Submitted by Erica L. Windle, owner of A Sophisticated Pair in Burlington, North Carolina
For years, I hated bras—a funny statement coming from the proprietor of a lingerie boutique. My experiences bra shopping were nightmarish and traumatizing, sometimes reducing me to tears, but when you’re 17 and needing a UK 30H—a size I, like most other people, had no idea existed, the options are scarce. I was forced to settle for ill-fitting 38DDDs that did … Read More
Submitted by Lisa Feller owner and partner with Roberta Zahl of Dusty Rose in New City & RyeBrook, NY
Opening a small business is different today as compared to when my mom, Roberta, opened Dusty Rose 34 years ago, but the backbone of a mom and pop store remains unchanged. There is more to opening a store than filling it with merchandise and waiting for shoppers to come in to make purchases. A successful retail … Read More
Last Spring I was having coffee with a colleague in Greenwich, CT and decided to stop by Petticoat Lane, one of five lifestyle boutiques owned by Jason and Yami Palmer. I walked in to analyze the Lingerie content and walked out with a new handbag. It’s hard to resist Jason’s selling charisma which is substantial since it’s not my inclination to shop when I do these store visits. The eclectic mix of categories, bags, … Read More
Submitted by Jeanne Emory, owner of Bra Genie in Mandeville, LA
My business, Bra Genie, was formed in early 2005 as a By Appointment Only at-home bra-fitting business. Having worked in the bra industry since 1999 as a Merchandiser for Lunaire bras, I was finding that the major department stores did not carry the bands and cups that bustier women required. The A-DD size range just wasn’t enough. I opened my business from a room … Read More
