We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Artesha Murray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Artesha below.
Artesha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Thank you for the opportunity to share the story behind Pretty Society. It’s a journey rooted in personal experience, a clear need I saw in the market, and a deep desire to empower women. Let me paint the picture for you.
The idea for Pretty Society was born during a pivotal moment in my life. I was juggling as dance director in Dallas ISD , while successful on paper, left me feeling disconnected from my authentic self. I found myself searching for something that could reignite my passion and allow me to make a meaningful impact. One day, as I stood in front of my closet, struggling to find an outfit that made me feel both confident and feminine, it struck me—this wasn’t just about clothes. It was about identity, self-worth, and the way we present ourselves to the world.
I started asking myself: Why don’t more women have access to a space where they can find pieces that truly celebrate who they are? A place that’s not just about fashion but also about fostering confidence and self-love? That’s when Pretty Society was born—not just as a boutique, but as a mission to create a community where women could feel seen, celebrated, and supported.
The logic behind Pretty Society was grounded in a gap I noticed in the market. While there were plenty of boutiques, many felt impersonal or focused solely on trends. Few truly prioritized the emotional connection between what we wear and how we feel. I wanted to create a space where femininity and confidence intersected—where every piece was curated with the intent of helping women express their unique beauty and worth.
What got me most excited was the potential for transformation. This wasn’t just about selling clothes; it was about changing the narrative. I envisioned women walking into Pretty Society and leaving with more than a new outfit—they’d leave with a renewed sense of self. I also saw an opportunity to blend fashion with empowerment through meaningful storytelling, workshops, and community events.
To me, this wasn’t just a worthwhile endeavor—it was essential. We live in a world where women are constantly told they’re not enough or too much. Pretty Society became my way of saying: You are perfect as you are, and you deserve to feel amazing.
Since launching, the response has been humbling and affirming. Women have shared how our pieces and our message have changed how they see themselves. That’s how I knew this idea wasn’t just a business—it was a movement. It confirmed what I felt from the beginning: Pretty Society wasn’t just solving a problem; it was filling a void, creating something that women didn’t even realize they were longing for.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and Pretty Society Boutique to your readers! My name is Artesha Murray, and I’m the founder of Pretty Society, a women’s boutique that’s so much more than a place to shop—it’s a space where confidence, femininity, and self-worth take center stage. I have a B.S. in Family Consumer Science with a concentration in Apparel Merchandising & Textiles also a minor in business from Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA.
My journey into this industry began as a deeply personal one. I’ve always believed that fashion is a form of self-expression, a way to tell the world who we are without saying a word. But as I navigated different stages in my life—whether it was a demanding career, motherhood, or personal reinvention—I often struggled to find clothing that made me feel empowered and aligned with my identity. It wasn’t just about finding the “right outfit”; it was about feeling seen, celebrated, and confident in my own skin. I worked as a visual merchandising manager at top companies; such as, H&M, Forever21, Victoria Secret, Giorgio Armani….later worked corporate at Neiman Marcus & Nordstrom.
That realization inspired me to create Pretty Society Boutique. Our boutique offers a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing and accessories designed to help women feel their absolute best—inside and out. From chic, versatile wardrobe staples to statement pieces that make you feel unstoppable, every item in our boutique is chosen with intention. We also host community events and workshops that focus on confidence-building, self-care, and empowerment, creating a space where women can connect and grow together.
What sets Pretty Society apart is our mission-driven approach. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re solving a deeper issue—the disconnect many women feel between how they dress and how they feel. We cater to women who want more than just style; they want substance, meaning, and a sense of belonging. Our clients tell us they come to Pretty Society not just to shop, but to be inspired and uplifted.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Seeing women walk into our boutique and leave with a renewed sense of confidence is the most rewarding part of this journey. Hearing stories about how an outfit helped someone nail a job interview, celebrate a milestone, or simply feel beautiful in their everyday life fuels my passion.
For anyone new to Pretty Society, here’s what I want you to know: we’re here for you. Whether you’re stepping into a new chapter of life or simply want to feel more aligned with your authentic self, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Pretty Society isn’t just a boutique—it’s a celebration of everything that makes you you.
Website: www.theprettysocietyboutique.com
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The traditional fashion industry has often perpetuated narrow ideals, suggesting that there’s a specific way to look, dress, or present yourself to be considered “fashionable” or attractive.
Unlearning this means embracing the reality that style is deeply personal and that true beauty lies in individuality and authenticity. It’s about understanding that clothing should serve you, not the other way around, and that the best outfits are the ones that make you feel confident, comfortable, and aligned with your unique identity—not just what’s trending or considered “flattering” by conventional standards.
By rejecting rigid norms, we create space for diversity, self-expression, and empowerment—fashion becomes less about conformity and more about celebrating who you truly are.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
t was one of those moments in life where fear and faith collided. With $100 to my name, a packed car, and a heavy heart, I left Shreveport, Louisiana, determined to start over. After enduring a traumatic experience that had shaken me to my core, I knew I needed a fresh start, a new chapter—and that chapter was waiting for me in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Art Institute. I had always dreamed of pursuing an education in fashion, and though the odds were stacked against me, I couldn’t ignore the pull to chase my purpose.
The drive was over 12 hours, but it felt like a lifetime. My car wasn’t exactly road-trip-ready. One of the wheels had a spare tire on it, forcing me to drive slower than I wanted, with every mile feeling like a gamble. The entire time, I was praying that the car—and I—would make it safely. As the familiar flatlands of Louisiana faded into the rearview mirror, I was gripped by equal parts anxiety and determination.
Atlanta was an unfamiliar city, and I didn’t even know if housing would be available when I arrived. I had no concrete plan, just a sliver of hope and a deep belief that something better was on the other side of this leap of faith. The thought of failure loomed, but I pushed it aside with every turn of the wheel, reminding myself why I was doing this.
I’ll never forget the moment I crossed the Georgia state line. Exhausted yet exhilarated, I felt a spark of possibility flicker inside me. As I drove into Atlanta, surrounded by a skyline that seemed to whisper of new beginnings, I knew I had made the right decision. Even though I didn’t have much, I had my dream, and that was more than enough to keep me going.
That journey taught me something profound: when you step out on faith, even when the path is unclear, doors will open. It was the start of not just my education in fashion but a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and purpose. Leaving Shreveport wasn’t just about leaving my past behind—it was about running toward the person I was meant to become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prettysocietyboutique.com/
- Instagram: @shopprettysociety
- Facebook: Pretty Society
- Linkedin: Pretty Society, LLC
- Twitter: @artesha_murray
Image Credits
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