Meet Alexandra Rios of Love Alex Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Rios.

Alexandra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had just finished my freshman year of college and I wanted to look for a first summer job. I love shopping at boutiques and supporting small businesses because they are so “unique”. I applied at one of the new boutiques in Pearland last year and was turned down. I then saw a few weeks later that they hired another thin, size small girl. It was then that I had realized how most of these boutiques weren’t so “unique” after all. They all cater towards smaller figures.

Now being an 18-year-old girl at the time, I always lacked confidence and never felt as if I was welcome in cute stores like these. Yes, they may carry multiple sizes, but did they truly put as much thought into what different body types would wear? Me being a size medium, or large, I can only imagine what other women felt like. I then decided I wanted to be the change that I wished to see.

After the support and help of my parents and months of planning, I was able to open my online store, Love Alex. I opened my boutique with the goal of making sure ALL women feel beautiful in their own unique way. With the love and support of my family and friends, I have had a successful outcome with my small business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a business owner and full-time student definitely has its up and downs. As a small business owner, I wear many hats and when you strive to be the best and give the customers 100% satisfaction, it can be tough. I am also a full-time student at a university, so it does get stressful at times to balance both. Also, the most important thing I had to learn as it takes money to make money.

Sure I knew I would have to spend a good amount of beautiful pieces, but when you add shipping envelopes, hangers, racks, business cards, then some college necessities, it does get expensive. However, my parents have always been there to help because they believe in me. Though this has definitely been a rocky road, I would not trade it for anything in the world.

Love Alex Boutique – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
When I opened Love Alex, I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve: a trendy and affordable boutique, with the best customer service. I started a blog on my website to post beauty related posts, holiday ideas, and most importantly, confidence posts. You will see a lot of self-love and confidence posts on my Instagram as well to remind women throughout the day that they are beautiful! I want to make sure every woman knows how beautiful they truly are.

Now, this may sound like your typical boutique slogan, but when you look at the other boutiques and go on their websites, do you really get that vibe? It is so easy for boutiques to pick out some random pieces that are plus size, just to be able to say they carry it.

Though I do not wear plus size, I do take the same amount of thought and consideration into picking each piece as if I were picking it out for myself. I carry sizes small-3x and most of our items are very forgiving and you usually can go either down a size or up a size depending on how you like the fit.

Also, I strive for better prices than anyone, which is why my business is run through my home, meaning very little overhead. Did I mention we also have free Pearland delivery? I personally will deliver any order to any resident of Pearland, or meet others halfway from other nearby areas! Basically, I want my customers to have easy access to beautiful clothing at a reasonable price. Most importantly, I am all about comfort and confidence! After all, when you feel good in your clothes, you’ll definitely feel good about yourself.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I do not see success as dollar signs, I define success as seeing repeat customers that are happy and confident in my clothing. Hearing about customers experiences about the compliments they got or seeing their confidence shine through in their social media posts really does make all of my hard work worthwhile.

I get so many messages from customers who are now comfortable with asking me for help regarding what size and style would fit them best and I absolutely love that. Money will never outshine my customer’s happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lovealexboutique.com
• Instagram: lovealexboutique
• Facebook: Love Alex Boutique

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