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Business Boutique: A Woman's Guide for Making Money Doing What She Loves
There is a movement of women stepping into their God-given gifts to make money doing what they love. If you're ready to join them, this is your handbook that will take the ideas in your head and the dream in your heart and turn them into action. *Help you create a step-by-step, customized plan to start and grow your business. *Show you how to manage your time so you can have a business- and life- that you love. *Explain overwhelming business stuff like pricing, taxes, and budgeting in simple terms. *Teach you how to use marketing to reach the right people in the right way.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2017
612 people are currently reading
2191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 9, 2019
I normally don't like anything business related when it comes to books. I also struggle with reading non-fiction. However, as a small business owner, I wanted to give this a shot, and quite frankly, this was my first book read in 2019 and anything I read hereafter will have a hard time living up to it.
Are you ready to get your business off the ground? Then this is the book for you. Granted I started my little online shop almost 4 years ago, but this was just the thing I needed to really light a fire under my butt and take my business to the next level.
From making plans, to dealing with taxes, and spending business money only, Christy covers it all. I was honestly almost in tears with the chapters about women and competition because it was sooooo spot on. I work in a marketplace for teacher resources and the competition is predominantly women. And trust me, it can become catty, cliquey, and downright hard to deal with sometimes.
I also adored the candidness about social media and the quote from her friend Rachel Cruze. "Social media is the vehicle that leads down the road to comparison." I got the Kindle book and the Audible book...and was basically listening and highlighting half the book.
There are tons of books out there about getting your life together and/or business, but this book deserves WAY more recognition. Thank you so much Christy for inspiring me to grow my business and having a candid look on women, competition and social media. Going straight to my favorites!
Are you ready to get your business off the ground? Then this is the book for you. Granted I started my little online shop almost 4 years ago, but this was just the thing I needed to really light a fire under my butt and take my business to the next level.
From making plans, to dealing with taxes, and spending business money only, Christy covers it all. I was honestly almost in tears with the chapters about women and competition because it was sooooo spot on. I work in a marketplace for teacher resources and the competition is predominantly women. And trust me, it can become catty, cliquey, and downright hard to deal with sometimes.
I also adored the candidness about social media and the quote from her friend Rachel Cruze. "Social media is the vehicle that leads down the road to comparison." I got the Kindle book and the Audible book...and was basically listening and highlighting half the book.
There are tons of books out there about getting your life together and/or business, but this book deserves WAY more recognition. Thank you so much Christy for inspiring me to grow my business and having a candid look on women, competition and social media. Going straight to my favorites!
March 6, 2018
Meh...I sort of feel bad only giving this book 2 stars but I was utterly bored and had to push myself to get done. I love Dave Ramsey’s business, but honestly think this will be the last book I purchase for a while from one of his new personalities as they are all intro books with redundant info and company plugs. That’s fine for some, and I respect what the company is doing, but the content of these new writer books is not worth my time...so far. I wonder if I can return this? If you have never read a business book, this could be a great start, but if you are at all caught up on some of the great business reads out there, this book will seem like a conglomeration of quotes and ideas that you have read in other great business books. Not to be too hard on this author, the book was well organized for sure. It’s her first book and I think she will be able to write a more original book down the road that I will probably give a try to...the book title and her platform promised a lot more and so I was sadly disappointed.
March 9, 2019
This was such a great guide! It's the perfect overview guide for any woman wanting to start her own business.
October 20, 2022
Christy's warm, conversational tone makes this such an easy read. She's funny, relatable, and an expert in her fields. I've loved learning from Christy about business, time management, confidence, and so many other things. She's a ray of sunshine and this read is like talking to a friend over coffee.
She breaks the big, scary steps of starting and running a business down into a well-organized and thought-out step-by-step process that women can follow while also being the cheerleader behind their efforts. She takes the time to look at the emotional and mental hurdles of business that so many people face as well as the nitty gritty bits we all want to know. And I know this book is targeted at female entrepreneurs, but honestly, this is just a good guide for business period. Men could benefit from reading Christy's practical plan and hearing her antidotes too.
