Regan Bueti
Founder, Style Bar
Regan Bueti is a passionate entrepreneur, and the founder of Style Bar in Winnipeg, MB. Regan founded Style Bar is 2013 as the culmination of her passions for business, fashion, and meeting new people. In the past 10 Years, Style Bar and Regan herself have earned multiple accolades, including the Visionary Indigenous in Business Awards in 2018. Regan's also passionate about giving back to her community; she regularly mentors youth in her area, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Regan, you are the owner of a beloved company to many, Style Bar, what inspired you to start 10 years ago?
Ten years ago, my inspiration to start Style Bar stemmed from a deep passion for fashion and a desire to create a space where individuals could not only shop for trendy clothing but also feel a sense of community and empowerment. I wanted to curate a store that not only offered stylish apparel but also fostered a welcoming environment where customers could connect with each other and express their unique sense of style.
A few months ago, you made the decision to transition Style Bar from a brick—and—mortar store to an e-commerce platform after a decade of operation. What inspired that decision?
Transitioning Style Bar from a brick-and-mortar store to solely e-commerce platform was not only driven by the shift in consumer behaviour towards online shopping but also presented an opportunity to streamline operations and cut overhead costs. With 80% of our business now conducted online, we consolidated our operations to reduce expenses related to rent, utilities, and inventory management. We then reinvested those savings to revamp our online platform, making sure it's top-notch for our customers. It's all about staying ahead in the digital game while keeping our eye on the bottom line.
Reflecting on your journey, what key lessons have you learned about adapting to changes in the retail landscape, and how do you plan to apply them to your next chapter?
Throughout my journey, I've learned the importance of flexibility and innovation in adapting to changes in the retail landscape. Key lessons include staying attuned to consumer preferences, embracing technological advancements, and being agile in responding to market trends. Looking ahead, my plan is to keep doing what we do best – but even better. That means fine-tuning our online presence, making sure it's as sleek and user-friendly as possible. We want our customers to feel like they're getting the VIP treatment every time they shop with us. And of course, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any new trends or shifts in the market, so we can stay one step ahead of the curve.
Closing Style Bar, a beloved store for so many, can be a bittersweet experience. How have you navigated this transition emotionally, and what excites you most about the future of your business?
Closing Style Bar has been a bittersweet journey, because it's not just about shutting down a store—it's about saying goodbye to a cherished community. Reflecting on this transition, it's the people I've met over the past decade that tug at my heartstrings the most. The memories and relationships we've built together have been truly incredible. But I'm keeping my chin up by celebrating those moments and looking forward to what lies ahead. What excites me most about the future of Style Bar is the opportunity to reach new customers globally and explore innovative ways to engage with our community online.
Community support can be crucial during times of transition. How has your community rallied around you, and has your Knew House network played a role?
The support from our community during this transition has been truly touching. It's been amazing to see the outpouring of heartfelt messages and enthusiastic encouragement from our loyal customers and supporters. It really reaffirms the impact Style Bar has had on their lives, and I'm incredibly grateful for each and every one of them. And let's not forget my fellow Knew House members—they've been absolute rockstars, cheering me on every step of the way. Their valuable insights, resources, and encouragement have been invaluable, highlighting the power of community and collaboration. Connecting with so many incredible people over the past 10 years has been one of the highlights, and saying goodbye to that aspect will definitely be the hardest part.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for Style Bar, and how do you plan to leverage your expertise to continue delivering exceptional experiences for your customers online?
Looking ahead, my goals for Style Bar are pretty ambitious. I'm focused on beefing up our online presence while staying true to our mission of providing stylish yet affordable clothing to a global (hopefully!) audience. With my background in retail and e-commerce, we're upgrading our online platform with user-friendly navigation, personalized recommendations, and captivating content to ensure an exceptional shopping experience. Your feedback will be crucial in fine-tuning our strategies as we aim to solidify Style Bar's position as the go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts, Manitoba-wide and beyond.
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