Envy'd Finds
Stephanie Lyew, Youthlink Writer
Have you ever bought an item which you knew would make you the envy of the crowd? Well, Kerry-Ann and Jacqueline Wedderburn know how to give you exactly what you want. On Saturday, July 7, and Sunday, July 8, the Wedderburn sisters and their partner of three years, Lysandra Ennis (owner of Envy'd Jewels and Accessories), held their biannual trunk show, Envy'd Finds. The show featured approximately five different entrepreneurs and had deals and steals for the fashion-forward female. Before Youthlink left (and feeling a little guilty for not filling our shopping cart) we had to ask these sisters who, by the way, are 10 years apart, why they decided to begin their business, Fabulous Findz.
Youthlink: How did Fabulous Findz come about?
Jacqueline Wedderburn (JW): I think Kerry should tell you the story.
Kerry-Ann Wedderburn (KW): I was going on a shopping trip, didn't want to save but needed a quick way to turn over money. I thought the best way was to sell clothes; after that I realized I had a knack for it. Soon after, Jacqueline and I registered the business and began regular operations.
What inspired the concept of Fabulous Findz and having the trunk show?
JW: Besides Kerry having an eye for fashion and wanting to share that, it's better than trying to manage a physical store. The trunk show is an opportunity for persons to view new stock and get deals on items in stock, and it occurs twice per year.
KW: Our business is convenient; persons can stay in the comfort of their own home and have the store come to them. At first, the trunk show lasted two days. Now we run it all weekend, from Friday to Sunday, to accommodate more customers and every year we get different persons to come on board.
What strategies do you apply to outsmart the competition?
JW: Apart from having the online store and the system for shopping on the go, we offer free delivery.
KW: The biggest aspect that separates us also is the no-deposit required with order; our clients pay on delivery. It is a risk but we seem to manage well with loyal customers and the growing clientele.
How do you manage your time, since both of you work otherwise?
JW: My job allows me flexibility. Plus it's in a central area, so if anyone needs to pick up an order I usually have the duty of doing that. I also manage the social networking pages that is the business and marketing aspect of Fabulous Findz.
KW: My job is the total opposite but I take over after 5 p.m. when work has ended; and lunch time too, if it allows me to. For example, meeting customers and making deliveries.
How often do you make orders or receive new stock?
JW & KW: We try to make orders and get new stock at least once per month.
Tell our readers more about your personal styles.
JW: I'm the laid-back one; that pretty much describes my style. Having Kerry as my sister, however, helped me to revamp my style from the regular jeans and shirt.
KW: I'm trendy mixed with a bit of classy (I tend to mix pieces together).
You may search Fabulous Findz on Facebook or contact them via Twitter @ fabulousfindzja. Also, telephone the sisters at 402-2828 (Digicel) and 833-4186 (LIME) or visit www.fabulousfindzja.com and make your shopping cart.
See photo highlights here: http://youthlinkjamaica.com/gallery/envyd-finds
