Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Campbell
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?
Hi! I’m Leah Chantele Campbell, the proud CEO of It’s Chic by Chantele, a trendy clothing boutique nestled in the Clarksburg Premium Outlets in Clarksburg, MD. The journey of It’s Chic by Chantele started right in my living room back in 2019, during the pandemic. As a fashion lover through and through, I’ve always had a passion for styling my family and friends. My sharp eye is naturally drawn to chic, stylish, and one-of-a-kind pieces, whether I’m treasure hunting at a thrift store or exploring the latest collections at high-end spots like Saks Avenue or Nordstrom. No matter the budget, I’ve always been able to put together amazing looks, and that passion led me to launch my very own online boutique!
As I connected with other fashion-savvy women through Facebook Live and Instagram, we started to affectionately call each other “chic friends.” The term “chic” perfectly captures a woman who is “fashionable and sophisticated,” someone whose style effortlessly turns heads with pieces that are elegantly curated. As my business grew, so did the world’s reopening! I began participating in local pop-up events in the DMV area, as well as in NYC and Philadelphia. My chic friends loved my personal styling service, which allowed us to build deeper, more intimate relationships. They came to trust me with their style choices, and I even encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones. The confidence and joy on their faces when trying new looks always led to the same question: “Do you have a store?” My answer was always no. At the time, I was balancing my role as a Management Analyst with the District Government and caring for my three young children, who were 8, 3, and 1 years old. Growing the business seemed impossible with so much on my plate. But, as it turns out, God had other plans!
In 2020, I felt a sudden pull to explore the idea of opening a brick-and-mortar store. But how could I possibly juggle that while still working my government job? I decided to take it step by step, carefully crafting a business plan, diving deep into research, and even finding a mentor who already owned a thriving store. For years, I had prayed for the opportunity to become a successful boutique owner, envisioning my name becoming well-known in the DMV fashion scene. With persistence, hard work, and a lot of faith, that dream became a reality when I secured a spot at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets in June 2023. I managed to negotiate store hours that fit perfectly with my family life, opening just three days a week. These exclusive hours created a buzz among my chic friends, who eagerly visited during business hours to grab their must-have pieces.
My first store space, which used to house a floral business, was just 1,010 square feet! I had to get creative, transforming it into an intimate space that felt like stepping into a luxurious walk-in closet. Gold clothing racks stood out against crisp white walls, while a blue accent wall with a black marble design added a touch of luxury, perfectly complementing my company logo. The sweet aroma of my candles filled the air, creating a heavenly shopping experience, all set to the upbeat vibes of house music that put everyone in a great mood while they shopped.
By the end of my first year, I had successfully balanced home life and business, even expanding enough to hire a personal assistant and store staff. This support allowed me to network within the industry and get my brand in front of the right people. After renewing my lease for another year in my original space, I noticed that Lafayette 148 had closed, leaving their prime location vacant. When I inquired about the space, I was initially told that I wouldn’t qualify due to their leasing terms favoring well-known businesses. Although I was disappointed, I turned to God, asking for the chance to gain greater exposure by moving to this prime spot in the outlet. Just two weeks later, I received a call saying they had reconsidered and were offering the space to me.
Since moving into the new space as of July 6, 2024—it’s double the size at 2,000 square feet, with luxurious mirrors, enhanced lighting, and three fitting rooms—the tears of joy haven’t stopped flowing. I don’t consider myself just fortunate; I consider myself truly blessed. A vision was planted in me at the age of seven—to become a designer, stylist, or boutique owner—and that dream has finally become my reality. I never gave up faith and I always believed in myself. I couldn’t be prouder of where I came from and where I’m going. It’s only up from here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a business independently presents a range of challenges. It involves long nights, especially when you’re building your website from scratch with no experience, sourcing and purchasing merchandise with no prior guidance. Becoming the brand model while learning to feel comfortable in front of the camera because there was not budget to hire one. I often made mistakes and had to learn from them on my own. The stress of feeling overwhelmed and the lack of trust in anyone to help can be incredibly daunting.
Working as a Management Analyst for the District Government, I often felt stuck. While I found fulfillment in helping others through my role, my career never truly satisfied me. It became more about the security of a stable income and health insurance than about passion or purpose.
Home life was challenging as well. My husband of eight years and I had very different views on the roles of a woman, mother, and wife. His controlling and verbally abusive behavior led to years of anxiety and depression for me. But through it all, my children and the vision of my business became my lifeline. My drive to succeed, along with my determination to ensure my children grew up in a healthy environment, kept me going. Individual therapy, along with the unwavering support of my family and friends, also played a crucial role in my journey.
I’m proud to say that these obstacles gave me the strength to know when to pivot to create a thriving business, plan my exit from my government job, and to separate from my husband with the hope of finalizing my divorce by Fall of 2024. My hope is that my story will encourage other women in similar situations to never doubt their worth. Honor yourself with love, kindness, and patience, and remember that storms don’t last forever—there’s always sunlight on the horizon.
We’ve been impressed with It’s Chic by Chantele, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the CEO and Owner of It’s Chic by Chantele, a boutique that caters to fashion-conscious women both online and at our brick-and-mortar location at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets in Clarksburg, MD. My work involves traveling to top vendors across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Houston, to curate collections that celebrate women of all sizes, from XS to 3XL. I take pride in creating stylish and inclusive fashion for women everywhere.
When I’m not traveling, you can find me in the store, personally assisting our chic friends in putting together looks that make them feel confident, stylish, and uniquely themselves. We live by our company motto of setting trends rather than following them, and our chic friends embrace being their own walking billboards. They love receiving styling tips, enjoying great conversations, and sipping on a glass of wine, making their shopping experience even more enjoyable.
Though my passion lies in fashion, I also work as a Management Analyst with the District of Columbia government, where I assist DC Medicaid providers in securing medical assistance for their enrolled recipients. My commitment to caring for others shines through in both my professional and business endeavors, as each role allows me to meet the needs of others in a rewarding way.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The industry outlook for small clothing boutiques in 2024-2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, the fashion industry is seeing a strong push towards digital transformation, with many businesses adopting cloud-based solutions and AI-driven tools to improve efficiency and customer experience. This trend is essential for small boutiques to stay competitive, as it allows for better inventory management, personalized marketing, and enhanced online shopping experiences.
Customer satisfaction remains a top priority, with brands increasingly focusing on providing exceptional in-store and online experiences. For small boutiques, this means creating a unique and engaging shopping environment that stands out from larger retailers. Leveraging technology like CRM systems and AI can help in understanding and responding to customer needs more effectively.
However, small boutiques also face challenges, particularly around staffing and supply chain disruptions. The ongoing difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled staff is a significant concern, but strategic outsourcing and investment in technology can mitigate these issues. Supply chain disruptions continue to impact the industry, prompting businesses to adopt more resilient and flexible strategies.
Sustainability is another critical factor, with consumers, especially younger generations, increasingly favoring brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. Small boutiques that integrate sustainable practices into their operations can enhance their brand image and appeal to a broader audience.
Overall, small clothing boutiques that embrace digital tools, prioritize customer experience, and adopt sustainable practices are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving fashion landscape
Pricing:
- 25.00
- 250.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justshopchic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschicbychantele/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justshopchic/
