We were lucky to catch up with Lakeisha Ruggiero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lakeisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The Story Behind Our Mission – Pafumi Boutique & Visionary Start Smart

Both Pafumi Boutique and Visionary Start Smart were born from deeply personal experiences and a genuine desire to empower others—especially women, mothers, and aspiring entrepreneurs who, like me, have faced overwhelming odds but still dream big.

Pafumi Boutique was inspired during a season in my life when I was transitioning from surviving to thriving. I realized how much confidence, self-worth, and power comes from simply showing up as your best self—starting with how you dress. I didn’t just want to sell clothes; I wanted to build a brand that empowers corporate women and everyday professionals to feel unstoppable. Our mission is about showing up with purpose, poise, and power—because when you look the part, you begin to believe in your ability to step into the room and own your worth.

Visionary Start Smart came to life through my journey as a first-generation entrepreneur, navigating business without a blueprint. I remember wishing I had a guide, a mentor, or just someone to help me start smart. That’s why this mission matters so much. It’s not just about launching businesses—it’s about equipping people, especially young and minority entrepreneurs, with real tools, education, and confidence to turn ideas into income. Every story I hear from a client who went from confusion to clarity reminds me why this work is so needed.

At the heart of both brands is a simple belief: everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and set up for success.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

About Me & My Brands – Lakeisha Ruggiero, Founder of Pafumi Boutique & Visionary Start Smart

My name is Lakeisha Ruggiero—I’m a proud, hardworking mother of four, a devoted wife of 13 years, a loving daughter, and a loyal friend. Everything I do, I do with intention, love, and grit. I believe in building legacy through impact, and that’s what led me to create both Pafumi Boutique and Visionary Start Smart.

My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t traditional. I didn’t come from wealth or business connections—I came from resilience. I knew early on that I wanted more for myself, my family, and my community. I wanted to break generational patterns and build something meaningful that would inspire others to do the same.

Pafumi Boutique is my fashion brand created to empower corporate working women through timeless, high-quality business attire. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about confidence. I design pieces that make women feel bold, beautiful, and capable, whether they’re walking into a boardroom, teaching a class, or chasing a dream. Pafumi is for the woman who does it all and deserves to look as powerful as she feels.

Visionary Start Smart is my consulting and coaching platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. I help people, especially first-time founders, launch smart and grow sustainably. Whether it’s business planning, branding, pitching, or product development, I provide clarity, structure, and strategy so they can move forward with confidence. I’ve helped entrepreneurs from all backgrounds turn their vision into real results—because I know how hard it is to start from scratch.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine real-life experience with professional knowledge. I don’t just talk the talk—I’ve walked it. I understand the struggles of balancing family, career, mental health, and business dreams. I meet my clients with empathy, honesty, and solutions that fit their lives, not just their ideas.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on others—seeing someone light up after finding their purpose, launching their brand, or gaining the courage to finally believe in themselves. My mission is to make success feel accessible, especially for women, moms, and young entrepreneurs who are underestimated or overlooked.

If you’re connecting with me or my brand for the first time, know this: I’m not here to sell you a dream. I’m here to help you build it.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

In every business relationship, I lead with genuine care and consistency. I treat my clients like family. No matter what industry they’re in, I go the extra mile to find resources—books, seminars, podcasts, or local events—that can help them grow. They hear from me at least every two weeks, whether it’s a check-in message, an encouraging word, or a reminder that they’re not alone in the process. I celebrate their wins and support them through their challenges. That’s how I build loyalty—it’s never just business with me, it’s purpose-driven partnership.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the hardest but most transformative lessons I had to unlearn was the survival mindset. I grew up in the projects—in the hood—where getting by was the only goal. We were taught to hustle, grind, and do whatever it took to survive. I carried that mindset into adulthood and business, but over time, I realized that surviving and thriving are two completely different things.

I had to rewire my thinking to believe I deserved more than just making it. I had to shift from survival to prosperity—to understand that rest is productive, that systems create freedom, and that I could build something bigger than just a paycheck. I used to think success was flashy—gold chains, fast cars—but now I know real success is peace, legacy, and purpose.

I share that story proudly because I want every little girl and boy growing up in those same places to know: you can make it. You can be powerful, professional, and proud of where you came from. Look at me—I’m still that girl from the block, but now I’m a businesswoman, a mother, a leader, and a builder of dreams. You don’t have to lose who you are, but you do have to grow beyond what you were taught. That’s how we break cycles and change lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PafumiBoutique.com
• Instagram: Pafumi_Boutique_Llc
• Facebook: PafumiBoutique
• Youtube: Lakeisha Ruggiero
• Other: Facebook: Lakeisha Ruggiero