We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natoshia Burkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natoshia, appreciate you joining us today. What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?

It’s key to find the right vendors in the fashion retail industry. There are manufacturers and distributors you can purchase your inventory from.

When I started my business, I researched online for vendors. I followed a few influencers on YouTube and located some solid vendors. When you’re first starting out It’s so many things to figure out. I found out very early on not all vendors are equal.

It’s very important to source vendors with quality products. I wasn’t pleased with my very first vendor as quite often the products were not true to size. I continued to research online and found some really great distributors. Once you develop a relationship with the company you can deal with them directly and set up net term accounts and work with them to get notified of new products in advance.

Once you develop a business relationship with the company It becomes a trust factor. The company trusts you will pay and you trust they will provide you a quality product.

Being in business is not for the faint at heart. There are alot of lessons to learn. I learned early on to read the reviews and comments about vendors. Those reviews will save you alot heart ache and pain. Purchase from reputable companies and read the refund policy. I am leary of companies who don’t allow refunds.

Some vendors are local and some are in different states. I personally prefer to purchase from vendors who ship from within the United States. Those vendors usually provide products with US measurements. I have purchased from non US vendors and the sizing is much different. It’s a risk so be prepared to make adjustments and be sure you let the customer know how the product fits.

Your customers are expecting to get a quality product and your brand is important. There are several big name brands in the fashion industry and you’ll hear customers describe the products as “Oh you need to purchase a size larger or I love their products”. I am still learning but I for sure want to hear I love Bleu Rush products.

I am constantly evolving and learning the business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am Natoshia Burkins, the CEO of Bleu Rush Boutique. I started Bleu Rush in the summer of 2020 during the Panademic. We sale women’s apparel and accessories in regular and plus-size. We recently added a men’s collection as well.

We offer apparel in sizes Small thru 4X in women’s and Small thru 5X in men’s.

Our mission is to make our customers feel confident and sexy. We call it ” That Bleu Rush Feeling”

Some women are not sure of their size or may not be sure of what looks good on their body type. It’s a problem alot women have, so they don’t wear clothes that are flattering or clothes that enhance they way they look. I offer style consultation services to solve this problem I absolutely love this part of my job.! The look on their faces and they way they feel makes me know I’ve done my job well. Customers who are interested in style consultation, can reach me via email at [email protected].
Be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook Bleu Rush and IG @bleurushonline.

You can purchase our products online at bleurush.com. We offer multiple forms of payment, including Shop Pay Installments. We also offer local pickup.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the thought that just because you know someone or that someone is a friend they will support you and your business. That was a hard lesson to learn but I did. I realized that you really have to identify your target audience and cater to that groups of individuals.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Initially I funded my business with my own funds. I was able to purchase my website, inventory, my LLC, office setup, branding logo, business cards, packaging, photoshoots, etc. At the time I felt this was the quickest way to get the business up and running. I have since learned there are other avenues to fund your business such as grants and business credit. There are several classes available to learn the steps to achieve business lines of credit and how to apply for grants.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bleurush.com
• Instagram: @bleurushonline
• Facebook: Bleu Rush
• Other: Pinterest Bleu Rush

Image Credits
All images were captured by photographer LaJune King @PhotosbyLJK