Starting Simply Scrunchy

Whoever said, ‘I have too many scrunchies’? Scrunchies have long been popular, captivating me as a 17-year-old. After a disappointing purchase of overpriced and low-quality scrunchies, I decided to start my own business. Combining my startup dream with scrunchies led to the birth of SIMPLY SCRUNCHY. If you’re unfamiliar, a scrunchie is essentially a fabric-wrapped elastic hair tie; moreover, it’s versatile enough to be worn as a wrist accessory.

Instagram Reels Turning Point

Let’s get to it – everyone’s familiar with Instagram’s famous reels, those short 15-30 second videos. As a small business owner, leveraging this feature was a game-changer. Here’s the story: 8 months ago, armed with scrunchies, a goal, and a dream, I started my Instagram business to spread smiles. Initially successful with help from friends and family, my business hit a slump. Orders decreased, followers dropped. Unsure of my missteps, a friend suggested making reels. Camera-shy, I researched, drew inspiration, and finally crafted my first reel!

In just a week, my reel hit 10K views. It might not seem like much, but back then, it meant everything. Encouraged by this, I overcame my camera fears and started featuring myself. Despite teasing my friends about making TikToks and reels, I embraced the saying, ‘you do what you gotta do.’ Over time, I stayed consistent, interacting with my audience, and soon my business regained momentum. One Monday morning, I woke up to a surge in followers, orders, and comments – one reel had reached 1.1 million views. inner screams All my efforts had paid off!

The world isn’t a wish-granting factory, after all — it shouldn’t be. In the process of running my business, I’ve had to deal with a lot of challenges, such as days without orders, blunders, and way too much work from juggling education and a business, but it’s the lessons I’ve learned that have helped me get to where I am now. 

Tips for Small Business Success

Although Instagram’s algorithm is always changing, I’d like to share a few tips that have benefited me: 

1. Be consistent. Consistency is the key! Try to post a photo every day and 3-4 reels per week. 

2. Stay connected to your audience. Create niche-specific content that people can connect with and relate to. It might be anything- a funny story, something you’re going through, product packaging — anything. 

3. Establish a rapport with your target audience. Give them the impression that you are trustworthy and sincere. 

4. Study your target audience, remain updated on current trends and utilize relevant hashtags. 

5. Finally, Be authentic and true to yourself. Everything else will automatically fall in place. 

Lastly, I would end by saying that you need to start the business you were thinking about! Just do it. Start where you are and with what you have. Running a company is a constant challenge and despite each obstacle, you have to be enthusiastic about what you are doing to drive your company forward. If you have a dream you need to follow it with passion, a fighting spirit, and with the courage to do whatever it takes to make it happen. You do have what it takes to accomplish even your wildest dreams. Your only question is: do you have a few tiny moments of courage to say: yes?