Today we’d like to introduce you to Yumeka Metoyer.
Yumeka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a Social Worker by day for the last 14 years. I love the work that I do, specifically working with the abused and neglected children and making a difference in the lives of the state’s most vulnerable humans. I have always thought of myself as a girly girl and so has anyone who knows me. I love fashion and all the trappings of being a woman, so I’ve toyed with the idea of opening a boutique for quite a while, but out of fear I pushed the thought to the back of my mind. Then in July of this year, God gave me this vision and strong urgency that I could no longer ignore. Then boom, LillieRose was born! LillieRose Boutique was born out of my love for the great women God placed in my life. LillieRose Boutique is named for the first woman I ever loved, my beautiful mother, Lillie, who was gorgeous, classy, and oh so stylish. When she walked into a room, she exemplified grace and beauty like none other. Rose was my maternal grandmother, who could sing and pray down heaven in a “bad” suit as she called them, with a matching hat, accessories, and some “bad” heels. These ladies shaped who I am as a woman in so many ways. They taught me how to pray my way through and how to work hard for what I wanted in life, but they also taught me that as women we have so many layers. It was more than how they dressed; it was about how their wardrobe seemed to change them on the inside as well. They walked with such confidence and grace. That’s what I want every woman to feel when they wear a LillieRose Boutique piece. So far the journey has been pretty good. It has certainly not been without its challenges, but like anything new, it’s going to take time to grow, but I can honestly say that LillieRose is well on her way to becoming a household name.
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, like most I’ve had my fair share of struggles on this entrepreneurial journey. However, I can honestly say the logistics of getting started haven’t been too difficult. Thank God! The biggest obstacle for me on this journey has been ME. Starting a business has forced me to face my fears and step completely out of my comfort zone. I’ve struggled with my own insecurities, fears, and wondering ‘will they like me?’ LOL Before opening the boutique, I was completely comfortable behind scenes, in the shadows. As mentioned I am a Social Worker, so the business aspect of the boutique was not my area of expertise. However, I’ve learned that if you want to be successful you’ve got to come out of the shadows and leave your comfort zone. I did lots of research and sought the help of those who were successful in business, specifically the boutique business. God had to remind me who I am and who’s I am. He has reminded me that He has not and will not EVER give me a spirit of fear.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the Owner/CEO of LillieRose Boutique. LillieRose Boutique is named for the two most important women in my life, my mother Lillie and my maternal grandmother Rose. They were beautiful on the inside and the outside. They have both passed on, but they were Fashionistas! These ladies shaped who I am as a woman in so many ways. They taught me how to pray and how to work hard for what I wanted in life, but they also taught me that as women we have so many layers. It was more than how they dressed; it was about how their wardrobe seemed to change them on the inside as well. They walked with such confidence and grace. That’s what I want every woman to feel when they wear a LillieRose Boutique piece.
The market is saturated with tons of boutiques right now, but there is enough for everyone! What sets LillieRose apart from the rest is ME! Every woman is unique and I bring uniqueness to my boutique that cannot be duplicated. We specialize in showcasing pieces with every woman in mind, for any occasion. We are called upon to be everything to everyone, so I want every woman to feel like her best self, feel empowered to take on every role she has been given. Being a woman is so much more than what we wear or how we look, but sometimes looking good on the outside can change how we feel on the inside.
At this point in my journey, I am most proud of hanging in there and not giving up. In addition, I am most proud when I can see the joy on the faces of women when they wear a LillieRose item that I picked.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Houston so much! I often mention how much I love the diversity and culture present here in the city. It’s absolutely the best place to start a business and become successful. As the fourth largest city in the US there are countless opportunities for business owners. Houston is an economic metropolis so when starting a business in Houston. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with the best of the best and learn as you go from the creators of Fortune 500 companies. As a boutique owner being in Houston is awesome because the city is so rich in culture and fashion is a big part of that culture. There are so many unique individuals here, which makes it a great place to people watch and see the latest fashion trends, which spills over into LillieRose Boutique.
Pricing:
- LillieRose Boutique has pieces as low as $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lillieroseboutique.com
- Email: info@lillieroseboutique.com
- Instagram: @lillieroseboutique_htx
- Facebook: @lillieroseboutiquehtx
Image Credit:
My personal photo was taken by Phacez Photography
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