By Julie and Lauren
Here at B&B, we love a girl who strikes out on her own and Marissa from Go Try It On did just that. In more ways than one! A savvy businesswoman and entrepreneur, we're thrilled to have Marissa over for a little Q&A to give us a little insight into the social style network she single-handedly created. We've got to admit, we're a wee bit jealous/ a whole lot inspired!
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What been the most challenging part about building your own company? I have the final say…
What's the best advice you've ever received? The highs are high and the lows are low, so it’s really important to just keep going. If you can keep moving forward, hitting smaller milestones one after the next, all of a sudden, all those little milestones are a big milestone. Also I believe it’s really important how you make people feel in the end…So I try to make people feel good when they work with me.
How did you make the jump for your 9 to 5 job to starting your own business? It's a big and scary move! I was working in the digital space, consulting for brands about what to do with their marketing budget online. Mobile was just starting to become a part of this conversation so I had a solid vantage point in which to understand the space. I was thinking about how all my girlfriends got ready and how it was always the same thing, no matter how fashionable they were. They would hold up a few options and ask the group, “Which one should I wear?” It was a social experience. It was a conversation, and we all were doing it offline, so I wanted to somehow bring this online.
What has been the best part about building your own company? I have the final say…
In two years, where do you see Go Try It On? Go Try It On will always be about helping people answer the age-old question, “what should I wear?” Our products will continue to evolve and be shaped by our users needs and expectations. Even in the past two years the pace at which consumers are getting savvy, technology is improving and retailers are migrating online, is astounding. The fact that we are a small organization allows us this flexibility so we will continue to grow in this way. Additionally, I do believe the fashion/shopping space online is very interesting because of all the data that is available. This has always really interested the whole team so we will head in that type of direction. We will be a consumer app on the outside but be doing some really neat tricks with data on the inside. Ultimately doing all this to improve the customers shopping experience.
It what situations does Go Try It On truly come in handy for you? Currently when I’m in the dressing room and can’t decide if I should buy something. There is a moment I forget that Go exists, and I think, “gosh I wish my sister was here” and then within a split second I laugh at myself and think “um hello, there’s an app for this”…
How would you describe your style? Sweet chic--is that a thing? I think I feel most comfortable in outfits that are pretty feminine but really like classic pieces, the tailored blazer, the white silk camisole. I don’t do edgy very well so If I’m wearing my favorite leather jacket, you’ll probably see a smidgen of pastel pick peeking out from somewhere to soften it up.
What piece of fashion or beauty knowledge have you picked up and implemented into your daily life since being emerged in the industry? Arm candy is something I’ve definitely picked up and tried to implement. Bracelets are great because “the more the merrier” is very true.
What is the last thing you bought? A pair of black strappy pumps from Asos
What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate chip cookies.
What book are you reading right now? I just finished Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I’m about to start Paris, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down by Rosecrans Baldwin.
What site do you visit everyday, without fail? Linkedin--I think it’s my favorite social network. And when I travel, Tripit.
If you can even pick one, what has been the most exciting day to date for Go Try It On? This is a tough one. I think it was the morning I knew we were being featured on Daily Candy Everywhere. I remember I couldn’t sleep because I knew my Daily Candy was delivered at 5AM EST so I was waking up to check my email to see if it was really coming in. Once it finally arrived I went out to buy crepes for breakfast as a treat to myself (I also remember it was before 6am so not many places were open). It was really exciting to know that we were going to get in front of our core audience from a really well respected brand. It was one of our best user days ever and was a wonderful way to celebrate our work.
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Thanks for stopping by!
