With a special guest, Cartier, founder and CEO of Grace & Marie, we explored the innovations and trends that influences e-commerce businesses in this episode(listen to the full episode on Spotify). Cartier offers details about her upscale home fragrance company, which is headquartered in Victoria, Australia.
How Grace and Marie Candles Began!
Cartier launched Grace & Marie in 2017 and sells reed diffusers, room sprays, and handcrafted, all-natural soy candles. From concept to production, she oversees everything herself, guaranteeing the best possible quality, pretty cool right? “I do everything from designing the labels and the products to actually making them to packing orders. I am a one-woman show and I wear many hats with the business,” Cartier shared.
AI's Effect on E-Commerce
Cartier recognizes the duality of AI. Although it makes caption writing easier, it can also produce deceptive pictures. She said... “Sometimes I don't have the time to really sit down and write a detailed product caption for the website or a social media caption... that's when AI and things like ChatGPT are great because they can take some of those stresses away,”.
Adapting to Shifting Customer Behavior
Sales of luxuries that are not necessities, like candles, have declined due to increased living expenses. Cartier navigates this by offering "Simply Seconds" – products with minor aesthetic flaws at discounted prices, which appeals to budget-conscious customers. “Aesthetically, it just doesn't look a hundred percent, but in terms of the product itself, like there's nothing wrong with the candle. It's still going to have the great scent. It's going to burn fine,” Cartier shared.
Thriving in a Very Competitive Landscape
Cartier is forced to change course by obstacles like supplier discontinuations. She ensures that her clients' requirements are addressed by including them in decision-making through social media polls. “It's great to be able to jump on Instagram stories and be like, hey, this is what I was thinking. What do you guys think? And putting up a poll and getting them to voice it,” said Cartier.
Creating a Lucrative Online Store
Cartier stresses the value of a polished website with easy-to-use navigation and design. She emphasizes that making an investment on a high-quality website pays off in the long term and recommends websites such as Wix for novices. “You need to have a website that is user-friendly... it should take me a maximum of three clicks to get there,” Cartier shared.
Cartier prioritizes sustainability and client interaction as major trends. To increase her clientele, she also provides personalized candles as corporate gifts and for special events. In her words...,“I’ve had previous customers who have bought them as baby shower presents... But I've also worked with real estate agents and they have bought them as settlement gifts that they give to their clients after they have purchased a new house”.
Conclusion
To wrap up, Cartier's encounter with Grace and Marie serves as a reminder of the value of flexibility, interacting with customers, and utilizing technology in e-commerce. By using Kudobuzz Reviews, Cartier effectively collects and displays customer reviews, enhancing trust and credibility. Visit Grace and Marie Candles, or find them on Facebook and Instagram @graceandmarie_ to find out more information or to place an order.