Her encouragement and experience, plus the down to earth examples from her own life and the lives of the countless she's coached, inspire readers to really take the next steps toward their business goals and dreams. A beautiful blend of motivational spunk and hands-on, practical planning make this my kind of book! I love the guided questions and template plan at the end of each chapter for readers to fill out and actually go and do the business thing.
An easy, excellent read (Christy is hilarious, y'all, but she also hits home) and an applicable resource (practical tools for both big picture and the ins and outs of business). Highly highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, business, leadership, or just finding the motivation to organize a plan to chase your dream.
She breaks the big, scary steps of starting and running a business down into a well-organized and thought-out step-by-step process that women can follow while also being the cheerleader behind their efforts. She takes the time to look at the emotional and mental hurdles of business that so many people face as well as the nitty gritty bits we all want to know. And I know this book is targeted at female entrepreneurs, but honestly, this is just a good guide for business period. Men could benefit from reading Christy's practical plan and hearing her antidotes too.
Her encouragement and experience, plus the down to earth examples from her own life and the lives of the countless she's coached, inspire readers to really take the next steps toward their business goals and dreams. A beautiful blend of motivational spunk and hands-on, practical planning make this my kind of book! I love the guided questions and template plan at the end of each chapter for readers to fill out and actually go and do the business thing.
An easy, excellent read (Christy is hilarious, y'all, but she also hits home) and an applicable resource (practical tools for both big picture and the ins and outs of business). Highly highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, business, leadership, or just finding the motivation to organize a plan to chase your dream.
January 4, 2019
As a mom starting my newborn, family and senior photography business, I have taken dozens of classes, read hundreds of books and articles and listen to Podcasts regularly in order to improve and grow my business. It can be overwhelming to decide on which book or strategy or idea to really go with and how to implement the ideas of differing experts. Even though there are thousands of books out there in the world offering help you start a new business, I found Business Boutique by Christy Wright to be the best choice for women. Her book is directed specifically to women entrepreneurs, and as a female wannabe entrepreneur, I devoured her book. I loved her stories and anecdotes for success. She breaks down a very complex concept into bite-size, attainable pieces. Since I am a huge planner and I love to do lists, her style and breakdown of tasks at the end of each chapter, made this the best book I have read about business to date.
Starting with Tier 1, “Build Your Foundation,” she delves into the “why” behind starting a business, overcoming the ever-present nagging fear we all have before starting something new, and gives you confidence that your ideas matter and you have something to offer the world. Again, each chapter ends with specific steps that need to be taken before moving on. This was incredibly helpful for me to apply each idea and action item she covered and to feel like I was actually taking necessary steps to progress in my business journey rather than just reading an interesting and inspiring book. My favorite quote from this section was:
"Fear isn't a sign that you are doing something wrong. It's a sign that you're doing something new. It doesn't mean you are not capable, qualified, or ready. It just means you're doing something that matters to you. Fear doesn't mean you are doing something bad. It means you are doing something bold."
Tier 2, “Make It Yours,” and Tier 3, “Up and Running,” concern more concrete matters, such as discovering your strengths, overcoming weaknesses, managing your time, investing and earning money from a business, the resources necessary to run a business, and operational issues. She also encourages women to build the business around their life, and making sure that money, time, schedule and space is planned ahead of time. With my tendency to put myself and my needs on the back burner, it was so refreshing to make a plan with my needs (even if those needs involve taking care of my home and family, etc.) first before taking other steps to create a business. She had some incredibly poignant points about allocating personal money towards your business, which is a trap I fall into regularly (ie: buying newborn photo props on the same Amazon order as deodorant and toothpaste which confuses the "business" budget and the "personal care" budget and can cause financial trouble down the road).
Tier 4, “Put Yourself Out There,” is a valuable section on marketing a business, which might be my favorite topic. With a degree in PR and an overall fascination with business marketing, I love tips for marketing business. Her book highlights four areas (Who you are, Who your customer is, Where your customers are, How to talk to your customers), and covers essential information about branding, target audiences, content marketing, customer cultivation, and the sales process.
