Entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, and for Lindy, it was no different. As the owner of Lindy Lifestyle Boutique, she learned the challenges of running a business firsthand. However, when she had to close her doors, her journey took an unexpected turn. In this exclusive interview, Lindy shares her experience, lessons learned, and advice for other entrepreneurs.
“The inspiration behind Lindy Lifestyle Boutique began when I was a young person and spent my time in class drawing the floor plan of my future boutique, without knowing that one day it would become a reality.”
Lindy's dream was to create a unique space where people could discover inspiring fashion pieces that complemented their personal style. Fueled by her passion for fashion and a background in business management, Lindy Lifestyle Boutique officially opened its doors to the public on March 27th, 2017, the culmination of years of planning and hard work.
"I remember starting out not knowing anything about the fashion industry or business regulations in Aruba. Like many other business owners, I had to learn along the way. I sought resources, attended workshops, and connected with industry experts. When I was selected to be a board member of the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it opened many doors and accelerated my learning process. Additionally, my role as a representative of our Prime Minister's Betico Croes Avenue gave me direct access to business owners. I also took the initiative to gather lawyers, representatives of the SVB, and other government departments to broaden my understanding of Aruba's business regulations."
The decision to close Lindy Lifestyle Boutique came from a place of deep reflection, resulting from years of relentless challenges and personal struggles. Running a small business requires an overwhelming level of personal commitment and involvement. The omnipresent demand for attention and the constant pressure to succeed can lead to significant stress, manifesting in forms such as anxiety, depression, and exhaustion.
THE POWER/CHALLENGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE SHOPPING
"I understood early on that social media was a powerful tool for brand visibility and interaction. I used it as a platform to tell our story, showcase our products, and interact with our customers on a personal and professional level. The emergence of online shopping brought both challenges and opportunities for small businesses. To adapt to this change in consumer behavior, we established an e-commerce platform and perfected our digital marketing strategies. However, in Aruba, I believe we should not only focus on the competition of legal online shopping platforms but also illegal online businesses. This presents a real challenge for legal businesses."
"For me, one of the biggest challenges was constantly balancing the needs of the business with my personal needs and family responsibilities. The business demanded non-stop attention, from sourcing products, managing finances and accounting, to marketing and customer service. There were moments where the line between my personal and professional life became blurred, resulting in considerable tension.
I worked long hours, frequently compromising my own well-being. However, it's important to note that these challenges are not unique to me or my business – they are the reality many entrepreneurs face. My message to others is to emphasize that taking care of yourself is not only crucial but also necessary for the health and success of your business."
LACK OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CONSTANT REGULATIONS
Lindy feels that constant regulations pose a challenge for small businesses. "Undoubtedly, obtaining permits, dealing with legal matters, and complying with constantly changing regulations consume a lot of time and energy for many small business owners. There is a need for those who make decisions to have their own experience in the business world, in order to truly understand the impact these regulations have on businesses. I hope there will be changes that make the situation more feasible for small businesses not only to survive but to prosper."
In the business world, like in life, tough decisions have to be made to move forward when circumstances are not favorable or when the desire to grow stronger is present. Failure is actually an integral part of the journey and often leads to important lessons and better opportunities. My advice to others is to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and remember that resilience is one of the most important characteristics an entrepreneur can have.
“Closing the physical store of Lindy Lifestyle Boutique was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make”
What was once just a dream became a reality, and now it was closing. However, I chose to see this not as a failure, but as a change of direction.
I focused on the positive aspects of the experience and the important lessons I learned. In truth, I am really excited to anticipate a balanced life with a free and creative mind, full of limitless opportunities for new ventures.
For now, I will dedicate time to my family, personal growth, and helping my community as a sincere leader. And obviously, Lindy Lifestyle Boutique will continue to be online. For those in similar situations, I would say it's okay to feel discouraged, but don't let disappointment define you. Instead, use it as a catalyst to start your next journey.
I have always been passionate about guiding and supporting other entrepreneurs, so I consider ways to use my experience to contribute to the community.
"I firmly believe in the potential of Aruba as a place to do business. There are many challenges, as there are everywhere, but there are also a multitude of opportunities. What is crucial is that there is an ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs, and I hope to see more policies and initiatives that promote this in the future.
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