Beginning Boutique Sarah Timmerman Interview

Beginning Boutique Sarah Timmerman Interview

Beginning Boutique, the Raddest Online Store in Australia, is the most exciting online destination for women's fashion. The expanding team, based in West End, Brisbane, is committed to satisfying the markets ever-growing need for fast and economical fashion. Key drivers of the company are outstanding customer service, crazy-cool social media content, a uniquely personal shopping experience, and free express shipping Australia-wide. The explosive growth of Beginning Boutique can be attributed mainly to Facebook, where owner, Sarah Timmerman has harnessed an impressive fan base of over half a million loyal followers.

Online Retailer Conference & eCommerce Expo Goes Offline to Embrace Everything Retail

Now in its seventh year, Australia's Online Retailer Conference & eCommerce Expo, to be held at Sydney Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion, 22- 23 July 2015 sets to embrace Everything Retail.

Hailed as the largest omni- retailing event in the Southern Hemisphere, Online Retailer Conference & eCommerce Expo is the industry's premier showcase for the latest in ecommerce technology, digital marketing and retailing solutions. Beginning with a day of pre-event workshops on 21 July, and then a two day, multi-track conference, the agenda has been designed to help businesses -scale up' and put their customers at the centre of every decisions they make.

With global trends and consumer expectations in the current retail environment changing at rapid speed, customer centricity has been identified as the primary route to success. Online Retailer and eCommerce Expo is where the retail community come together for an improved understanding of the digital ecosystem, help break through the noise and outperform competitors. From online to in-store, delegates will learn what drives customers and work towards creating a personalised and optimised omni-channel experience to drive improved processes and encourage multichannel thinking.

Featuring more than 95 expert speakers and 5 international specialists, Online Retailer and eCommerce Expo has -managed to attract an esteemed line up of retail specialists from hugely successful brands like: Gilt Groupe, Bonobos, Bookworld and Jeanswest who are willing to share secrets of their success to help businesses embrace Everything Retail,' says Event Director Alice Kuepper. Designed for pure players, omni-channel retailers, start-ups and established businesses, the event is a fixture in the diary of industry leaders.

Following on from the success of 2014, Online Retailer and eCommerce Expo welcomes back The FUTURE STORE, a ground-breaking industry collaboration where visitors will experience the convergence of offline and online shopping coming to life!

Interview with Sarah Timmerman

Sarah Timmerman, even at her young age, has been the unstoppable entrepreneurial force behind this unique e- commerce success story. The dream originated 7 years ago when Sarah identified social media as a promotion goldmine, and used it as her cost effective online growth opportunity. Sarah took full advantage of being one of the first in on the business Facebook page revolution. Now standing at a cult-like following of over half a million fans, the Beginning Boutique Facebook page is a community of 18-24 year old females who are highly engaged in constant conversation about a mix of branded and non-branded content.

Unique to Sarah & BB's social style is adoring customers. Not just repeat customers, or customers who refer BB, but also customers who sing Beginning Boutique's praises. Fast, friendly response times, thoughtful advice, and authentic customer support via all social channels are what underpin these strong customer relationships. Not often do you come across a large company Facebook page where every single customer comment/enquiry/question is responded to within the hour. The company operates in a highly competitive market, but stands out by applying by this simple philosophy.

Question: What inspired the creation of Beginning Boutique?

Sarah Timmerman: An incredible trip to Paris where I visited a gorgeous store with the most incredible customer focus. It made me want to run a store that loved customers like best friends.


Question: How would you describe Beginning Boutique?

Sarah Timmerman: A rad

online store that encourages the dreams and wishes of our customers. Our store is an inspiring place for ladies to get their best looks sorted.


Question: Why do you believe Beginning Boutique is the most exciting online destination for women's fashion?

Sarah Timmerman: Because we care, we offer beautiful styling, customer service, packaging and push forward our technology for customer experience.


Question: How do you go about choosing what to sell on Beginning Boutique?

Sarah Timmerman: We are constantly reviewing what we sell based on customer feedback. Our sales and social media attitude on stock really changes and develops what we are buying. We are hoping for an even more open policy about this.


Question: Can you tell us about your crazy-cool social media content?

Sarah Timmerman: Our team always pushes the boundaries with our gorgeous content - We follow what our customers are loving and we are always dreaming of new ways to delight and surprise. It's not easy and its something we take very seriously.


Question: How often do y

ou post pictures on social media?

Sarah Timmerman: 10 - 12 times per day around the clock - we have internationals eyes who are watching us so we don't want to disappoint!


Question: How has Beginning Boutique used Facebook to grow as a business?

Sarah Timmerman: We have used this as a major growth mechanism, with paid advertising and then to engage with our customers. We have always showed what we are up to and been friends with our customers every step of the way.

Question: What are your top tips for styling, coming into Winter?

Sarah Timmerman: Layering! And a good set of boots. I have recently bought myself some good round toe Eagar Windsor Smith boots and they have changed my entire wardrobe. You can wear anything if you have the right shoes.


Question: Why do you believe customers continue to return to Beginning Boutique?

Sarah Timmerman: Because I really honestly care. I actually love my customers and I am completely aware that without them I would have nothing. They built beginning boutique with me and that's what makes us different.

Question: What's your favourite pieces on the site, currently?

Sarah Timmerman: Well my Eagar boots,
Alexi Jacket
Lorelai Dainty Silver Necklace
Luella Knit Jumper
I Am Very Busy iPhone Case
Entertainer Dress Black Spot

Interview by Brooke Hunter