Byers Boutique Sets Up Shop In Uptown Saint John
SAINT JOHN – A Saint John maker of hand-made skincare and beauty products has made her business dreams come true faster than expected thanks to an unexpected acquisition.
Renee Byers is the owner of Byers Boutique, which just opened at 38 Water Street, after buying Fundy Bay Organics, another business selling natural products that occupied the space, from its previous owner.
Byers started her business as a side hustle in 2015 when she was looking for natural skincare products.
“I always kind of had an entrepreneur deep inside that I was trying to nourish back in the day,” she says.
“I wasn’t willing to pay any more money to somebody else. I knew there had to be something I could make. I started fiddling with different recipes and DIY things I saw online. Eventually, I realized if there’s a need for me, there’s a need for others.”
Byers started making hand and face creams, face cleansers, shampoo and lip balms. It soon expanded to include men’s shave kits, soap dishes, facecloths and more.
She started selling her products at local flea and farmers markets around Greater Saint John and online through Etsy. She also started getting wholesale orders from several local retailers.
“I did that every week and slowly but surely I started to acquire some new customers that came back every week for products and refills,” she says. “That’s really where it started and I said, ‘I know this is something I want to do.’ “
Opening her own shop was always her plan, but it wasn’t something she planned on doing until 2020. But she learned about the opportunity to purchase Fundy Bay Organics while taking the Venture Validation Program through Enterprise Saint John (now Economic Development Greater Saint John), where she was told that the owner was actually looking to sell.
“It’s crazy, because I have been here before as a customer … so I was familiar with the store. But the second time I walked in with the thought that this could be mine, it was instant. I walked in the door and it was mine,” says Byers.
“There was no second guessing. I immediately knew this is what I wanted to do. It worked out that it was the perfect opportunity to do what I wanted to do next year, now.”
After receiving funding from Futureprenuer and BDC, she purchased Fundy Bay Organics. The business is now operating under Byers Boutique. The shop will sell Byers’ handmade products along with the other local product lines previously carried by Fundy Bay Organics.
Byers says purchasing another business that was in-line with hers has made the leap into brick-and-mortar retail easier.
“Having something already here was definitely a big help because we already have customers that come in looking for specific products,” she says.
“It does give you more options for revenue when you first open up. Instead of just trying to establish yourself, you can work off of what’s already here and then build your product within. I think that’s a good way to go if you’re unsure or if you’re nervous of just doing it with a sole product.”
Looking ahead, Byers plans to install a sink so she can make her products on-site instead of at home. She also plans to hire somebody to work at the store come summer. She also would like to take on her wholesale orders, which she says helps with a retail business like hers during the slower winter months.
“There’s time throughout the year like right now where there’s not a lot of traffic. People don’t want to be walking outside for too long. I need something that will provide an income during those times. Wholesale will still be a key to my success.”
Though there might not be many people walking on Water Street right now, that will radically change when cruise season happens this summer. Beyers will be one of several new businesses that opened up on the street over the last year such as the Bunk Haus, Gahan House’s Barrell Room and Doyle and Day. Photographer Jennifer Irving also announced that her new gallery will also be opening on the street.
“Uptown Saint John has so much history. There are so many small businesses that are local. The more businesses we can get in this little area, the more people will be able to appreciate what we have.”