Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaleesa Brown.
Jaleesa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Uplifting is a specialty online bra retailer for women wearing cup sizes D-N (that’s right, ‘N,’ as in the letter after ‘M’). As the owner, I noticed the struggle for finding bras that I actually liked to fit my large breasts at a young age. Enough was enough when someone tried to sell me their “bestseller” and it resembled nothing less of a bulletproof vest; I was at the lovely age of 20. What was I going to wear with that? How confident would I feel in that?
In 2011 I took a trip to L.A. with my best friends. Every time I take a trip I think of a souvenir that’s unique to that place. I came up with the bright idea that I’d buy some bras there, because of the large market for women with small frames and large busts (due to breast augmentations being more popular there at the time). I looked up the nearest bra store, and when I went I was in bra heaven! All of the fine laces a girl could ask for! At an early age, I determined that I would one day pursue entrepreneurship, but didn’t know what I would do. Shortly after that experience, I knew exactly what my business would be.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing worth having comes easily, they say. Well, that’s definitely the case here. In the beginning there was funding. It took time and patience for the funding to match the dream, but eventually I was able to launch Uplifting in 2013. There were certainly struggles with getting the business off of the ground. I had to learn the best ways to market to my customers; their likes and dislikes needs and wants. There’s another realm of creativity within you that you must enter when going into entrepreneurship. I had to unlock it and dive in.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Uplifting is an online bra retailer for women wearing cup sizes D and Up. It was established in Houston, TX where I was born and raised. We offer bras made by brands that cater to women with large busts, specifically, We also offer free Bra Fit Parties where we come to you. A host can allow for their guests to receive free fittings and have a personal shopping experience with Uplifting.
Our secret is that here at Uplifting we know the everyday struggles of women with large busts, and that is why we are here. We don’t want you to just buy a bra, we want you to fall in love with it and feel amazingly confident in it. We’re here to offer a variety for every woman; not just for one type of woman, but ALL women. Did I mention we carry cups D-N? Yeah, we’ve got you covered.
I am most proud of the growth and expansion that Uplifting has experienced. Starting with just bras and underwear, we now offer cup-sized swimwear, sports bras, and body-wear. It has been quite fulfilling to see it grow and meet the needs of so many different customers.
What were you like growing up?
To know me is to know that I haven’t changed much since I was a child, even my face. When I was growing up: I loved music, I loved to dance, I loved sleep, I was intelligent, I enjoyed learning, I valued my education, I loved helping others, I was creative, I was ambitious, I was nice, I was empathetic, I valued my friendships, I loved skating, I loved swimming, I loved conversation, I was goofy, and I loved to laugh. Now that I am an adult, I can honestly put all of those verbs in the present tense and they are still true.
Contact Info:
- Website: uplifting-bras.com
- Phone: 832-472-4799
- Email: contact@uplifting-bras.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/upliftingbras
- Facebook: facebook.com/UpliftingLLC
- Twitter: twitter.com/upliftingbras
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bhWG7CsJL4
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