Over time, Vivienne noticed that marketing efforts that had worked before were no longer as effective. When she heard about The Center’s Digital Growth Accelerator (DGA), she applied, hoping to strengthen her marketing and reach more customers online. The Center, a nonprofit that supports small business owners through education and access to resources, offers DGA as a free program focused on practical digital marketing tools like SEO and website optimization.
Since completing the program in May, Boba Pup has seen an increase of $60,000 in revenue, a direct result of applying DGA’s tools and strategies. One influencer collaboration brought in so many new visitors in one day that the shop had to close early to restock and prepare for the next day. The sudden attention was a welcome surprise, but it also showed Vivienne the importance of managing growth in a more sustainable way.
Vivienne is continuing her learning through The Center’s DGA: Holiday Edition and the Main Street Goes Green Accelerator, a program that helps California small businesses adopt eco-friendly practices that save energy, cut costs, and reduce their environmental impact.
Balancing two young children and two businesses, including her second shop, The Moo Bar in downtown Seattle, Vivienne has gained both knowledge and confidence from the program. With the high cost of hiring outside support, she now feels better equipped to handle key aspects of marketing and operations herself. She credits DGA instructor Mike Cano for providing practical guidance and ongoing encouragement, noting that his teaching style helped her build the skills she needs to keep improving her stores.
For other entrepreneurs, Vivienne’s advice is simple: don’t go it alone. “It’s not easy, but there’s a community out there,” she said. “If you need help, reach out. There are people who will support you.”
October 29, 2025