Inspiring Conversations with Brittney Black of BB Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Black. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and to own a business but it just never really clicked as to what kind of business I would like to own. I went through a dental program about six years ago and realized that it just was not for me. While attending the program, I was working at the Carolina Ale House in Durham as a bartender where I had worked for the last 10 years! Crazy right? I know! I guess you could say I had a little bit of a shopping problem so one day I thought to myself “I should open a boutique” I thought “I love to see people happy and happy in their own skin, I love buying clothes, I love all the fashion trends and creating such cute looks so why not make a career out of this? I can’t be a bartender forever.” And so, I did! I started the boutique as a side hustle while still working at the Carolina Ale House. Shortly after, about a year and a half, I finally made the decision to leave the ale house after ten years and start my new journey. We were all online to start (mostly Facebook) until I came across a cute little spot that I just couldn’t pass up. I signed the lease of our storefront location March 2020, about two weeks before businesses were shut down due to the pandemic but we’re still here and so very thankful for all of our amazing customers. This would never be possible without them!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I will just say… owning a boutique is not for the weak! Expanding your business in the middle of a pandemic was hard and very challenging. There were days I just wanted to give up and quit. It’s hard being a one-woman show but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do! I have the best support system and for that I’m very grateful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We weren’t always BB Boutique. I actually rebranded the boutique after getting married in September of 2019. The business needed it and I believe it was the best decision I could have made for the boutique. “BB” has been a nickname for me in my family for quite some time and after I was married, I really was “BB” (Brittney Black) So, it was perfect! Even though it’s super simple and small I think that is one of the things I’m most proud of. At BB Boutique, we specialize in women’s clothing sizes S-3XL, accessories, shoes, and gift items. Often, I have customers visit our store and say “I love that you carry all sizes” Many boutiques women come across only carry sizes small, medium and large. We cater to everyone, every size, and every shape.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Thankfully, I was able to still work and make sales online during the pandemic. As a small business, we had to get really creative and work very hard. I never thought I would rely so much on social media for my business. It’s for sure came a long way and saved a lot of small businesses like us!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bbboutiqueshop.com
• Instagram: @shop_bbboutique
• Facebook: @brittneyblackboutique