Find Style: Style Feature: Signature Beautique

FindStyle LLC recently had the honor of speaking with designer Sha Richardson, a North Carolina native and owner of Signature Beautique, an online boutique that sells one of kind womenswear, hair, and also home decor. Learn more about the powerhouse behind the brand and also what inspires her as not only a designer, but a businesswoman:

FindStyle LLC: Briefly describe yourself and your business.

Signature Beautique: My name is Sha (Shay) Richardson and I'm a 26 year old young fashionista in the corporate world. I work in the insurance field but my passion is fashion. My business is not a hobby; it's my goal to one day make Signature Beautique my full-time job.

FS: What inspired you to create an online "beautique"?

SB: I live in a small town where everyone looks almost EXACTLY the same. It's always been a pet peeve of mine and I wanted to create a space for those in similar situations who find it hard to stand out due to a limited amount of places to shop. What's worse than spending all your time getting dressed up, just to see someone else look exactly the same? Fashion should set an individual apart, which is where the name comes from. Signature Beautique represents confidently displaying your own signature beauty.

FS: What is your go-to source for fashion inspiration?

SB: I CONSTANTLY troll social media and pay close attention to new trends, cuts, colors, patterns, etc. Someone who really rings my fashion alarm is Solange Knowles. The girl is totally fearless and wears her pieces with confidence. That is rarely seen nowadays. You're never supposed to look like you are trying. I hope that I can help my customers feel flawless without breaking a sweat.

FS: Who is your favorite celebrity stylist, and why?

SB: About a year and a half ago, I was introduced to Olori Swank's instagram account and became hooked. OMG! That is what confidence and fearlessness looks like! She exudes "this is what I look like, this is what I'm wearing...deal." I think she's an awesome role model to young dark girls and just women in general. You are not required to look like the next woman to look amazing, and I think she does a great job of proving that. That blue hair is everything!

FS: Describe your aesthetic as a stylist/designer.

SB: I LOVE mixing pieces. I LOVE layers. I LOVE contrasting colors and prints. It's not about how much you have in your closet, it's about how you wear it. My friends are constantly telling me "it looks good on you, but I can't wear it." I would say I dress like "a grown ass woman." As a woman, your personal style should reflect the type of woman you are. You aren't required to be covered up completely at all times, but the WAY you wear what you are wearing is EVERYTHING. When I'm getting dressed, I POSE for my life in the mirror. I want how I feel about myself on the inside to shine bright on the outside.

FS: It's clear that your designs have sex appeal and celebrate a woman's body. With that begin said, how important is it for women incorporate this into not only their fashion choices, but their daily lives?

SB: Being a woman in 2015 is HARD. Very hard. There are so many derogatory names for us now, I literally can't keep up. Personally, I think there is a time and place for what you wear and how you carry yourself as a woman, but you should not be shamed out of being proud of your body. Big, small, skinny, tall; I try and offer pieces for all aspects of awoman's life, whether it be lingerie for the bedroom, and tiny bikini for a Miami vacay, or a nice bandage dress for a date night with your man or your girls. Knowing when and where is part of a woman's personal maturity, I'm here to make sure you have what you need when you figure it out.

FS: Where do you see yourself and your brand in 5 years?

SB: I hope to expand from an online shop to having my own storefront in my home state of North Carolina. Being more hands on with helping woman find the confidence they are lacking to be the diva I know every woman can be. Sometimes, all you need is a little push and I'll be able to do that soon, one-on-one with my customers.

FS: With all of the competition in the fashion industry today, how do you remain positive and motivated?

SB: I make it a point to stand out from the competition by offering pieces not available with other shops. On more than one occasion, I've made the decision not to sell pieces that are available with other boutiques, regardless of how popular they may be. I hope that when you follow Signature Beautique on Instagram, you immediately see something you haven't seen before, and fall in love.

FS: What has been your proudest moment in your career?

SB: Our page was deleted back in February 2015 with over 4,000 followers. We had to create a brand new page, and not only have we gained 4,000 followers back, but we've more than doubled that. Also, I've begun to offer plus size clothing because I LOVE to see a fierce thick woman. My plus size customers have been very supportive and I really appreciate it.

FS: What sets your "beautique" apart from others?

SB: I'm not willing to risk the integrity of my business for anything or anyone. Signature Beautique's motto is "You CAN buy class" and I try very hard to stick to that. Like I mentioned before, regardless of how popular a piece may be, or how much money I can make from it, if it doesn't fit inside my personal "classy bubble" you will not see it on Signature Beautique. With that being said, some pieces are VERY risque, but it goes back to what I said before: it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it. I am not a black boutique or white boutique. I offer pieces for everyone. You may see a petite model on my page one day, and a beautiful curvy model the next. Signature Beautique is for everyone, ratchetness excluded. :)

FS: You also feature hair and home decor. What inspired you to explore these genres as well as fashion?

SB: Fashion isn't just what you put on, it's a way of life. Your hair is a MAJOR fashion accessory for most woman, if not the most important. I do sell Mayvenn hair products currently, and soon will offer discounted bundles of hair of various lengths, colors, and styles. Aside from Signature Beautique, I have a separate business called Signature Kustoms which offers personalized pillows for your home. They make for perfect gifts and unique home decor. Very soon, Signature Kustoms will offer street and urban wear for both men and women.

FS: What advice do you have for new designers/entrepreneurs just entering into the industry?

SB: Signature Beautique was formed in November 2013, so I am fairly new to this industry. But I think what will make me successful in the long run is the uniqueness of my business and customer service. As a consumer myself, customer service is THE most important part of purchasing anything. I do my very best to respond quickly and answer questions in a timely manner. From the feedback I've been given, I think my customers really appreciate that. I wake up in the morning and try and think of how I can improve something, change something, add something. I'm never satisfied with what I'm already doing. I keep my long-term goals in the back of my head at all times. All in all, if you don't have anything different to offer, don't be prepared to stick around too long.

Here are some of the beautique's signature looks: