Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Walker.
Hi Brittany, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have a diverse background. I’ve always loved everything beauty and fashion, but also loved science and tech. (Shoutout to my computer science background) I was a makeup enthusiast turned artist in 2016 and found it so much fun to make other people feel beautiful and loved (hence the moniker LovedByBrittany). I started plus size modeling in 2017, but of course, I’ve been a big girl all my life. One thing that was taught in my household was to always put your best foot forward in all facets: academically and appearance-wise. I could be as cute as I wanted, but those grades better have been just as cute. My mom didn’t play. She was my example: Worked hard, came home to care for 3 children and a husband, and face, nails, and hair were ALWAYS done. Young me aspired.
As a young woman, I wanted to dress like my then idols, (loved Clueless, Lizzie McGuire, Moesha, and Tyra Banks), but wanted them in my size. I watched my mom who was a plus sized woman who wore rings on every finger, long nails, hair, and makeup always done and I aspired to be as put together and fabulous as she was. And with popular magazines, like Seventeen, Black Sophisticates Hair Guide, and Teen Beat, the love of all things beauty grew. From designing and creating my own garments from scrap fabric around the house like my old bed skirt or curtains, I was in love with creating and finding the beauty in everything.
People were drawn to me for fashion, hair, and makeup advice. Seeing me go against the grain as a natural haired, full bodied, dark skin woman, gave them courage to do so as well. I was always asked where to find clothes, shoes, etc and as a girl’s girl, I had no problem sharing. But I also found out how hard it was for someone like me to find the things I wanted to wear.
Fast forward to October 2018, God gave me a vision of using my gifts to encourage and uplift women. Prior, I had no interest in having a clothing boutique, but I knew I wanted to serve people, so I was obedient. March 2019, BOLD was officially open for business!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Has it been a smooth ride? Heck no. lol I’ve only been in business for 2.5 years and of course there are ups and downs. But I have never regretted it. Ever. My social circle is very diverse with people from different walks of life, and I am so thankful that I can learn and grow from each person and we encourage each other all the same. I have a friend who started her business in 2015, and I was able to watch her from the side lines; to see the ups and downs. So, when I decided to start my own business, certain mistakes I didn’t have to make because I was able to learn from her.
One of my worst flaws is overthinking and being afraid to fail. It almost held me back, but when I decide to do something, I commit and go full force and haven’t stopped running since! A struggle that I am still learning to overcome is not trying to be super woman and thinking I can do everything by myself. And while for the most part I can, but at what cost? Stress? Loss of money? Loss of time? Nope. It’s not worth it. I’m learning to use my tribe of talented individuals to help make everyone’s lives easier because we are all truly better together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of BOLD – a curvy girl boutique that specializes in helping women feel BOLD and confident in all areas of their life. A lot of times as a bigger woman, they want to put us in all black or those big country flowers and stick us in the corner. Nope. Not on my watch! We deserve a space to be seen. Ppl are going to look at you ANYWAY. Might as well give them something to look! Everything we carry is carefully chosen to properly address a need for the full-figured woman. You’ve got a nice shape, show it off. You want to wear something oversized, add a funky print to it. If you are a fully figured woman and you aren’t afraid to show off, we are the one for you!
The absolute best part of my job is being able to help a woman feel beautiful. It’s never been about the clothes or makeup. It’s how do those things make you feel your best self. Hearing stories about women who are moms, wives, and caregivers who may have neglected herself, but decided to treat themselves feel the most beautiful they’ve felt in 10 years, is the reason I do what I do. The woman who others might see her size as a problem but felt confident enough to wear a piece and had an amazing night because everyone couldn’t stop telling her how bright her smile was because she finally felt beautiful. That is the reason BOLD is here. BOLD is a feeling! BOLD is an attitude!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
BOLD and I would not be where we are without a few pivotal people in my life. Of course, God, who is the CEO of my business and life and that has given me the vision and tools to do the work I need to put forth in the world. My mom, my biggest cheerleader, and first style icon. (Although I may never forgive her for those matching mom and daughter outfits) My grandmother and aunt, who further set an example of what a strong, black, beautiful, stylish woman was. My friend Tiera of Collections By T Dish, whom I was able to learn business from the sidelines by watching her grow and do amazing things within her business. My mentor Ashley Dean, who continues to pour into me as the fly, fabulous, boss babe she is. My amazing supportive husband who allowed me to put all my focus into my business and didn’t trip about my late nights or having to order out yet again. And the most important group of people, the BOLD Brigade—a collective of supporters/customers/friends who rock with the mission to live and be BOLD and without them, I am nothing. Those are the ones who purchase, share posts, tell a friend, give an encouraging word, show up to the events, and so much more and I will always be eternally grateful to them.
Contact Info:
- Email: Brittany@theboldshop.com
- Website: www.theboldshop.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theboldshopofficial
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theboldshopofficial
Image Credits
Arkitech Photography – Isiah Upshaw Mirage Mason – Terrance Mason
