Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Cellucci.
Robin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Retail has been my life right out of college. My experience had always been at the store level, managing a variety of women’s departments at major retailers like Neiman Marcus, Filenes, and The Broadway Department Stores. From there, I started managing small specialty stores. My last and most enjoyable job managing a women’s specialty store ended 2 years ago. I had spent 15 years with this company and enjoyed the women I worked with. It was difficult saying goodbye.
At the same time, I knew it was time for a change. I needed a new challenge. So, I dove into learning how to design a website. Every aspect of an online business came up, including crafting a plan for where I wanted to go next and this is how puck and abby was born.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been both bumpy and smooth. I loved the challenge of pulling it all together. There were certainly countless hours just designing my website. Once I decided that I wanted to promote products that are handmade by makers in the U. S., I just started reaching out to many artisans. I was surprised at how many were receptive, even knowing that I was just starting out. There were also many that weren’t but that did not discourage me. My very first collection was with Umbrella Collective out of Portland Oregon. Erin, the designer/maker produces simple, classic everyday hand bags from high-quality leather. My customers love these handbags.
The real challenges started once I went live. Marketing and social media are and have been the most important part of the business now. Online selling is so different than a retail location. Not being an expert in this area has made it a bit difficult at times. I have even questioned do I continue? How do I do this? How do I get people to get to my website and see all the beautiful goods I carry? I am still challenged with social media today but I have not given up. My approach changes from time to time. Using what works and eliminating what doesn’t.
My advice would be if you have an idea, even if you are not sure where to start, just start with what you know. There is so much information available on the steps to starting a business. Read, research, implement. And do not be afraid to make mistakes and have failures. They will happen. But if you believe in what you are doing, just keep doing.
Please tell us about puck and abby.
puck and abby is a curated collection of handmade designs by independent makers in the U.S. It is a collection of jewelry, accessories, home goods, beauty & home.
I am known for selling goods from some of the best unknown and known makers across the country. I do not specialize in any one location. I source goods from a variety of places. I have goods from Massachusetts to California. In addition to the beautiful goods I sell, customer service is a priority for me. Online shopping is tricky especially for unknown or unfamiliar businesses. I make it easy by offering free shipping and free returns. I want my customers and potential customers to be able to shop, see, try and keep or return. It’s that simple.
I am proud of the service I offer. I am proud of the collections I carry and that I have the opportunity to help young and established businesses grow by sharing, educating and selling their product.
Who have you been inspired by?
This should be the easiest question but it’s actually difficult to answer. There are not any one or two women that I could say stand out.
Today, I am inspired by all the women designing, making and selling beautiful goods. There is so much hard work and perseverance needed to be successful. If they can do it so can I.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.puckandabby.com
- Email: contact@puckandabby.com
- Instagram: shoppuckandabby
- Facebook: puck and abby
- Twitter: rc@puckandabby
Image Credit:
Model with a handbag – Model Mackenzie Lee, blogger of Six Feet In Heels, Carrying Mini Market Tote by BOUTONNE Photographer Emily Luongo,Umbrella Leather Mini Crossbody – Umbrella Collective and Image: Porcelain Earrings – Porcelain and Stone
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
