After a few years of hard work and dedication, Jessica Blair’s dream came true when she opened her plus-size clothing boutique Blair Chic. A successful business woman in corporate America, Jessica grew tired of doing something that her just heart wasn’t into. Check out her feature and see how she followed her dream and never gave up below!
iG: What was the process leading up to the opening?
JB: I started bargain shopping and did a lot of research. A business plan is definitely needed! I looked at plus-size blogs to see what people were wearing. I’d buy the outfits myself and if I loved it then I knew I needed that merchandise in the store. Also networking, I got to meet a lot of the makeup artists, models, hair stylists; telling people what I wanted to do.
iG: What were some of your biggest challenges and how did you push yourself through those moments when it felt like you wanted to give up?
JB: Location was the biggest challenge for me and the pricing, make sure I could afford it. I always knew I wanted to be in Wicker Park, I went every day looking for different spots but I couldn’t find what I wanted. I finally found a location that I wanted and it was too much, too much. So I’m like it’s not meant to be; I wasn’t going to open up at a location that I didn’t like or I couldn’t afford. Then this one (where store is currently located) just kind of fell into my lap. I always stick with if it’s meant to be it will happen. Just keep your dream alive and basically don’t give up. I know it sounds cliche but stay focused. 
iG: What are some key points of advice for other women who may want to start a business of their own?
JB: Look at your finances, see what you can cut out. Everything costs something; so clean out your personal finances and start saving for your business. Don’t be afraid to reach out and network. Talk to different people in your industry. Always negotiate. The worst thing they can say is no. Negotiate everything from your merchandise to the pictures you’re going to put on the wall.
iG: Why do you think a boutique like Blair Chic is important for Chicago, particularly in this area and what sets you apart from similar boutiques?
JB: There is definitely a void in Chicago (for plus-size clothing boutiques). There are a couple of other plus-size boutiques, but I think I have a different style, a different clientele. I can go from a size 12 to a size 36 and still be fashionable, trendy and it’s priced really well. I’m trying to make Blair Chic a shopping experience with different events and not just a place where you can go for a shirt. We have the Fat 2 Flaca event coming up (August 25) and a trunk show with Shavonne Dorsey (September 1). Different events like that makes it (Blair Chic) more of a community. I also offer alterations and personal shopping where we go to you. I think these things set me apart from other boutiques.
iG: What is your definition of inner glam and how do you think Blair Chic incorporates that?
JB: Your personal style. It all comes down to you feeling good in what you’re wearing. With Blair Chic, the first thing I tell people who come in here is don’t look at the size. If you like it try it on and look at the fit. Inner glam is basically what makes you confident, what makes you strong and what makes you feel good.
iG: What’s one thing you want people to get from you or your store if they don’t get anything else?
JB: That they were happy with their purchase, they loved what they were wearing and they felt confident
iG: Lastly, what can we expect at Blair Chic for fall?
JB: It’s girly, fierce, prints, color, sheer– there’s so much! I think fall is all about experimenting; using some of your summer stuff and getting ready for winter. I’ve also seen a lot of the fitted blazers with long full skirts. That’s what I’m trying to incorporate; fitted shirts, blouses and blazers with long full skirts so you can wear them with flats or with boots.
Check out Blair Chic in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood at 1343 N Ashland. Also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Pinterest!
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