Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Breyona Sturghill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Breyona, thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Embarking on the journey of being a business owner is like stepping onto a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and unexpected loops but receiving a greater return at the end. It’s not merely a trend, yet some think so, but its; it’s a profound choice that puts your resilience, determination, and vision to the test. A business owner isn’t just someone who starts a venture; it’s an individual who understands the soul-stirring potential their business holds. It’s about enduring the late nights, weathering the storms, and making decisions that often feel like tightrope walks. Which can also be one of the hardest and best decisions in your life. In my case, launching Intimately Brave was a pivotal moment in my life. It wasn’t just about creating a brand; it was about embodying the woman I am today and the woman I aspire to be.

Many might wonder why lingerie became the focal point of Intimately Brave. It’s more than just garments; it’s a medium through which women express their power and learn to love themselves. It’s a tool to encourage women to look in the mirror and say, “I love myself and my body.” The narrative I create through Intimately Brave is a testament to my commitment to being a voice for women. It’s about creating spaces for them to be authentic, even in the areas where they might want to hide. Yes, being a business owner has its ups and downs, but the pride in having control over the direction of your business is unparalleled.

The second part of the question delves into the contemplation of what it would be like working a regular job. To me, a regular job isn’t a setback; it’s a strategic move. Sometimes, you need that stability to fund your business dreams or align your work with something you’re genuinely passionate about. Having a regular job doesn’t mean you’re not reaching your goals; it means you’re being smart and practical. Moreover, the skills and experiences gained from a job can often complement and enhance your entrepreneurial endeavors. For instance, my part-time job in the wedding industry as a Wedding Coordinator aligns with my passion and purpose. It’s another stream of income and an avenue through which I continue creating moments for women to love themselves. Balancing both worlds is a testament to the multifaceted nature of success and fulfillment.

Breyona, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know? Intimately Brave stands as a luxury intimate apparel brand, navigating the forefront of a new era in women’s empowerment and self-expression through the lens of lingerie. Our core celebration lies in diversity, showcasing women of all sizes and colors in their most authentic and powerful forms. At the heart of our mission is the embrace of femininity and inner strength, aiming to instill confidence and self-love in every woman. We specialize in creating safe spaces for women to understand and accept their flaws, promoting a culture of self-love. Our unique identity also involves being a vocal advocate for women who may feel voiceless. Intimately Brave is not just a brand; it’s a personal journey.

What are you known for?
Intimately Brave has become synonymous with setting the standard for intimate apparel and lingerie, emphasizing a blend of femininity, class, and poise. Our online platforms and website showcase a collection that is not merely about garments but an embodiment of how we want women to feel when they put on an Intimately Brave piece. Each carefully selected garment and location for photoshoots are centered around the powerful experience we aim to provide.

What sets you apart from others?
What sets Intimately Brave apart is the organic and deeply personal origin of the brand. It didn’t begin as a trend; instead, it found its roots in my life’s journey. Starting from a place of personal struggles with depression, self-love, and societal expectations, Intimately Brave was born out of a profound realization. It became my means of turning pain into purpose. Unlike those who start businesses for trend’s sake, my brand is my story—a narrative of overcoming personal battles. Intimately Brave is an advocate for those who’ve faced similar struggles, standing at the forefront of a movement to redefine beauty standards and empower women of all backgrounds.

What are you most proud of brand wise?
In relaunching Intimately Brave, one of the aspects that fills me with immense pride is standing firm on the brand’s purpose. It’s about more than just lingerie; it’s about giving women the opportunity to share, to be open, and to embrace themselves fully. Intimately Brave has become a space where women can connect, relate, and uplift one another. I take great pride in the brand’s commitment to fostering self-love, empowerment, and inclusivity for women globally. The recognition it receives is a testament to the hard work and love poured into creating a brand that transcends the personal—a brand that provides a platform for women to be proud of who they are, to celebrate their stories, and to be amongst others who can truly relate and understand. It’s about building a community of empowered women embracing their uniqueness.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What propelled Intimately Brave’s reputation in the market was recognizing the transformative power of lingerie. In a sea of intimate apparel brands, both mainstream and luxury, I noticed a gap—something missing in the depth of how lingerie can impact an individual. Many well-known brands seemed to focus solely on creating something sexy without truly understanding the intricate interplay of luxury, softness, and power that defines a woman. When I envisioned Intimately Brave, I aimed to fill this void by crafting a brand that epitomizes luxury while embracing the multifaceted essence of every woman, making them feel not just sexy but also empowered. In Memphis, TN, where luxury lingerie brands were scarce, I saw an opportunity to break free from the norm and create a brand that resonates not only locally but globally, setting new standards for women’s intimate wear. Building a reputation involved staying true to my vision, working with amazing individuals who shared my passion, and creating a standard that reflects the uniqueness of Intimately Brave.

As I reflect on the journey of building Intimately Brave’s reputation, it’s not just about creating a brand; it’s about embodying the values and standards that I hold dear. The distinctiveness of the brand stems from a commitment to not follow the usual trajectory but to carve out a unique space that aligns with my vision. Collaborating with talented individuals has been instrumental in bringing the brand to life, infusing it with diverse perspectives and skills. While I’m proud of the progress so far, I view it as a stepping stone. There’s an eagerness to continuously learn, explore new avenues for growth, and achieve goals that are still on the horizon. Every milestone achieved is not just a triumph for Intimately Brave but a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I exclusively sell all collections through the Intimately Brave website, powered by Shopify. Opting for Shopify has been a game-changer for my brand, offering a digital space where clients can indulge in the luxury of intimate apparel from the comfort of their homes or anywhere their journey takes them. The website, www.intimatelybrave.com, serves not merely as an online store but as a portal into the distinctive world of Intimately Brave. Through carefully selected color palettes and visually compelling imagery, the website provides a sensory experience akin to stepping into a boutique. It captures the essence of our luxury intimate garments, offering a glimpse into the uniqueness that sets Intimately Brave apart.

While the digital realm facilitates seamless transactions, my commitment goes beyond mere sales. It’s about creating an immersive experience for customers, allowing them to understand the ethos of the brand and the emotions that our garments evoke. The website becomes a canvas where clients can not only shop for products but also connect with the brand on a personal level. The creation of personalized email and text templates further enhances this connection, establishing a relationship that goes beyond the transactional. This personalized touch extends to every client, emphasizing that, in the world of Intimately Brave, each customer isn’t just a transaction but a valued friend. However, the challenge lies in the desire to connect face to face. Despite the online nature of the business, I place immense importance on fostering personal relationships. The human touch is irreplaceable, and even in the digital age, a personal conversation can be profoundly impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.intimatelybrave.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimatelybrave/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveintimates/

Image Credits
Photographer: Josiah Roberto Editor: Jared Sturghill MUA: Sherika White and Anastasia Donelson Models: Tyler Burkley, Janet Chrystal, Caitlyn Wilson