Entrepreneur Envy: Katie O'Brien
I always felt it inside of me to become a business owner. When I was in my sophomore year of college I caught myself jotting down style ideas and social media posts for Le Fleur while I was in class. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wanted to experience the grit, hard work, determination and reward that comes from owning a business.
Tell us a bit about Le Fleur:
Le Fleur Boutique specializes in inclusive women’s fashion. The brand focuses on classy, comfortable, and affordable styles that are fitting for all women. At Le Fleur, we turn your closet dreams into a reality.
Grit. You have to have it. If you don’t, you’re bound to fail.
What made you want to start Le Fleur Boutique?
I always felt it inside of me to become a business owner. When I was in my sophomore year of college I caught myself jotting down style ideas and social media posts for Le Fleur while I was in class. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wanted to experience the grit, hard work, determination and reward that comes from owning a business. I put the idea to the back burner for 2 reasons:
1) I was a broke college student, working at the boutique as a stylists and nannying for a family to make ends meet.
2) Many people told me I couldn’t do it or wouldn’t be a me to make a living off of owning a boutique.
Once I stopped worrying about money and caring about others opinions, success started to come my way.
Making women feel empowered, loved, and confident was a bonus that makes all the difficult days worth it.
What's been your biggest challenge since the boutique?
What can readers expect from you in the future?
Overall growth. If you aren’t growing, then you aren’t advancing in your business. I see Le Fleur Boutique expanding in many ways, especially with our online platform. I want to become more connected within the female entrepreneur community here in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Networking and connecting during these times, let alone starting a business, has been difficult. I’m a people person, so I can’t wait to socialize more and get the word out about Le Fleur.
