We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful KATHERINE GLORIOSO DRESS. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with KATHERINE below.

KATHERINE, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

From an early age, my entrepreneurial spirit was evident. I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged my ambitions while allowing me the freedom to learn through my own experiences. I remember at just nine years old, confidently trading my bookbag for my father’s old briefcase—a bulky, plastic-and-metal case that was nearly half my size. Though it wasn’t the most practical choice, my parents allowed me to discover that on my own. I was going to be an entrepreneur I needed the briefcase. Offering their support whether I stuck with it or eventually switched back to my fabric unicorn-printed backpack, which I ultimately did for convenience I moved on to more important things.
I came up with my first business idea. My father owned a local Italian deli, complete with an aisle filled with delicous candies. At the time, candy fireballs were incredibly popular at my elementary school, so I proposed an idea to my father: he would sell me a bag at a discounted price, I would pay him after selling them. It worked! My first business venture was a success, and for a while, I enjoyed a steady stream of sales—until my principal caught wind of it and shut my business down. Instead of being discouraged, the experience only fueled my passion for entrepreneurship even further.

After spending many years working alongside my father in his business ventures, I felt ready to start my own. One day, I approached him and asked, “What do you think about me starting my own business?” His response was unforgettable: “Do it!”

With his guidance, I developed my first official business plan for a Women’s clothing boutique., while my mother actively supported me by accompanying me to special events to help spread the word.

KATHERINE, 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?

In 2007 I decided to open a women’s clothing boutique. What started as just a place to shop, quickly evolved into something much more—it became a space where women could connect, uplift each other, and build lasting friendships. It turned into a community.

As I began styling customers, I realized that many women needed guidance in putting outfits together. What started as simple styling advice soon became something deeper—an experience that felt therapeutic not only for them but also for me. Perhaps that’s why they call it retail therapy.

Through this journey, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know my customers on a personal level and creating an atmosphere where they feel beautiful and valued. I’ve shared in their joys and challenges, praying with them, shedding tears alongside them, and celebrating milestones—from dressing them for first dates to their engagement photos.

Building this community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my boutique, and I truly love the connections and experiences that have come from it.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The new business I am currently working on is a partnership with someone I met 17 years ago at a pop-up shop event. We were both vendors promoting our businesses at a nearby apartment complex, and as it turned out, we were the only two who showed up. That unexpected situation led to a conversation about our businesses, work ethics, and shared ambitions, and we decided to stay in touch.

Over the next several years, we became sounding boards for one another—offering support, sharing advice, and encouraging each other through our entrepreneurial journeys. Our professional relationship eventually grew into a close friendship.

Throughout the years, we often discussed a business idea aimed at helping other small business owners achieve the kind of success we’ve been fortunate enough to experience. Now, we are turning those conversations into reality, working together to create a venture that empowers fellow entrepreneurs and provides them with the tools and support they need to thrive.

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

I was determined to secure a small loan to start my first business. I needed $30,000, so I walked into my bank with my business plan in hand and confidently applied for a loan. However, I was quickly denied—the bank considered my business high-risk, and I had no collateral to offer.

Undeterred, I moved on to the next bank, and then another. I repeated this process seven times, facing rejection after rejection. Each “no” was discouraging, but I refused to give up. Finally, a small community bank saw potential in my vision and agreed to provide me with a line of credit.

That experience taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and resilience. It showed me the importance of believing in myself and my business, even when others didn’t. The journey was frustrating at times, but it reinforced that persistence and determination can eventually lead to success.

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