Chapters within the four tiers are brief yet informative and very easy to read. At the end of each chapter are “action items;” where she asks relevant questions, encourages list-making (yay for speaking my language!), and includes tables and charts to be filled in. Once completed, these exercises form the basis of a customized business plan.
Bottom line: if you are a woman considering starting a business in 2019 or beyond, I highly recommend this book. If her Goal Planner Workbook wasn't nearly $50, I would be purchasing that in a heartbeat!
The month of January, my planned material is specifically for photographers wanting to start their own business, or improve their photography skills. If you have been thinking about starting a business in
newborn photography
business branding/headshots
senior photography, and or
family photography,
Especially if you are in the Portland, Oregon area...stay tuned for more great tips and advice coming your way. If you want more ideas to come straight to your inbox, put your email address in the box below to be the first to get tips, tricks and notifications of photography business education blog posts.
In the meantime, order this book!
Starting with Tier 1, “Build Your Foundation,” she delves into the “why” behind starting a business, overcoming the ever-present nagging fear we all have before starting something new, and gives you confidence that your ideas matter and you have something to offer the world. Again, each chapter ends with specific steps that need to be taken before moving on. This was incredibly helpful for me to apply each idea and action item she covered and to feel like I was actually taking necessary steps to progress in my business journey rather than just reading an interesting and inspiring book. My favorite quote from this section was:
"Fear isn't a sign that you are doing something wrong. It's a sign that you're doing something new. It doesn't mean you are not capable, qualified, or ready. It just means you're doing something that matters to you. Fear doesn't mean you are doing something bad. It means you are doing something bold."
Tier 2, “Make It Yours,” and Tier 3, “Up and Running,” concern more concrete matters, such as discovering your strengths, overcoming weaknesses, managing your time, investing and earning money from a business, the resources necessary to run a business, and operational issues. She also encourages women to build the business around their life, and making sure that money, time, schedule and space is planned ahead of time. With my tendency to put myself and my needs on the back burner, it was so refreshing to make a plan with my needs (even if those needs involve taking care of my home and family, etc.) first before taking other steps to create a business. She had some incredibly poignant points about allocating personal money towards your business, which is a trap I fall into regularly (ie: buying newborn photo props on the same Amazon order as deodorant and toothpaste which confuses the "business" budget and the "personal care" budget and can cause financial trouble down the road).
Tier 4, “Put Yourself Out There,” is a valuable section on marketing a business, which might be my favorite topic. With a degree in PR and an overall fascination with business marketing, I love tips for marketing business. Her book highlights four areas (Who you are, Who your customer is, Where your customers are, How to talk to your customers), and covers essential information about branding, target audiences, content marketing, customer cultivation, and the sales process.
Chapters within the four tiers are brief yet informative and very easy to read. At the end of each chapter are “action items;” where she asks relevant questions, encourages list-making (yay for speaking my language!), and includes tables and charts to be filled in. Once completed, these exercises form the basis of a customized business plan.
Bottom line: if you are a woman considering starting a business in 2019 or beyond, I highly recommend this book. If her Goal Planner Workbook wasn't nearly $50, I would be purchasing that in a heartbeat!
The month of January, my planned material is specifically for photographers wanting to start their own business, or improve their photography skills. If you have been thinking about starting a business in
newborn photography
business branding/headshots
senior photography, and or
family photography,
Especially if you are in the Portland, Oregon area...stay tuned for more great tips and advice coming your way. If you want more ideas to come straight to your inbox, put your email address in the box below to be the first to get tips, tricks and notifications of photography business education blog posts.
In the meantime, order this book!
March 30, 2018
Smart, clear, and thorough - a great primer for anyone thinking about starting their own business, whether male or female. The author's target audience is admittedly female, but I learned quite a bit! Some of the issues the author addresses may be more pertinent to the female viewpoint, but the vast majority of the content applies to all small business owners and entrepreneurs.
