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

Mercedes, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a clothing boutique owner I believe in sharing my expertise with others that would like to start a business. There are so many successful business owners that are afraid of others to succeed. I believe in giving back by sharing free knowledge through workshops to the community.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a very ambitious, self determined woman. I’ve always wanted to start a business since I was a child. Entrepreneurship was embedded in me. I’ve always had a strong desire to be on my own and doing things my way. After high school I went to college to obtain a bachelor and Master’s degree in business; as this prepared me to understand the dynamics of a business and being a business owner. Once I completed my Master’s I decided to start a clothing boutique but not just any boutique. It was imperative for me to stand out and be different. I searched and came up with having a mobile boutique. I thought having a mobile boutique would be cost efficient, desirable and just overall unique. My thoughts were right and people loved the idea. I created a mobile boutique which is a clothing store on wheels. I was the very first trailer mobile boutique in Cleveland, Ohio. My boutique offers contemporary fashionable clothing. I do pop up shops, festivals and events and sometimes parties. I believe I solve accessibility and convenience for my customers.

I am most proud of being able to start my business and make a difference in people’s lives. I had a gentleman come up to me when I was at an event and he told me he seen me on the news. He then began to tell me how I inspired his daughter to start her own athletic business. That inspired me and made me want to do more for the community.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When a gentleman approached me at a festival and told me how I inspired his daughter. It taught me to never give up because there are people watching you that you have impacted. Sometimes its hard to see the good things you are doing. We are our worse critiques but knowing that you are making a difference keeps you strong and resilient.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I worked 3 jobs and saved my money.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lavoraboutique.com
• Instagram: Lavoras_boutique
• Linkedin: Mercedes Bl