How would you describe your box?
Sparkle Hustle Grow is a monthly subscription box for female entrepreneurs. It includes four to six items like books, planners, and chic office supplies. Once you are a subscriber, you are invited into our private Facebook group to connect & collaborate with other Girl Bosses. But we take it a step further by offering one online training each month that will help your business grow. We add a little happy to your hustle!
How did you come up with the idea?
I have been running an all-female web design and development agency for over five years. I was craving a physical product since everything I do is online. I noticed that many of our clients felt lost and overwhelmed when it comes to running their businesses so I wanted my product to help them with that.
How do you select your products?
Since I am a female entrepreneur myself, I knew the type of things I’d personally want in a subscription box for my business, and so I thoughtfully choose my items and instructors with business growth in mind. But it’s not about me, it’s about our tribe… so I ask my subscribers for feedback in our private Facebook group and let them help me make my product decisions. Also, I look for instructors that teach relevant business topics like social media, small business taxes, and time management.
How do you find customers?
I am active in several Facebook groups with mompreneurs and creative entrepreneurs because that’s what I am. I take the time to create real relationships and the groups are very supportive. I also like to connect in real life, so I attend events and do coffee with colleagues often.
What is the most difficult part of running a subscription box business?
Right now, my two biggest struggles are acquisition and margins. Customer acquisition is difficult when there is virtually no ad budget. I expect margins to improve with scale.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I have built a very supportive tribe of grateful female entrepreneurs and I am having an impact on their businesses and confidence.
What do customers love most about your box?
Customer love that the items are things that they might not buy on their own, but that they will actually use in their business. So it’s a treat, but also a business write-off. I also believe they love the community we’ve built in our Facebook group.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in subscription commerce?
Definitely do a pre-sale, so you have some upfront cash to purchase the items and supplies you’ll need to send out your first box. Not only does that mean you won’t have to dig deep in your pockets from square one, but it will also validate (or invalidate) your idea so you know whether it has legs.
Anything we missed you’d like to share?
I’m having a great experience with Cratejoy and the community in the Subscription School Facebook group. I’ve learned so much by asking and participating in the FB group!
How can people find out more about your business?
My website is http://www.sparklehustlegrow.com/. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram!
