The Red Dress Boutique Founder Dons New National Recognition

Staff Report From Athens CEO

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015

Diana Harbour, owner and founder of The Red Dress Boutique, has been recognized as a leading female entrepreneur by Enterprising Women magazine, beating out hundreds of national and international business owners. She will be recognized in Orlando, Fl., in late March at the publication’s annual conference.

The annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards is widely considered one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. Harbour won in the $10-$25 million annual revenue category.

The Red Dress Boutique’s online business finished 2014 with more than $14 million in revenue, up from just $80,000 in 2010. The company has grown exponentially during the last five years, with particularly strong sales following their deal last fall with Mark Cuban on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank.” Harbour, a native Georgian, escaped a dead-end cubicle job by catering to the niche market for classy, Southern style at a price point under $50.

The growth of the online business has its roots in social media, and the company has expanded to 95 employees processing thousands of orders every day. Harbour’s style is evident in every detail of her business, from her unique “Buy for the Boutique” social media engagement  resulting in more than 1.3 million organic Facebook followers, to hand-written thank you notes and packaging design as fashionable as her clothes and accessories.