Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Jacek.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2012, I moved to the DMV area and was looking for a change of career. I have always wanted a boutique that catered to women because I love fashion and lingerie. After spending time in the DC area, I noticed that there was not a place that was inclusive and fun for lingerie. I also felt that DC was not so conservative that women only wanted the lingerie their grandmothers would wear. I felt that I could offer fashion-forward luxurious lingerie with superb fit and great customer service in a fun and exciting atmosphere. I believe many women tend to equate lingerie with sex, and not lingerie as an everyday apparel that helps women feel supported, confident, and yes, even sexy. It was those experiences that prompted me to start my own intimate apparel business.
Le Bustiere Boutique opened its doors in November 2013 at 1744 Columbia Road NW, Washington DC in Adams Morgan. The boutique’s second-floor location offers privacy and intimacy to clients. Le Bustiere is the kind a place where a mom could bring her daughter for her first bra fitting and also pick up something quite special for herself. I assess clients for their body type and how a garment fit. Every fitting is not about pushing what’s in style on the client. I believe that your lingerie is the closest thing to your body. It is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off. It’s the foundation for whatever you wear and should be fabulous. It’s not about evoking a reaction from someone else, it’s a part of your everyday life. It’s about making you feel good so that your confidence radiates from the inside out. Le Bustiere Boutique offers European lingerie, corsets, lounge and sleepwear, hosiery and swimwear in unique styles and diverse brands. My boutique specializes in hard to fit sizes and body inclusivity it’s very important to me. That is why my selections includes a wide range of sizes from band 28 to 46 and cup sizes A through K.
As a black owned business, it was very difficult last year during the Covid-19 shutdown, but I am proud and happy that we made it through and are doing well. I am so thankful to my loyal clients who came back after the shutdown. It was because of their constant support that I was able to thrive during this difficult time. I also found out that my business is essential because the ladies will always need bras!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road but that were always more good days than bad. The most challenges I faced over the eight years I have been in business are hiring and finding suitable long-term employees, funding, and marketing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Le Bustiere Boutique is a fresh European-inspired lingerie boutique offering diverse brands, styles, and sizes. We are known for bra fittings, body positivity, size inclusivity, and having a large selection in hard to fit sizes. I am most proud of the services we provide and how we provide them.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned that although we were going through a pandemic women will always need to feel good about themselves. It does not matter if they are going to the office or sitting on a zoom call.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lebustiere.com
- Website: lebustiere.com
- Instagram: lebustiere
- Facebook: lebustiereBoutique
- Twitter: lebustiereDC
