One year ago, I took a leap of faith and opened my first retail shop at Haymans Market. It has been an incredible journey filled with growth, learning, and most importantly, the support of amazing customers, friends and family. As we celebrate this milestone, I want to reflect on the past year, share a glimpse of what’s to come, and offer insights as you continue to navigate your own journey.
The Journey So Far
Opening at Haymans Market was both exciting and nerve-wracking. From setting up shop to curating a collection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories, every step has been a learning experience. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people who appreciate unique finds and stylish pieces.
Taking that first step is often the hardest part. Doubts, financial concerns, and fear of failure can be overwhelming. But if this past year has taught me anything, it’s that resilience and adaptability are key to success. Challenges will come, but pushing through them leads to growth, confidence, and new opportunities.
Lessons & Growth
Running a retail business in a bustling marketplace has taught me valuable lessons. Here are some key takeaways I'd like to leave with you:
Understanding Customer Preferences
The facts: Trends change, and so do customer needs. Listening to feedback has always helped me refine my product and service offerings.
My takeaway: Sometimes you may have an idea and when it launches to market, you see the tweaks it may need to make it a better offering.
The conclusion/my advice: Launch your idea and stop overthinking because I guarantee that once it's out there, some part will need to change or improve and the only way to get to that stage is to put it out there.
Understanding Your Business & Brand
The facts: When we launch our brand, we have a target that we want to reach and sometimes they are not the target that you end up catering to. BONUS: The target audience you initially aimed to cater to might not always be the ideal one—and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it simply means you’ve discovered new opportunities. By adapting to an unexpected market, you open yourself and your brand to possibilities you never knew existed. Often, this allows you to fill gaps in the market that others have overlooked, creating a unique space for your business to thrive.
My takeaway: Have the target and market to them, but also embrace and take note of others who gravitate towards your brand. Those are the persons who have a natural connection and are genuinely interested in your product/service offerings.
The conclusion: Having customers who form a bond with your brand will help you build a loyal community, create lasting relationships, and establish a brand that people trust and return to. Then, these connections go beyond just sales—they turn your business into a space where people feel valued, heard, and excited to support your journey.
Adapting & Innovating
The facts: Trying out new products and improving the customer experience, have been key to staying relevant.
My takeaway: Take note of how customers interact with your space, product and/or service as well as your bestsellers. Then, think about how you can offer a variation or additional item to keep them interested.
The conclusion: Don't get complacent. Continue to innovate and improve your offerings so your brand stays top of mind.
Embracing Challenges
The facts: Each setback, whether big or small, brings valuable insights.
The takeaway: Embrace the stresses of doing business and life all at once. Let things come to fruition in their rightful time.
The conclusion: Learn to pivot and find things that help you stay motivated because this is super crucial for your journey.
Reflecting on the Milestone
I had so many ideas for celebrating my shop’s one-year anniversary, but truthfully, I’ve been so caught up in the daily grind and overcoming challenges that I didn’t even get the chance to plan anything grand. And you know what? That’s okay. Because this moment right here—being able to share, reflect, and connect with all of you—is what truly matters. It’s a reminder that sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned, but they still turn out beautifully in their own way.
So What’s Next?
As I step into year two, I’m excited to bring even more to the table. Here’s what to look forward to:
New Collections & Projects: Fresh styles, more unique jewelry pieces, and seasonal must-haves. Be sure to check out @qudo.barbados. This brand honestly is so fun and can help you tell a story through your own personality.
Enhanced Shopping Experience: Exploring ways to make shopping more enjoyable at @shopsweetlimon, whether it’s through exclusive deals or personalized recommendations.
Community Engagement: More collaborations, empowerment events, and interactive experiences to connect with you.
Supporting Women in Business: I want to continue sharing my experiences and encouraging other women to chase their entrepreneurial dreams as well as continue my journey with @sweetcitrusmag. P.S. I'll be looking to offer women the opportunity to be featured for women's month so if you'd like to be featured or know anyone who would like to be, check out the website and look out for more info soon!
Just Start – Your Future Self Will Thank You
To bring this one year journey to a close, I want to leave one last piece of advice with you. I know it sounds cliché, but if you’ve been thinking about starting something—whether it’s a business, a passion project, career or a new journey—just start. You’ll never feel 100% ready, and things may not go exactly as planned, but every step forward is a step toward growth. A year from now, you’ll look back and be so glad you took the leap. I certainly am so happy that I did!
Thank You for Your Support!
None of this would have been possible without you—our loyal shoppers, fellow entrepreneurs who are cheering me on from the sidelines and interact with me, and everyone who has just been there at some point on along the way. Your encouragement keeps this dream alive, and I’m beyond grateful for each and every one of you.
Here’s to another year of style, growth, and unforgettable moments at Haymans Market and other locations (speaking it into being)! 🎉
Stay tuned for exciting updates, and be sure to visit us in-store soon! We're the first shop on the right when you enter the main entrance.
Xoxo,
Christal-Ann
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