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

Franchesca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

“The past is your lesson, the present is your gift, the future is your motivation.” – Zig Ziglar
I view mental health as one of the most important things in life, along with family. It was just a year and a half ago that I thought I was in a great place due to the success in my career, continuation of school, and a lifestyle change after moving to Florida. I would wake up each day just trying to make it through and get to the next day. It wasn’t until one gloomy day, I realized that I could not sustain the stressful and draining lifestyle that began to take a toll on my physical health. Additionally, my mental health began to decline, which no longer allowed me to perform and undergo my daily routine, which in turn affected my emotional well-being.

Mental health disorders affect people of all ages and racial/ethnic groups, but some populations are disproportionately affected. Estimates suggest that only half of all people with mental health disorders get the treatment they need, “Differences in the diagnosis of depression may play a role in the variation in the prevalence of depression between racial and ethnic groups (Ritcher, 2021). I took a week sabbatical to try and get myself to a better state of mind so I could return to what I thought was the best way of living life. During that time, there was something in me saying that I wasn’t where I needed to be and the lifestyle I was working so hard to obtain was not as fulfilling as I had envisioned. I then made the decision to leave my job with no immediate plan or direction and begin my journey of finding my true happiness. The state of my mental health was more important to me than a job or anything else. I began to re-evaluate my personal and professional goals for myself in the most raw and natural state, and in part of doing so I was drawn back into my passion and desire for the fashion industry and sketching. I took the biggest risk that I could’ve ever taken and that was to start working towards my dream, which was to be the CEO of my own business; Monet’s Boutique.

By embracing the journey, I began to enjoy and celebrate the little things in life. I was able to participate in activities I had once enjoyed including, nature and the outdoors, traveling and exploring different parts of the world, and surrounding myself with those dearest to me who provided the positive energy which uplifted my mind, body, and spirit.. I was able to smile more and speak freely as I learned not to settle for something I thought I was supposed to have and set firm boundaries. I also learned not to hide who I am and put myself first, as we only have one short life to live and get rid of what doesn’t serve me. The journey and my progress towards accomplishing my dreams are only at the beginning and I’m only transforming into a better version of myself each and every day.

Franchesca, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management. I also have a Bachelor of Science from Johnson & Wales University in Fashion Merchandising and Retailing. During my time at Johnson & Wales, I was accepted into the Special Honors and Rewards Program (SHARP), allowing me to complete a bachelor’s degree in a short three years and continue my education while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher. I have worked in the field of Operations Management for over three years by ensuring efficiency and cost-effective flow of products and services within a business. I have been able to gather, interpret and analyze each business to inform decision making at operational and strategic levels of the organization. Through advanced communication skills, I can bring awareness to cultural differences in global and domestic business interactions. I have analyzed business supply chains and provided strategic recommendations for maximizing benefits to all stakeholders in the retail, logistics, and marketing industries. As a scholarly business professional and business owner; I consider it my duty to work and obtain a balance in my life which is consistent with my education values as well as my professional goals and objectives.
I consider myself a “Direction Setter,” which is the type of leader who dreams of a future entirely outside of the present experience. “A Direction Setter can see a picture of a desired future and is willing to do what is required to get there” (Phillips, 2015). These qualities have afforded me the opportunity to deal with pressure situations with an open mind while remaining audaciously persistent. More importantly, I believe that diversity fuels the uniqueness of the whole spirit. My professional commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience drives me forward daily. Diversity and cultural awareness within the work environment offers me the opportunity to work inclusively, perform effectively, approach work with sensitivity, learn quickly, and continue to improve constantly. I believe that diversity and inclusion are more than just words. The two terms are principles which guide how one builds teams, cultivates leaders, and creates an innovative work climate that’s the right fit for all and where differences are valued and leveraged.

