Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwendalyn McConnell.
Hi Gwendalyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the owner of a women’s luxury clothing boutique. I have always been obsessed with fashion and styling pieces in different ways. I remember as a young girl I would put pieces together that were so bold yet everyone loved them. As I got older, of course, my style changed a bit, but I still wanted to wear those statement pieces. I decided why not turn something I love into a business and help other women. I didn’t want my clothes to be just clothes. I am a strong advocate for women empowerment, self-love and just having confidence in the women you are. I want my clothes to make women feel sexy, classy, and feminine. I’m intentional with the models I pick because I want luxury to be portrayed for women in any shape or size. I know that tall/curvy women struggle the most with finding things of quality so I made my business to solve that problem. I would say my contributions to my current success is from the women, friends, and family who support and believe in me and my brand. Every woman is a queen but queens wear more than just a crown.
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?
Of course, I had challenges along the way. Entrepreneurship is hard no matter the business. When I first started it was learning who I wanted to serve and being able to keep the motivation. Then covid came and that started a new problem. So many issues going on between women not having clothing options to fit due to unrealistic body types, quality but pricey, clothing to hide problem areas, and more. I wanted to be able to fix every problem women had in retail. I shortly had to come to the conclusion I can’t do it all and to focus on a few. As for motivation I still struggle with it sometimes, but when I get emails or reviews on how I helped a woman it makes me want to continue. It also helps to have a strong support system as well. When covid came sells started to slow down but I had to become innovative. I and a friend found a free spot in Dallas /Desoto every week outside to set up our pop-up shop. It allowed us to engage with new faces while also being safe.
We’ve been impressed with Gwendaline, 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?
Gwendaline is a women’s luxury clothing online boutique. We also can be found in deep Ellum on some Saturdays having a pop-up. Anyone that follows our socials @shopgwendaline will have an update of when we will be there. Gwendaline Specializes in clothing for women no matter shape or size to feel like a queen. Our brand conveys all women in each piece to give an idea of how it will look on your body type. Our honesty and high-performance customer service is what sets us apart. Everyone’s most favorable piece is our dark flare and groovy bottoms that have women raving about how nice their butt looks. We just released a new collection Opulence that has started selling fast so if you’re looking for a cute date night, brunch, or vacation outfit go check it out. Soon we will also be offering styling services as well.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Most important lesson I have learned is that the owner in a store I met one day who told me becoming a business owner would make me lose money was right. Haha. No, but seriously I learned that running a business is about faith, sacrifice, finding ways to help others, and discipline. It takes more work than just posting nice pics and having a website. Engage and be involved with what’s around you. If you have an idea on your mind it’s not just there to be there. Don’t doubt your abilities and greatness.
Contact Info:
- Email: Gwendaline@shopgwendaline.com
- Website: Shopgwendaline.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopgwendaline/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ShopGwendaline/
