ESSENCE OF RIRI and PRETTY IN COLOR BOUTIQUE
Owner: Jori Miller, ’19
First, tell us where we can find you online.
Shop with me online @essenceofriri (Facebook and Instagram) https://essenceofriri.myshopify.com & @prettyincolorboutique
What inspired you to start your own business?
Essence of Riri is the second online business that I have started. I really enjoy creating my visions from scratch. I think I just enjoy the feeling of having something of my own that I can create however I want!
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
I graduated from Meredith College with a degree in Public Relations so I have a lot of a communications background. Being able to study people and how to sell them a product is something that I practice often! I would advertise for different companies on my personal Social Media page during college.
How did your time at Meredith influence you?
Meredith taught me that I am a powerful young lady and I can do whatever it is I put my mind to. Being surrounded by my lovely sisters who were always cheering me on, I was able to come up with different things I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.
What has been your biggest success to date?
I would have to say my biggest success to date would be graduating from college.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding a stable job after college that I enjoy and that pays well!
Describe your typical workday.
I am Marketing Director for an Acupuncturist! So I am normally coming up with ways to get new patients in the door. Sometimes that is cold calling and other times I am making social media posts and advertisements for the business. After my 9-5 day job, I go home and fill any orders I might have from my businesses.
Which businesses (big or small) are you inspired by?
For my SkinCare Line, I was inspired by other small natural businesses. I love how they put their own spin on different products or the fact that they’ve created some kind of natural remedy.
Boutiques, in general, are what inspired me to want to have a business of my own to have a variety of clothing that I could sell for a cheaper price and for people of all sizes.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start her own creative business?
I would say first make sure you do tons of research. This is the most important step in starting your own business. But secondly, just do it! Don’t wait because you see other people doing the same thing, this is what I did and I missed out on so many other opportunities to spread the word about my business.
We’re so excited to present to you a new blog feature on alumnae businesses. If you own a small business or want to nominate a friend to be featured please email Taylor Twine in the Office of Alumnae Relations at twtwine@meredith.edu.
beyondthebackgate.com 
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