Big House of Fashion

Cathia Eugene

What inspired you to start a boutique?

What inspired me to start a boutique is when I was younger I was a heavy set girl. I also had a very hard time expressing myself. But, with fashion that was the only way I knew how to express myself is through what I wore. Every time my mother took me shopping whenever I went to the plus size section, I was always disappointed at the lack of choices they had for us compared to the other options for the smaller sizes. I knew from that moment on I always told myself that one day I am going to have my own plus size boutique where women like my size could come and shop and never leave disappointed or empty handed!

"I knew from that moment on I always told myself that one day I am going to have my own plus size boutique where women like my size could come and shop and never leave disappointed or empty handed!"

Your fashion images are top notch! Do you model your own boutique and plan your own photoshoots?

Thank you! Before, I did not model my own items. However, this year I made the choice that I would step out of my comfort zone and model whatever pieces I feel that compliments my body structure. I plan all of my photoshoots and work with various models and photographers whenever I am ready to release new arrivals. However, the model that I work with on a consistent bases is Kasie her IG is @_qveen.k._ she is such an amazing person and plays a significant role here at BHOF! As far as photography goes my photographer that I love working with is Nathan and his instagram page is @4KGOATS! He gets the job done and is very patient with me as photoshoot days can be both fun and very stressful! I love my team.

How would you describe Big House of Fashion clothing selection? What kind of styles and accessories does your boutique offer?

Big House of Fashion is a boutique that stays up to date with the latest, trendiest, sexiest, affordable pieces for our curvy girls! When you shop with us you are guaranteed to leave with an item, at this time we strictly provide clothing pieces such as, body con dresses, maxi dresses, fashion tops, bottoms, two-piece sets, jumpsuits/rompers, and no accessories. Maybe in the near future as we continue to grow.

Can you describe your personal fashion?

Now, that’s a tricky question. My personal fashion is ever changing. Through clothes that is how we express ourselves. That is what I adore most about fashion. But to answer your question I would say feminine, classy, trendy, versatile, confident and effortless.

Have you faced any challenges launching and marketing your boutique?

Challenges? Let’s talk about how I spent 2-3 years planning and researching to avoid mistakes with starting my own online boutique. Had I known I still would have made them? I probably would have launched a lot sooner. I did face many challenges. However, I do not regret any of them because I had to go through them in order to learn and to move further within my business.  BMarketing was the most challenging part of my business. Launching was super easy!

What is your favorite store or boutique to shop at?

My favorite store to shop at is Fashionnova & SHEIN. They are my go to!

What are some words of advice you can give to entrepreneurs who want to start their own boutique?

Some words of advice that I can give to entrepreneurs who want to start their own boutique is to START NOW! There is NEVER a right time because the “right” time does not exist. I know we spend time trying to research and plan, which is good, but if you've been planning for more than a year just start because those mistakes you are trying to avoid? You have no idea that you are going to make them, and some that you did not think you were going to make, but no matter what you do not give up! Those mistakes are there to teach you not break you. Secondly, INVEST IN YOURSELF and stop trying to go the cheap route. It takes money to make money. I cannot express how many times I’ve said this also…the investing NEVER STOPS. And lastly, put GOD FIRST, which should be the FIRST thing above all…put him first and trust the process.

Patience is key! Success does not happen overnight. Through discipline and consistency is how you win.

"Some words of advice that I can give to entrepreneurs who want to start their own boutique is to START NOW! There is NEVER a right time because the 'right' time does not exist."

Outside of your boutique, what are some other hobbies you love?

Outside of my boutique, I love singing, spending time with family/friends, writing, reading, online shopping, creating content, styling, taking pictures, traveling, exercising, trying new places to eat, editing pictures, and videos.

I love your hairstyles on your Instagram page. Do you style your own hair?

Thank you! I do not style my own hair. However, if there is a look that I want to try, then I can trust my girl Dime Piece Styles (Liz) to do it for me. I have been going to her for more than 10 years!

