Inside Smith Main's Small Business Success
Overcoming the pandemic's challenges, Smith & Main has become a beacon of resilience in Old Bellevue. Opened by Chanel Smith in 2018, the boutique faced significant hurdles when it had to close its doors in 2020. During the shutdown, Smith leveraged her loyal customer base, who checked in on her, while creatively promoting her products through social media and offering doorstep deliveries. The reopening presented new hurdles, but through collaboration with local boutiques and hosting community events, she managed to rebuild her customer connections. Smith reflects on the pandemic's lessons, emphasizing that local businesses should support each other in tough times. As she prepares to celebrate her fourth anniversary, she aims to reinforce her boutique's role as a community hub where women can find outfits that inspire confidence. Smith expresses gratitude for the community's support, acknowledging that without it, her business might not have survived. Upcoming events will further strengthen ties with the Bellevue community, showcasing Smith & Main's commitment to local engagement.