Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Elmore.
Martha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Behind every legacy brand, there is a story, mine is bigger than just me. I’Mare Boutique started as a 2016 vision which has become my 2019 reality. The brand name “I’Mare” was created with my daughters Icee, England, and myself in mind. Icee, my 19-year-old is the I. She brings the creative and fun element to our brand while keeping it young and vibrant. England, my 6-year-old, brings the joy and attitude behind our brand. I Martha E brings the touch that makes the brand one for all sassy, grown and boss women. I’Mare represents true beauty for ashes. The brand was built from the ground up. Sleepless nights, money spent, and tears cried all to ensure that we would be able to bring to our customers not just another brand but one with a story.
The goal for I’MARE is to empower women to feel like royalty no matter how many curves they may have. We at I’MARE pride ourselves in bringing all our beauties fashion visions to reality. We are more than a boutique, we are an experience.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been an easy road, by far!
Two years ago, the week before The Stellars, I quit my job to go full time with I’MarE (crazy huh, two kids, single woman). When God says move, you MOVE! I had the opportunity to go to Vegas for The Stellars to have my items displayed in GooGoo Annual Glam Suite. This was a great opportunity, I must say. I remember on March 16, 2018, my manager said you are making a big mistake, and at that moment, I heard God speak to me “you will never have this opportunity but one this time!” Well, I stepped out on faith and walked out! I was destined to be great and this past weekend I was about to represent my brand yet again at the Stellar Awards. I was able to attend the Pre Show and had customers in place as well as new customers that follow me that are here also! I’m reminded of Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Faith was an issue for me, big issue and I was scared! But thank God, I stepped out! With my small vision in 2016, God has elevated me to higher levels because I was faithful over the little things.
Don’t let anyone and I mean anyone talk you out of greater! Don’t be afraid, walk in it even when it seems like the market is oversaturated! Be original and most importantly be you!
And when it’s a gift from God and you have favor and anointing on your life, NO devil in hell can stop you‼️
I’ MarE Boutique – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’Mare is more than a boutique, it’s a personal experience. We pride ourselves on ensuring that each woman feels beautiful inside and out no matter their figure. It’s 2019, every woman must feel empowered and the BOSS they are destined to be.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is what you make it. My success is defined by my journey. The long nights, the blood, sweat, tears, and laughs all made me push myself to the point of no return all while remaining humble. Success is also defined by being a model for my daughters. Being a single mother for the majority of their lives, seeing me exceed my initial goals is beyond success. In 2019, I expanded my brand my opening an online boutique for Icee name I’ceE. This boutique is to teach Icee the in and outs of the business and allows her to target the younger fashionable customers. That’s a success for I’Mare!
Contact Info:
- Address: 246 FM 1960 Bypass Rd East
Humble, Texas 77338 - Website: shopimareboutique.com
- Phone: 713-418-9353
- Email: imareboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: @imareboutique
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