There is quite a bit of substance to each chapter, and the action items at the end of each chapter make it a very practical workbook and checklist to get your business up and running. The author presents all information in an entertaining and engaging way, and is very relatable.
I recommend this book to anyone feeling inspired to start a business!
There is quite a bit of substance to each chapter, and the action items at the end of each chapter make it a very practical workbook and checklist to get your business up and running. The author presents all information in an entertaining and engaging way, and is very relatable.
I recommend this book to anyone feeling inspired to start a business!
June 3, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this and am fully planning to buy the ebook and work through it, highlighting things and applying it.
In short, I recommend this to every entrepreneur out there, whether you’re an author, blogger, seamstress, dog trainer, music teacher, or fill-in-the-blank. The principles apply to self-owned business period. Sure, you have to do some work to figure out how it specifically applies to your business, but by reading this book, you have the groundwork laid out for you.
I might review it more in depth next read-through. I don’t agree with absolutely everything the author says, but her principles are solid and Biblically based and I appreciate her honesty and personality.
In short, I recommend this to every entrepreneur out there, whether you’re an author, blogger, seamstress, dog trainer, music teacher, or fill-in-the-blank. The principles apply to self-owned business period. Sure, you have to do some work to figure out how it specifically applies to your business, but by reading this book, you have the groundwork laid out for you.
I might review it more in depth next read-through. I don’t agree with absolutely everything the author says, but her principles are solid and Biblically based and I appreciate her honesty and personality.
April 17, 2017
I received an early copy of Christy's Business Boutique and let me tell you I loved it. I needed help getting over the wall and reading her book inspired me to do it. As I read each chapter, it felt like I was talking to my girlfriend. She was encouraging, pushing me and reminding me that I rock. Business Boutique is the perfect book for women who are ready to leap! Simply love it!
January 2, 2018
I loved this book! Very inspiring, insightful and most of all HELPFUL! There is so much practical information in here that actually truly helps! I’ve read a few different books about starting your own business and this is definitely the only one I’ve found to be the most well rounded regarding helpful tips and info.
December 29, 2018
This is a super helpful resource to have on hand.... especially for women running a small business! I loved it!
June 19, 2018
An inspiring and energetic read that helps entrepreneurs consider why they want to own a business, shape their ideas, and set up the business framework. Because the book is meant for ALL entrepreneurial endeavours, it is necessarily a bit vague and some of the advice didn't fit with my intended business, independent publishing. However, it was still a highly enjoyable and useful book that helped me think about my goals and building a business in new ways.
June 13, 2017
If I were to describe Business Boutique in a few words, I'd say "This is a recipe book on how to start and grow a business doing what you love." Christy Wright uses key points and easy to follow steps to help you find your passion, create a vision, and tell your story. (With emphasis on the your!) I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
May 28, 2017
Awesome woman-centric blueprint for determining your strengths, deciding on your ideas, then creating your own business.
Christy Wright is part of the "Ramsey Solutions" family; she will guide you, but you are the one who takes personal responsibility for your actions or lack of actions.
Christy Wright is part of the "Ramsey Solutions" family; she will guide you, but you are the one who takes personal responsibility for your actions or lack of actions.
June 27, 2017
Very nice book packed with encouragement to get you from merely having a passion about something to beginning to profit from it. The use of practical examples enables one to know that if others have done it so can I.
September 3, 2019
Not just for women but also for women. Well written. Shows how to have a winning mindset and encourages that anyone can do it.
Recommended for women and men who want to do more to further their talents and the kingdom of God.
Read it and you will see a great return on your time investment.
Recommended for women and men who want to do more to further their talents and the kingdom of God.
Read it and you will see a great return on your time investment.
May 18, 2017
This book was well written. The assignments at the end of each chapter give you step by step tools and processes you need to get started.
June 28, 2017
This will be a resource I go to again and again...This is a must if you are a woman starting your own business, whether full-time or part-time.
