Today we recap a special presentation from AGEC 425 Survivor Abby Christian ’17. Her real-world experience in the fashion and merchandising industry offered a new angle at where entrepreneurship can take you. Her story covers more than just running a business; it’s about navigating challenges, staying adaptable, and making a difference in the community.

Giddy Up Glamour Boutique
Prof-for-a-Day Presentation
Flickr Photo Album

Meet Abby Christian

Upon graduation, Abby joined her family’s business and helped take it to the next level. What started as a small jewelry-making venture at livestock shows is now a thriving boutique serving everyone from college students to trendy grandmas. As Abby put it, “We went from making Trinity rock necklaces to running a full-blown boutique. It’s been a wild ride, but a rewarding one.”

Giddy Up Glamour: A Quick Snapshot

Founded in 2008, Giddy Up Glamour is all about inclusivity and style for everyone. Abby and her team are passionate about providing “any look, any occasion, every woman.” From e-commerce to in-store shopping, they have stayed ahead by embracing technology and targeting diverse customer bases. Abby joked, “We’re basically your one-stop shop if you’re tired of shopping at places with clothes that don’t fit or fall apart after one wash.”

Key Takeaways from the Presentation

  • Roll with the Punches: Abby shared some difficulties the business faced when trying to branch out. “You’ve got to learn how to adapt and overcome. If you fall down seven times, get up eight,” she said. Her example of closing an unprofitable location in Waco showed how making tough decisions can lead to growth.
  • Community Matters: Through Fancy’s Foundation, Abby helps young girls in need by providing the essentials. “When you help a young girl feel confident, you’re not just giving her an outfit—you’re helping her envision a brighter future,” she shared.
  • Know Your Audience: From TikTok trends to Facebook groups, Abby’s marketing strategies hit all the right notes. She explained, “Our TikTok is run by a college girl, and my mom runs our Facebook group. It’s all about knowing who’s watching and meeting them where they are.”
  • Embrace Change: Transitioning to Shopify was a game-changer for Giddy Up Glamour. Abby admitted, “Change is hard, but it’s necessary if you want to stay relevant.”
  • Hire Smart: Abby’s hiring philosophy is simple: work ethic over experience. “I’ve learned that hiring someone with a solid work ethic outweighs experience,” she said.

Wrap Up

Abby’s visit offered valuable insights into running a successful business while staying true to your values. From adapting to challenges and embracing change to building a strong community connection, her lessons are relevant for anyone aiming to make an impact. As Abby wisely said, “Listen to your gut. Most of the time, it’s going to steer you right.” As we reflect on her advice, resilience, creativity, and a little bit of grit can go a long way. Abby left us with plenty to think about and strive for.