Fierce Femmes: Alma Wolverton, Personal Stylist and Boutique Owner of Pum Bum Society
One of Fresno’s most hidden gems is arguably contemporary women’s boutique, Pum Bum Society. With walls filled by decadent fabrics, this River Park stop is fueled by the passion of Fierce Femme Alma Wolverton.
“Just like someone yearning to be a doctor or a teacher from a young age, this was my calling,” explains Alma. “It’s cheap to say that I just work with clothing - I work with people, I work with numbers, I work with ideas, and I make fashion work for everyone.”
As RPM PR continues to feature women in industries deeply affected by COVID-19, the retail industry was no exception to businesses shaken back in March of 2020. Now, almost a year later, Alma is leading the way for other business owners through her innovative approach and passionate attitude.
Q: How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your business? The retail industry as a whole?
A: Pum Bum Society was shut down back in March like many other businesses. We were lucky to get the green light in May to open back up. There has been little to no evidence that the virus can spread in our line of work, so our industry has been very fortunate in being able to continue operating and helping our customers.
Q: How have you handled staff and customer/shopper communication during closures/changes?
A: Definitely utilizing our social media platforms to the best of our abilities, including our answering services and window signage.
Q: What advice as a business owner do you have on how to keep team morale positive during these trying times?
A: Communicate with your team daily, ask questions, check in. Coffee or tea for someone goes a long way. Being kind, understanding and accessible to your staff is key.
Q: How did you pivot and provide solutions to your customers during this time?
A: Shoppumbum.com went LIVE! Our customers are now able to shop for all of our products online. Curbside is also a new amenity. If you are in a rush, have the kids, or cannot find parking, our curbside service is for you!
Q: Is there anything you would’ve done differently?
A: This is the first time we have ever had to deal with something like this. As a society, we are learning daily how to move forward in a safe and respectful manner and environment. We did and have been following all of the CDC guidelines to protect the health and safety of our customers and employees alike.
Q: What did you find most surprising about this year?
A: The silver linings. Family time was amplified. Priorities were revisited. Our wants versus our needs were challenged. Friendships found a new meaning. The gift of living and good health was a daily reminder. You know that book “EAT, PRAY, LOVE”? Well, we actually got to experience it for ourselves this year.
So, what does it mean to be a Fierce Femme to Alma? She considers these leading ladies to be “women working tirelessly to leave the world in a better place.” With all that 2021 may bring, she is optimistic about what the future holds for Pum Bum Society.
“I want to remind my business peers to cheer someone on, smile, and double tap that post,” encourages Alma. “As a whole, we need to get back to good manners…saying ‘Good Morning’, ‘Thank You’ and so much more. We don’t know what everyone is going through - especially this year - and sometimes the smallest of gestures go a long way. I wish we could all get past our insecurities; that we can set aside our differences, and more importantly, that we understand the true meaning of being enough just as we are.”
Alma loves what she does, “but my work isn’t my crown - my crown has always been my incredible supportive husband and my two beautiful kids.”