Take more risks
Retail buyer and fashion stylist Jasmene Bowdry launched BellaRosa Boutique in 2015 with one goal in mind – to provide that extra boost of confidence every woman needs to step out into the world, no matter her personal style. BellaRosa is an online destination for stylish go-getters, sophisticated corporate climbers, and trendsetting influencers.
Bowdry is a successful retail buyer and fashion stylist with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. As a buyer, she advises on current market trends and purchases relevant brand lines for Fortune 500 companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Sears, and more. Bowdry’s fashion expertise also extends beyond the boardroom as she has styled top celebrities, with her work appearing in magazines VIBE, People, XXL, and Forbes.
Where did the idea for BellaRosa Boutique come from?
BellaRosa means Beautiful Rose and it stems from my mother whose name is Rose. She encouraged me to get into fashion without realizing it when she would buy me paper dolls that I could dress up in different outfits. She pushes me and she never questions, only supports. So BellaRosa is in honor of her.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day begins with coffee and checking emails first. After that, I run sales reports as well as reports on website traffic. Posting on social media and engaging with followers. Checking my vendor sites for new inventory. Placing orders. Planning photo shoots. More follow up emails and shipping orders.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I create a vision board so that I can focus on and see whatever the ideas are. It serves as a constant reminder. From there I formulate a plan to execute.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend that excites me most right now is athleisure. Many times I love to dress down more than up. Anytime I can wear track-pants, joggers, etc and make it look chic is a win for me. Athleisure allows me to be bum chic- joggers, heels, hair in a top knot, and bomber jacket, with a big pair of shades. The look is effortless!
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I’m a bit of a perfectionist. If it can’t be done right, it won’t be done. So that makes me work harder and harder to try and make things as perfect as possible for my business. I know nothing will ever be or turn out perfect in business, but you should always put forth the effort.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take more risks
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I pray over my business daily
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Hiring people who are experts in areas that I’m not. It allows me time to work on other priorities of the business.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I don’t look at anything as a failure. Everything is a learning opportunity to grow and be better.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I spent recently was on a massage at Bliss Spa. I think self-care is so important and sometimes you have to power down from all the craziness of entrepreneurship and make time for yourself.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Later. Later allows me to schedule posts a month in advance and preview how it will look on your feed. Since most of my site traffic comes from Instagram, I put a lot of time and energy there.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I would recommend your community read “The Secret”. It really helps to bring positive vibes not only into your life but into your mind. It will help you seek all the things you want in life through the law of attraction.
What is your favorite quote?
“Never get comfortable”
Key Learnings
- Take more risks
- I don’t look at anything as a failure. Everything is a learning opportunity to grow and be better.
Connect:
Bellarosa on Twitter: @shopbellarosa_
Bellarosa on Instagram:
Bellarosa on Facebook:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.