Fashion’s freshest graduate introduces Trendy Moo — Meet Sarah Minnix
Clothed in ambition, commitment, and style — Sarah inspires the dreamer in all of us
I am so excited to introduce young fashion entrepreneur, Sarah Minnix and her online clothing boutique, Trendy Moo. I’ve personally known Sarah for about a decade now, growing up together in a small town lodged in the beautiful rolling hills of Southwest, Virginia. Sarah has always been a brilliant, kind, and driven woman. When I heard of her new boutique, I was thrilled to reconnect with an old friend and learn more about her impressive (and stylish!) entrepreneurial endeavors.
Sarah graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more commonly known as Virginia Tech, earning a BS in Fashion Merchandising and Design this past Spring. With her education, experience, and passion, Sarah jumped head-first into her dreams following her college graduation. I present Sarah Minnix and Trendy Moo, where cutting-edge trends greet cutting-edge costs.
1 — What were your plans after graduating college? Did you always consider yourself an entrepreneur?
“ I knew I loved fashion and wanted to do something within the industry. I think like all of us in our 20’s, I was a little lost coming out of college because I didn’t have a full time job secured. I was going through extreme anxiety and trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I was so sick of applying to jobs I knew I was qualified for, and not getting responses back from large name companies. I realized I already knew what I wanted to do and asked myself,
‘Why the heck am I sitting around trying to prove my worth to these companies?’
I know what I want and I have the experience. Sooo… I took the leap and started my own boutique. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit so I think that definitely was a huge factor in me opening Trendy Moo.”
2 — What inspired you to create Trendy Moo and how did you get started with it? Talk me through it.
“I love shopping from boutiques because they have unique pieces that you don’t see everyone wearing, but the main problem for me is they are typically very pricey. I wanted to create a boutique for girls that love clothes, but have a college-aged budget.
It shouldn’t cost millions to express yourself through unique clothing.
That is what I decided would be my factor to set me apart in the market.
The name goes back to me loving cows my whole life! It’s so funny because I have never lived on a farm or owned a cow but I have always just loved them. My experience and passion for fashion was the primary reason I created the boutique. I had no idea what it was like to be a business owner and I literally did everything on my own to get it started. It was a lot of time, a lot of research and of course a lot of trial and error.”
3 — Did you have any fears in starting your own boutique and how did you overcome those fears?
“I definitely had a lot of fears! I was really worried about not being able to make it financially. I was also afraid I didn’t have the time needed to actually devote myself to it. Since most small businesses don’t make profit in their first year, I realized I would have to be doing all of this work with no pay and find other sources of income. I am very busy to say the least! I overcame these fears by doing my best with time management, budgeting, and just really wanting this dream to come true!”
4 — What wakes you up in the morning?
“I have so many things to be grateful for. Friends, family, my boyfriend, and all of the support from everyone I get on a daily basis from Trendy Moo. I always get excited and want to make this business the best I can and that keeps me going.”
5 — What is the most valuable thing you took away from your education and experience at Virginia Tech?
“I was very fortunate at Virginia Tech to have the most amazing professors, getting to network with faculty and other students, and gaining great leadership experience. I learned a lot through being involved in the Fashion Merchandising and Design Society at Virginia Tech. I was a member for awhile, fashion show coordinator, and then my senior year I finished off as president. I learned valuable skills like social media marketing, event planning and promotion, and even graphic design skills through it — all skills I use daily for Trendy Moo.
You always meet people for a reason and I think that’s so cool. For example, a student I met at Tech did video for my fashion show and a couple years later he’s a graphic designer in LA and he designed the logo for my business. Virginia Tech brought me so many resources that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. I am so thankful for that school!”
6 — What is a misconception, or something most people don’t know about fashion/the fashion industry?
“That everyone just shops all day and picks out cute outfits haha. It is a cut-throat, competitive industry. You have to be the best of the best and even worse, it is very subjective. You have to become a master at so many different aspects other than just clothing if you want to be successful. I have to be knowledgeable in finances and accounting, photography, graphic design, marketing, manufacturing, logistics, and so many more. You have to be a jack of all trades, and look cute doing it!
7 — What does a typical day look like for you?
“The current day to day for Trendy Moo consists of posting on social media, finding merchandise, website updates, financial record keeping, inventory management, analyzing sales, and brainstorming new ideas constantly. I also do photo-shoots about once a week, along with all of the photo editing. I have trained my sweet boyfriend to take my pictures (he’s the best), and I take the photos if the pictures aren’t of me obviously!
I also do a lot of freelance work because I need additional income while the business develops more. I am doing content marketing for a fashion company called Gracyfy, and am a virtual assistant for several accounts doing web design and social media management. I do all of this every day. It is a completely different schedule since all of my work is done from home, but you have to be very dedicated to get it done! I typically work 8–10 hours a day and try to not work on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.. usually!”
8 — What has been your proudest moment so far in your journey with Trendy Moo?
“I was so proud to hit 1,000 followers on Instagram. I am at 1,135 now, but I was sooo excited to hit 1K. It was my first big milestone and I built that following from ground up in 2 months all by myself!”
9 — How are you looking to differentiate yourself in the online shopping market?
“Budget-friendly unique pieces, amazing customer service, and fast shipping.”
10 — How would you like to see Trendy Moo transform over the next year?
“I would like to be able to offer more options for merchandise, do a few pop-up shops, begin making profit, grow an ambassador program, and ideally hit about 5K+ followers on Instagram.”
11 — What personal or professional traits/skills of yours have aided you the most in creating Trendy Moo?
“Trend and fashion knowledge, Photoshop skills, blogger relationships, being a hard worker, and being generally tech savvy.
12 — Name a woman role model in your life.
“I have so many women role models. Literally any woman that is going after her dreams regardless of the odds! I am inspired by bloggers, small business owners, women in careers that they adore, and all of my friends and family!”
13 — What does being a woman mean to you?
“Being a woman is an incredible and challenging thing. I love that I can help in the movement to prove our worth! I love the bond that we can create to empower each other.
It means doing what you love without hesitation and regardless of anyone else’s opinion.”
14 — If all the women in the world were going to read this article, what would you want them to know?
“I hope that I can be an inspiration to you that you can live out your dreams. You never have to settle. Things will get hard, but happiness is always the right choice. Don’t ever let anything hold you back. Stop waiting for the perfect timing. There is no such thing! Make your life story an interesting one :)”
Continue following Sarah’s and Trendy Moo’s inspiring journey, and shop all of the looks you saw here and many more! Great gift grabbers right before the Holidays! ❤
Instagram: @shoptrendymoo
Store Site: TrendyMoo.com
