beyond your expectations.
If you’re ready to take your own business to the next level, start with one of these resources today:
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