Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Ann Armstrong.
Hi Rae Ann, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Yomi and Bug was launched out of the pandemic. While we were spending lots of time at home and not knowing what the future held for my 9-5 job as a teacher, I started to sell my kid’s pre-loved clothes. What was one way to earn a little cash on the side turned into a full-time endeavor when I lost my job in the fall of 2021. As a parent, I wanted to create a business that would provide families with adorable yet reasonable-priced clothing while being able to help support my own family with the flexibility to be home with my kids. With a passion for all things cute and simple, we carefully curate a delightful collection of children’s clothing tailored to suit every season. We started our business online and now do pop-ups all over South Bay and Orange County. We are part of two collective markets- Haus of Trade, San Clemente, and Shop Small Bizz Littles, Long Beach. Now, as a mom of three little ones, I have the flexibility to do what I love and be present with my family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a small business has not been smooth. I started this business without any education or former knowledge in sales, retail, etc. My passion for kids clothing, affordability, and my entrepreneurial spirit helped me get the ball rolling. It continues to be a learning process, especially in finances. If you were to Google search “how to start your small business” there would not be one set way of doing it. We struggled with figuring out the best way to curate clothing and asked ourselves “Where would we source clothing from? Is it ethical? How can we communicate and trust suppliers?” and the list goes on. We have to decide if we wanted to be solely online and “how do we market our brand when there are a thousand other kids clothing brands?” I am grateful to have met other small business owners whom I have created friendships with and am able to share ideas with to help each other build our businesses. These connections are just as important as customers because they understand what being a small business owner is like and often come across the same obstacles. Most importantly, resonating with other small business owners encourages the pursuit of my goals with Yomi and Bug.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Yomi and Bug Littles Boutique?
As a proud mom of three, we understand the importance of affordability and quality and I think that what sets us apart from other brands. Yomi and Bug carefully curates a collection of children’s clothing tailored to suit every season. We are most proud of the uniqueness and curation of our boutique. Our boutique is curated from local and international small businesses. About 80% of our products are hand-crafted by local or international artisans and ethically sourced. We have clothing and accessories for infants to children seven years of age and are working on expanding into women’s this fall. As the owner of Yomi and Bug, I do just about everything from social media to adding inventory. We want readers to know that you can also support a small business without spending a dime. Every share, like, comment, and referral means the world to us. Each purchase not only supports my family, but we also donate a portion of our earnings to organizations such as Our Rescue to help support those who have been victims of trafficking. Our Rescue is a proactive organization that raises awareness of child trafficking and puts in an effort to stop trafficking.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It is important to write out your business plan, but more important to know the reason WHY you are starting your business. What is going to fuel your passion and determination to keep going when things are slow or not going the right way? I would also encourage you to connect and get to know other small business owners like yourself. We are all in a similar boat, asking questions and making mistakes is normal and that is how we grow- trust the process! You never know who you are going to meet and where one connection can lead you. One thing I wish I knew when I was starting out is how much investment actually goes into your first year or two of business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yomiandbug.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yomiandbug
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/yomiandbuglittlesboutique
- Other: www.tiktok.com/yomiandbug
Image Credits
Emily McAllister Photography Raquel Knowles Photography
