Keep It Private Until You Know It’s Permanent! – Lakyra Broadus

  • Published on:
    November 21, 2020
  • Reading time by:
    5 minutes

Every iconic brand has an origin story. A clothing line that may dominate today’s department stores may have started as a small business run out of a fledgling fashion designer’s living room. While launching your own clothing line is challenging, thanks to e-commerce and online marketing, it just might be possible to turn a brand that began in a small online store into a clothing brand that’s beloved nationwide. Let’s learn today from LaKyra Broadus who is a newbie in fashion e-commerce.

My name is LaKyra Broadus, CEO of Boughetto Boutique LLC. I am 26 years old and from Los Angeles California. I am the oldest of three siblings. I graduated Spring 2020 from UNLV with my B.S in Human Services. I am currently attending GCU and will be receiving my M.S in Mental Health & Wellness. I love watching crime documentaries, eating seafood, and getting dressed up! I am always trying to learn new skills to make myself a better educator from learning sign language to finding out how I can give back as a future Mental health counselor. I started Boughetto (booj-etto) because I love sexy clothes and I have always wanted to start my own business making clothing.  

What are your plans going forward and for growth?

In the short term, one of my goals is to continue developing Boughetto as a brand. I would like to continue providing custom Boughetto pieces, increasing my selection for customers. One of the things I have not spoken about yet is about custom work I have been doing behind the scenes. Initially, when I thought of Boughetto I wanted to make new sexy custom clothing out of old clothing! I still would love to do that which is why I have been working more closely with my sewing machine. I will be partnering next year with another clothing company to do this together. I would like a storefront in a couple of years but I plan to continue developing the brand before jumping right on that. 

How did the company start?

Boughetto has been in the works for years but I never took it serious enough until I was laid off three times in one year. I hated that I was faced with stress because I didn’t really have a backup plan. I noticed everyone who had a business wasn’t stressing as much as I was. I decided to use the savings I built up to start the process of Boughetto. I actually started doing several different hobbies and my boutique came out on top. I discussed it with my boyfriend who owns his own business and it motivated me even more to start my own. I was quiet for months working on clothing designs, the studio set up, and building my website. Once I knew Boughetto was happening I gathered a small team to help me with photos, marketing, and finances. 

Do you have any advice or any message for all the people out there that dream to start a business?

Do your research! And be very patient about announcements. Sometimes you are so excited about telling the world about what’s coming and what you are doing, but honestly being quiet has been my secret weapon! You should do your research so that you know exactly how you want your products and business to be perceived. Truthfully no-one wants to hear “coming soon” or “I want to do this”. People react better when they had no clue this was going on. If you are looking to start a business wait as many years or months as you have to until it is quality you are putting out! If you want to start a business remember you have one chance to launch for the first time. Make sure that the first time is executed well! Don’t announce you are doing nails if you are still in your trial phase. Find like 3 friends or family members very close to you and practice on them. Tell them don’t take pictures because you aren’t where you want to be yet. People pay attention to quality, they want to see the grind but they gravitate more when they see what they like.

What has been the biggest obstacle you have faced so far as a business owner?

The biggest obstacle I have faced has been being patient once starting my business. I was very patient during production but now that it’s out there I have been working hard every day to see more financial growth. As a business owner, you are spending soo much money the first couple of years which is tough because it doesn’t always come back.

What is a skill you think all women should learn and why?

I think all women should have a side hustle or a hustle period! Do what makes you happy and always have your own. Everyone wants to say they’re a boss but to be a boss you have to be confident, courageous, resilient, and honest. I understand not everyone wants to work but ladies don’t let anyone be your plan or backup plan. 

Where do you get your inspiration from daily?

My inspiration comes from my past! That sounds strange but really it does. I don’t want to be like anyone I know because I didn’t have anyone to look up to. I didn’t come from a home that I was happy to be in every day. As a teen, I played sports because it helped me work through my personal trauma. Now that I’m an adult I can make boss moves to inspire others. I have worked through that trauma as a little girl and being a boss makes me feel amazing every day.

What traits do you look for when building a team?

When building a team I needed people who were going to go as hard for my brand as if it was their own!  My team consists of the people closest to me like my little brother, sister, mom, friends, family, and boyfriend. These people have all showed loyalty to the brand since day one of me announcing it to them! I love my team they are all supportive, honest, and trustworthy.

What makes your business unique?

Boughetto is unique because we make sexy custom clothing you won’t get anywhere else. We are a black-owned business who handles all branding and financial responsibilities without any outside resources! We also offer custom clothing for both men and women.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by continuing to work because I know my brand has a bright future ahead. I have to win because I see no other way out. I am persistent when I want something and start on it. I have always been the go-getter and overachiever and I know this is just the beginning of what I can do.

What is in store for the future of Boughetto Boutique?

Boughetto will be one of the hottest Boutique’s on your Instagram platform! We promise to continue giving authentic sexy pieces you won’t get at any other boutique. You can follow us @boughetto.la and sign up for our mailing list to stay updated on all Boughetto Boutique exclusives.

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