Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannie Brandon.
Jeannie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always had a dream of owning my own store and being my own boss. It all began a sunny day while driving down the beautiful streets of Miami, FL. I told my husband that I would love to open an online boutique and how much I would love to create a place on the web to be able to express myself in hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. My husband immediately turned his head and told me, “Do it! I will support you all the way!” I am deeply grateful for his unconditional support as for without it, my dream would have never came true…
So, right then and there, “La Vanidosa” began.
Vanidosa is a Spanish word that defines “diva” which I chose because I believe every woman is a diva regardless of age or looks. I, for one, can relate to all women out there that have a passion for fashion that want to look trendy and fabulous in their own personal way. At the same time, seeks unique, edgy, and affordable prices. My ultimate goal is to make this online boutique a place of encouragement and empowerment for all the Vanidosas out there!
Has it been a smooth road?
I feel like any business owner would agree when I say that starting your own business is never a smooth road! I truly believe that you cannot appreciate the good days if you don’t experience the bad days. There are always twists and turns that come up and a new hurdle to manage and overcome everyday. With that being said, I feel like my biggest struggle breaking into the online fashion business industry has been gaining brand exposure while navigating the digtal space. Retail has gone through lots of model shifting to e-commerce so, finding your space online can be difficult. Trying to constantly keep up with the changing algorithms and a system that feels like it is working against you is a challenge. I think my team’s biggest obstacle is having a product that people love but not being able to find your audience and reach them online. Catering to our customers needs and finding ways to effectively reach them is always the number one goal.
My advice for other women would be to remain open-minded and be willing to adapt to change. Take the time to read, be knowledgable on the changes in your industry, and use tools to help adapt to those adjustments quickly so that you can stay ahead of the curve. Better understanding what is happening around you so that you can be ready to adapt to your customers is so important and has been a huge reason I’ve been able to accomplish more success. Your customers should always be your top priority and reaching them with a unique product is key. Also, be willing to try new things when is comes to your passion and what you’re trying to accomplish to better connect with your consumers. Understanding your industry, studying, and ultimately surrounding yourself with more knowledgable individuals will make those hurdles much easier to overcome.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with La Vanidosa Boutique – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Being the founder of a start-up means you have to learn to pretty much do it all. I wear a lot of hats when it comes to La Vanidosa Boutique. I’ve had to learn a lot as I go along the way. The simple answer is that I am the founder and decision-maker of my business but there are many more titles. I select the designs that fit the season and my store’s aesthetic while working directly with the manufactures. I work with my wonderful team to maintain our e-commerce website and social media accounts along with executing all the photoshoots, pop-up events, taking care of shipments, and customer service. It has been a lot of fun because I can now say that I specialize in the entire process, from selecting designs, manufacturing, distribution, and marking. La Vanidosa Boutique is known for its high quality, trendy, and versatile styles without breaking the bank catering to every woman that wants to look as good as they feel. This idea and execution is something that I’m incredibly proud of as well as something that sets us apart from other boutiques. As a business owner, I am proud of what I have to learn and accomplished during the process.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Woman are well-positioned for being quite incredible entrepreneurs and leaders. The type of workplace culture we create is inclusive and emotionally intelligent. The way a female-identified mind approaches growth, productivity and creative problem solving is quite different than the past paradigm of a more masculine divide and conquer approach. Woman are much more collaborative, team-driven and creatively oriented. We want to produce the best possible products and services, that have high influence, reach and efficacy. While building each other up along the way.
Pricing:
- Dotted Galore Pant Set $ 75.00
- Chiquita Ruffle Pant Set $ 75.00
- Sheer Purity Dress $ 77.00
- Blossom Yoke Dress $ 101.00
- Zambian Safari Aline Dress $ 95.00
- Retro Paisley Print Dress $ 85.00
- Zeopard Crossover Romper $ 72.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavanidosaboutique.com
- Phone: 786-357-7740
- Email: lavanidosaboutique@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/lavanidosaboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaVanidosaBoutique
Image Credit:
photographer: Carlosfungdirector
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