September 3, 2017
Great book, with solid info, broken down into a way that makes it simple and easy to understand and digest. Highly recommended if you are starting a small business or thinking of starting one!
July 9, 2021
This book was exactly what I needed to read right now!
As someone completely new to what’s needed to start, and grow, a business, I was frantically trying to figure out what all I needed to do and in what order. Often wondering, “Do I have to do this, or is it something I can do later?” and Mrs. Wright breaks things down to a manageable and understandable level in this book.
And that’s not all…
She offers FREE worksheets on her website that you can go through as you read (or listen to 😉) her book. This really helps solidifying your plan in your head, making it easier to know what you want to do and how you need to do it.
But this isn’t just your typical self-help book, it’s smattered throughout with funny stories and cringe-worthy mistakes from Christy herself as she walked through her own business journey.
If you’re looking to even start making a little side-money off of something, I encourage you to give this book a read. It’s sure to help you with some point of your journey!
As someone completely new to what’s needed to start, and grow, a business, I was frantically trying to figure out what all I needed to do and in what order. Often wondering, “Do I have to do this, or is it something I can do later?” and Mrs. Wright breaks things down to a manageable and understandable level in this book.
And that’s not all…
She offers FREE worksheets on her website that you can go through as you read (or listen to 😉) her book. This really helps solidifying your plan in your head, making it easier to know what you want to do and how you need to do it.
But this isn’t just your typical self-help book, it’s smattered throughout with funny stories and cringe-worthy mistakes from Christy herself as she walked through her own business journey.
If you’re looking to even start making a little side-money off of something, I encourage you to give this book a read. It’s sure to help you with some point of your journey!
June 15, 2018
My cousin had recommended this book several months ago, and I had it near the top of my huge TBR list but kept putting it off. When the audio version went on sale for $10 on Dave Ramsey's website, I snatched it up. (Also, cousin and I are registered for Christy Wright's Business Boutique live event in November, so even more incentive to buy this book.)
I typically prefer reading books with my eyes, but to save time I decided to listen (while getting ready for work, driving to and from work, on my lunch breaks ...).
Christy Wright has a charming Southern way with words. By the end of the audiobook, we were BFFs! :)
A lot of business books read like ... business books. Dissertations. But Christy (we're on a first-name basis now) takes your hand and leads you through the chapters as a friend – but not just any friend. Someone who's been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
She learned business principles from an early age, even when she didn't know that's what she was doing. From her mother, a small-business owner, she learned how to work hard, persevere under trials, love what you're doing, treat people well, and so many other lessons.
Fast forward to the age of technology and social media that we live in now, and Christy has that covered, too.
This isn't just a book about theory. She's been in the trenches, made mistakes and figured out some things the hard way, and she shares her hard-earned wisdom transparently and authentically.
One of the best chapters is on how to price your goods or services. (That's the No. 1 struggle for the women I'm in community with online.) No, she doesn't give you exact numbers or formulas – she gives a pep talk on believing in yourself, knowing that charging people for your hard work is OK (it's necessary to stay in business, y'all) and being confident in discussing prices with clients and customers.
This book is full of smarts, from start to finish – too many great topics to mention in a short review. You will not regret picking up this book (or turning up the volume to listen).
SuzyO
I typically prefer reading books with my eyes, but to save time I decided to listen (while getting ready for work, driving to and from work, on my lunch breaks ...).
Christy Wright has a charming Southern way with words. By the end of the audiobook, we were BFFs! :)
A lot of business books read like ... business books. Dissertations. But Christy (we're on a first-name basis now) takes your hand and leads you through the chapters as a friend – but not just any friend. Someone who's been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
She learned business principles from an early age, even when she didn't know that's what she was doing. From her mother, a small-business owner, she learned how to work hard, persevere under trials, love what you're doing, treat people well, and so many other lessons.
Fast forward to the age of technology and social media that we live in now, and Christy has that covered, too.
This isn't just a book about theory. She's been in the trenches, made mistakes and figured out some things the hard way, and she shares her hard-earned wisdom transparently and authentically.