Any driven individual can create a clothing brand and sell products that are deemed “trendy” or likable by consumers and their market. Many of those brands created started on the premise of driving profits and sales instead of the most important element of a business. A brand needs values and to be able to provide to their customers’ demands and needs. A national brand cannot consider the needs of each of their customers, but a private label brand can. Based on consumer research 87% of consumers believe that private label brands are as good or are even better than national brands and 65% of consumers support independent brands. As much as the customer needs to be considered when developing a business, women should be at the forefront of the development. Women drive 70% to 80% of consumer purchasing, and yet their needs are the least fulfilled. Women have become increasingly educated, entrepreneurial, and are genuinely responsible for shaping buying trends. It is crucial that brands target women consumers leading with passion but also informed, researched, and data-driven approaches. Monet’s Boutique offers occasional dresses and jumpsuits for women of all shapes and sizes to provide inclusivity. All customers will feel valued and confident in our merchandise, especially customers that are petite, full-figured and plus-size. Women will now feel a part of the decision makers in a brand with Monet’s Boutique. They will be uplifted and empowered when wearing the merchandise, when knowing they were a part of the conversation and product development.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I have always had an admiration for fashion and styling. As a child, I would constantly sit and admire the closets of the women in my family and would sneak and play dress up in my mom’s clothes and shoes when she was gone. When I entered grade school I would always find ways to personalize my outfits and upcycle pieces as much as I could with what I could get my hands on. This carried on into high school and even while wearing a uniform I would add my own flare to it. Any opportunity that allowed me to dress up and personalize what I wanted to wear, helped me to individualize my unique sense of style and I would love every aspect of getting dressed. I developed my personal brand of fashion and styling as a form of self expression. I view fashion as a way to display who I am as an individual and I have the benefit of presenting this creativity through social media. I relish in posting positive affirmations. If I’m not posting some form of positivity, then I’m posting something about fashion and makeup. I avail myself to Pinterest and the joy of making styling boards and I’m always reading and watching the latest in fashion news. My personal goal for several years was to become a fashion stylist or fashion designer and once I received my undergraduate degree in Fashion Merchandising I gained the credibility for such a rewarding title. Although starting Monet’s was a huge risk that I was groomed to take, there are no mistakes when hard work and perseverance are the driving force toward success. Starting Monet’s and entering the market was no surprise because the face behind the brand, which is me, exudes, emanates, and believes in the brand on a daily basis. Even in the midst of risk, there is a sense of confidence that Monet’s exhibits which demonstrates that Monet’s was not just another clothing boutique entering the fashion scene, but an entire brand that would change the way any other online or Instagram boutique is perceived.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

“Act as if you’re a wealthy man, rich already, and you will become rich. Act as if you have unmatched confidence, and you will become confident. Act as if you have all the answers and the answer will come to you!” – Excerpt From “Way of The Wolf” Jordan Belfort I remember when I first watched “The Wolf of Wall Street” and saw the height of energy everyone in the company displayed which was dynamic. Jordan Belfort was empowered by the energy of his team and that energy lit a fire under him to strive for bigger and better. Jordan was able to create a team that could work collaboratively as well propel him to achieve individual goals which is a key ingredient to success. He could take any individual whether educated on the stock market or not and help to transform them into a top salesperson.
After watching the movie I needed to read his book to truly understand what his mindset and teachings were. His biggest thing was to be a teacher for his employees and he strived to help them in any way he could. He even gave them thousands of dollars to get on their feet if they needed it. He utilized a clear and concise approach to understand what was needed to sell a stock. He was adept on training his staff continuously to ensure their continued success. Jordan had a clear understanding of his audience and how to reach them. Because of this he knew what goals he could set for the company and how to position his company and employees to obtain them.
Even though Jordan wasn’t on the “right side” of the line of business and ethics his vision and dedication is what has impacted me. I aspire to be as real and authentic as possible and want for consumers to know how genuine the brand is. I care more about making people feel comfortable and beautiful in what they wear over profits. The biggest lesson and impact from The Wolf of Wall Street and the Way of The Wolf is to dream big, think intuitively and innovatively, and when you start looking for ways for your dream to come true, make it happen, and move from dreaming to believing!

Contact Info:

• Website: Shopmonets.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/shop.monets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmonets
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monetsboutique/?viewAsMember=true
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmonets
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@monetsboutique8868
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shop.monets

Image Credits
Jaden Brierre Kaitlyn Murrell Grace L Brennan Carly Brincko Wiljuna Melendez Jahlaani Campbell Angello Negron