BB: So tell our readers what exactly Chris Leeann Boutique is.
CLB: Chris Leeann Boutique is an online store for stylish fashionistas everywhere!
BB: How did you come up with the name Chris Leeann?
CLB: Well Christopher is my baby brother’s middle name and Leeann is part of my middle name, so I put the two together and came up with Chris Leeann. I felt it necessary to have it partly named after my brother because he has definitely been a driving force for me since he’s been born. I want him to grow up knowing that anything is possible and he as well can some day own his own company. I want him to know that he can be amazing at whatever he wants to do. But most importantly I want him to know how much I love him.
BB: Howww special! *LOL* I’m sure your baby bro will be inspired by that. I like to think of the Noteworthy section of our site as like career day for students gearing up for the real world, and even for adults thinking of a career change. Describe a typical work day for you.
CLB: I start with me checking my emails for orders and other correspondences. Shipping out any orders that I’ve received for the day, tracking inventory orders for the upcoming season, visiting showrooms and following up on other business deals.
BB: Sounds busy! What is the best/most rewarding part of your running your company?
CLB: When people purchase something from me and they call or send me a message about how much they loved it! It makes me feel like my job was done. I get really excited when I hear that!
BB: Cool, and what’s something about your career that you could do without?
CLB: Stress of course. Who wouldn’t want to eliminate that?
BB: *LOL* Let us know an example of something stressful that might go down?
CLB: Ugh, sometimes I have to tell the people I do business with to kick rocks *LOL*. Like this shopping party I’m about to have in a few days, the makeup artist is such a flake and cancelled a few days ago. It’s also hard to be a young black female entrepreneur and gain respect from people. So many people want to take you for a joke.
BB: So why did you want to start a clothing boutique anyway? There are so many others out there. What do you provide that makes Chris Leeann stand out among the pack?
CLB: I knew from an early age that I was going to retire from my career by 40 and open up a boutique. Well, one day I decided I didn’t want to wait until I was retired and 40, so I decided to open my store online. What makes Chris Leeann Boutique different from the rest is that it’s a fun, visually appealing, easy to navigate online boutique that inspires creativity and provides all fashionistas with red carpet shopping treatment through our premier customer service. I and put the emphasis on CUSTOMER SERVICE! Customers can reach me personally via phone or email with questions and concerns. I always respond back within a timely manner via email and I’m always available by phone during the given hours that are provided on the site. I also keep the site original by working with a lot of new up and coming designers where their looks aren’t replicated and repeated. Everyone wants to be exclusive and separated from the rest. Chris Leeann Boutique offers that to their clientele.
BB: True, nothing worse than not being able to reach a representative at a company after you spent $ with them. It’s like buying a gift for your boo and then they don’t wanna pick up the phone *LOL*
CLB: *LOL* Right!
BB: How long have you been working in the fashion game?
CLB: Not to sound cocky…well what the heck, I would like to say from the moment I could dress myself. I’d like to say that I am responsible for/and made contributions to some trends throughout the years. *LOL* I’m kidding, sort of. *LMAO* I’ve been styling since I was in college while working for the high end department store, Nordstrom.
BB: What trends do you see coming up for Fall 09 for women?
CLB: Military Jackets for sure, Riding boots and ankle boots will still be in, and whatever else you see me wearing in a few months. *LOL*
BB: Where’s the future of Chris Leeann Boutique?
CLB: A household name among all fashionistas. I see Chris Leeann Boutique growing beyond an online site and eventually I will have a store front. The possibilities are endless!
http://www.chrisleeannboutique.com/
SASS, CLASS, SPUNK and FUNK!