Follow at:

Instagram: @THEREALBIGFINE and @SHOPBIGHOUSEOFFASHION

Facebook: THEREALBIGFINE

TikTok: @THEREALBIGFINE

 

KE Amor Kollection

Karen Enid Reyes

Hello Karen! LDL Magazine was honored to have you as our first cover photo.  We are more honored to learn more about your boutique KE Amor Kollection. For readers who didn't read the first magazine, can you let us know what the name KE Amor represents?

Hiiiii! I was so honored to be your first ever cover. It has truly been one of the best, most humbling, and amazing experiences for me. The “KE” in KE Amor stands for my kids’ names Khalil & Elijah, and also mine. Then, I added “Amor” just because in Spanish it means “love” and starting KE Amor was me birthing something I truly love and have a passion for!

How would you describe your boutique's fashion and clothing style?

KE Amor is definitely more for the laid-back IT girlies that love to be comfy, casual, but still super cute! It’s where fashion meets comfy. I don’t really sell anything that isn’t every day, comfortable, on the go looks.

Do you offer both online and in-person shopping? Is there one that you prefer most?

As of right now we just have an online store! No storefront yet, but I feel like with how big online shopping is, I don’t really even want a storefront just yet. I did at first, but I prefer the online store, and the occasional pop-up shops when I am able, than having a storefront for now.

What are the types of fashion and products you offer with KE Amor?

We offer comfy, versatile, laid-back, quality fashion items. For example, our bestsellers are our jogger sets. The girls LOVE the quality of our jogger sets. We sell two-piece sets, matching sets, jumpsuits, hats, outerwear, dresses, etc. We love to offer versatile outfits as well. Ones that you can dress up or down depending on your style!

What do you look for when finding influencers, models, and brand ambassadors to collaborate with your company?

Honestly, just someone who has a great social media presence. Also, someone who engages with their audience very well, who is professional, relatable, isn’t rude and stand-offish, and will actually wear our pieces. As of now, I haven’t had too many people other than myself model for us. Unless we did a collaboration, or I had my sister's model. I feel like I like things done a certain way. It’s hard to find people that will value and respect the details about your business, and the hard work the way that you do.

Do you want to manufacture/design your own fashion or accessories one day?

YES! I want to have my own designs made more than anything. I can’t even explain how bad I want that to happen for me. It’s really a goal I’m very much working even harder on in 2023. Not saying it will happen in 2023, but I’m definitely making the necessary moves to make it happen.

Describe your personal fashion style?

I am most definitely one of the more laid-back girlies. You would think because I’ve done modeling and pageants that I love to be dolled up all the time but I don’t! It’s nice once in a while, but everyday? No. You will most definitely catch me in sneakers and a chill outfit.

What are some of your favorite stores and boutiques to shop at?

If I’m being totally honest, 99% of what I wear is KE Amor. Lol. On the occasion that I need something that I don’t sell, I’ll more than likely go to the mall and get it from a random store.  I’ll go on Shein from time to time. But for the most part, you’ll catch me in KE Amor.

What are some words of advice you want to provide to people wanting to open their own boutique?

Oh my gosh….Don’t give up. It will be so hard sometimes and you’ll have people in your ear saying things like “anyone can sell clothes” or “everyone does that”, but don’t pay them any mind! It’s all about you, your dreams, and what you’re going to do different to make your store standout. Always stay authentic and original. Do not copy the next person because it’s working for them. 9 times out of 10 it won’t work for you. Be DIFFERENT. Stand out. That’s what the people love to see and where they love to shop.

"It’s all about you, your dreams, and what you’re going to do different to make your store standout. Always stay authentic and original."

Follow at:

Instagram: @keamorkollection @karensartbox
Facebook: Ke Amor Kollection, Karen's Artbox
TikTok: @allaboutkaren_

Photographer: Drewzki Exposure