One of the best chapters is on how to price your goods or services. (That's the No. 1 struggle for the women I'm in community with online.) No, she doesn't give you exact numbers or formulas – she gives a pep talk on believing in yourself, knowing that charging people for your hard work is OK (it's necessary to stay in business, y'all) and being confident in discussing prices with clients and customers.
This book is full of smarts, from start to finish – too many great topics to mention in a short review. You will not regret picking up this book (or turning up the volume to listen).
SuzyO
August 10, 2018
This book is EXTREMELY helpful and informative for small business start ups! (While the information is relevant to any small business owner, this book is geared toward women.) My husband and I started a business two years ago (The Sari Bazaar) to help support fair trade organizations in India who are committed to empowering women. We started out of passion and a desire to help, but had zero idea what we were really jumping into. I wish I would have read this book sooner! The author addresses topics of finding your business niche and making it profitable, self-esteem boosts to help overcome doubt, writing goals and business plans, the nitty gritty paperwork side that most people hate, money stuff, pricing/profits, and so much more! My copy is littered with post-it’s and highlights. I recommend this book to anyone who has a small business and may be feeling unsure about some things, or for those who dream of starting something but have no idea how to get there. Seriously, the best resource I’ve had in this whole “let’s start a business” journey.
June 8, 2020
I cannot say enough about how this book is helping me in my current business and new business I'm starting. I feel like I get a new chance to start over and do it even better this time. I was listening to it while cleaning my basement and had to stop every few minutes to write down all the great info. Christy herself is living the things she says and has energized me to "go for it" and step out and use my gifts and skills, to get the plan on paper and reach my goals. Ideas are great but if you don't know how to make it work, they just stay on the shelf and eventually die out. I can't wait to put all this good stuff to work. Any woman thinking about starting a business must read or listen to this book. I've read many books and articles and nothing motivated me like this message. I believe its because there's something deeper going on than just earning money.
August 7, 2019
I so enjoyed this amazing high energy guide to getting my business started. Author Christy Wright gives you the outline and motivation you need to jump and "Do It Scared" just get it done. By the time I was done reading chapter 2, I felt like I had gained a new best friend that just really got me and one that I could indeed laugh with about all my silly worries. Author Christy Wright gets the challenges of being a mom, wife and business owner. It is not for the faint of heart but she once again gives you the grace and peace to just take that leap of faith to do the best you can. Business Boutique is a beautiful sassy book for women who need that extra drive and kick in the pants to get their businesses started.
March 4, 2018
I didn't learn from this book what I hoped to (I was looking for more nuts and bolts and how tos), but there was definitley some great ideas about marketing and building a business plan, etc.
September 8, 2018
Practical advice for those beginning to start their small business.
September 11, 2018
Good for someone who is just starting thinking about running a business.
September 8, 2019
Practical, applicable, and fun to read!
March 29, 2020
Empty of meaningful information and full of nearly blank pages that just rephrase the same request to name your why and passion over and over.
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March 6, 2020I got this book because it looked like something the main character of the book I'm writing would read. Nay, nay. This book was meant for me. I checked it out of the library, but I will probably purchase my own personal copy because it asked me questions that I still don't have the answers to. Even though it's geared primarily toward the types of businesses where you make a profit or maybe do some kind of service, it applies in many ways to writing. When I became a writer, I didn't realize I would become a small business owner, but here I am.
This book not only addresses questions of logistics, but it also asks you why you do what you do and addresses life-work balance. It's all done with the sort of common sense and understanding that I would expect from another good Tennessee girl.
This book not only addresses questions of logistics, but it also asks you why you do what you do and addresses life-work balance. It's all done with the sort of common sense and understanding that I would expect from another good Tennessee girl.
May 24, 2022
Reading nonfiction is always a struggle for me so I ended up borrowing the audiobook version of this title. The many personal stories and illustrations throughout the book made the practical advice more meaningful and impactful. I'm glad I have the hardcover to reference as I apply what I learned.
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