Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Karnopp-clark
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi! I’m Brandi! One thing about me is that I have always loved fashion from an early age. I would spend hours looking through magazines, cutting out celebrities in outfits that I loved and taping them in my notebooks. You could say it was my Pinterest Board, before that was even a thing. Plus-Size celebrities weren’t really a celebrated thing back then. I would think about how great it would be if I was able to wear similar outfits, but knew that wasn’t possible, because plus-size clothing was only baggy shirts and unflattering jeans. Larger women wouldn’t dare wear a mini skirt, because that would have been talked about to no end. The past decade has come with so much progress with size inclusive fashion and different styles. It really is an exciting time! It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to be able to do all of this, but I also work hard for it. Although I know absolutely none of this would be possible without God, my husband B, my parents, and all of my family and friends who have been supportive throughout this journey of life!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a far from smooth road. Memories of wearing a new dress to school, to only be made fun of because of my size still replay in the back of my mind. The first time I received a catalog in the mail with the coolest clothing, I spent hours upon hours circling items I wanted for the new school year. When I looked at the size chart and took my measurements, I realized the items I loved didn’t even come in my size. I remember crying myself to sleep after realizing that. I’m now 34 and just a few weeks ago I had to deal with a much older women criticizing me in front of a bar full of people about the short skort and t-shirt I was wearing. Constantly I’m reminded about how insecure, small-minded people can be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a boutique owner! I also have a private Facebook group where I sell pre-loved clothing. This is my absolute dream! There’s nothing I love more than helping women off all shapes, sizes, and ages find pieces that they feel their best in. Every time I receive a message from someone saying that because of my fashion posts they’ve discovered a confidence within themselves, it makes me so proud and happy, I can’t even begin to explain it. We live in a small town, so criticism isn’t unusual, but the good always out ways the bad. I just want everyone to stop feeling like that can’t wear something, because of others beauty standards. Life is way too short to not love the body that God has given you!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is whenever my Mom would come home with garbage bags full of clothes from her friends and co-workers. It was clothing that didn’t fit their kids anymore. It was always so exciting going through those bags thinking about how or where I was going to wear my “new” clothing! That’s a huge reason I started “Styled by Brandi” on Facebook. I started by selling my like-new clothing at great prices, so others could enjoy them as well! Now I’m venturing into thrifting fabulous pieces for others!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.velvetnrollboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandebelle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/velvetnrollboutique
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/961894564457224
