Today we’d like to introduce you to Melonie Henderson.
Melonie, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Broken But Driven By Blind Faith. My life was in shambles in every way! My dysfunction was learning to live in pain from being rejected over and over again by people that I thought loved me. The emotional and physical pain, at times, was so great; it felt as though all hell had broken loose in my life. I started making bad decisions one after another. Because of the pain and brokenness, people close to me began to paint distorted pictures of who they thought I was and no longer wanted to see me based on someone else’s decision.
Living in anguish, pain, and distress had me crying daily. It seemed like I couldn’t see my way out of this dark place that housed me for too long. I remember asking God why he doesn’t show people my heart and he told me they know your heart but they don’t know how to unconditionally love and forgive. The Holy Ghost in me stood and began to remind me that “He would provide a way of escape.” That was the beginning of climbing out of my horrible pit. Each new day, as I cried out to the Lord, open doors began to appear. He provided the way out and the path to follow. By this way, my new journey had begun. My desire before the Lord was to live in a place of serenity, a place that I could call my own.
In return, I promised the Lord that I would serve women showing them how to look and feel beautiful so they would not fall into the same pit that held me captive for so long. My passion for fashion and make-up and for making women feel desirable was to be shared with the world. I wanted to provide a safe haven for all women to be comfortable being themselves and wanted to show that outward appearance could be communicated in a positive way to boost self-esteem. This was important to me as I spent most of my life either being rejected, used, and abused mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. This cycle took too much of my life which should have been abundant living. The new me helps women find their inner beauty, their voice, their inner strength, their joy and their freedom.
While working as a successful Compliance Agent on the weekends, I would also run an accessory shop. After a couple of years, I became worn out from working 12 to 14 hours a day. It was then that my husband allowed me to pursue my dream by working alongside someone who owned a boutique. Three years later, my Boaz told me to step out on Faith. I applied for retail space in an area where I wanted to be but was turned down immediately. One day the Spirit led me to drive to Duncanville, Texas and to look at a space for a church but I heard God say this is your shop, your clothing store. I was in disbelief and started to doubt God but he said, didn’t you tell me the desires of your heart.
So I took another leap of Faith, I applied and was approved! I couldn’t believe it. I took all the money I had saved up and opened my shop. Since then God has been given me unbelievable favor. He has brought various people in my life to help me succeed as a business owner such as Letitia Owens a phenomenal Owner/Designer/Creator/Host/Stylist/Co Producer@DFW Video & Radio personality on Heaven 97 -KHVN along with various models who just want to help me as I help other pours into other women. I had no loans, no extra cash to keep me afloat. It was just me, my passion, my desire, Jesus and my small savings. God has remained faithful and I can’t wait to see Melanie Ann’s Boutique EXPLODE! I promise you my store name will be in the Street and people will come far and wide to shop with me in Duncanville, Texas.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall before Corvid-19 things were going pretty good. However, after the shelter in place obviously retail businesses are going to take a hit, which I did. The boutique is in a place that doesn’t drum up a significant amount of foot traffic. So people that are visiting this particular shopping center are intentionally shopping for something specific. Most people who tend to go to a repetitive place only have eyes on the place they are attending and never look around to see what other places are there. We all do it. Here’s a simple test. Can you tell me what other stores are in the shopping center where you get your hair and nails done? I’ve attempted to upgrade the online sales through my website Melanieannsboutique.com. However, once customers physically visit the store they love it and tell me that the website doesn’t do the physical location justice. My other struggle is marketing, it’s very expensive but it very vital for a new company such as mines to survive. I hope to gain the expenses for this. Again, overall since the outbreak I’m literally surviving on daily prayers, but God is faithful.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Melanie Ann’s Boutique is based in the heart of Dallas, Texas. We represent every woman’s image of class and sophistication. Notice the radiance of our confidence from afar, but once we enter the room, we’re overwhelmed with beauty, elegance, fashion, edgy and timeless pieces from Melanie Ann’s Boutique.
We have authentic customer service, the hottest trends, and quality merchandise. Our styles look sets us apart from others! You’ll want to shop at Melanie Ann’s Boutique for all your timeless looks. Our Mission is to provide elegance for every woman and to ignite the power of confidence. We want every woman to feel and acknowledge her value and to leave convinced that she’s a precious jewel.
I specialize in timeless trendy pieces. I’m known for having quality trendy clothing and that special piece for your special event.
What sets me apart is, you’re unlikely to walk in the room and see someone else wearing your outfit. I also provide A-1 quality customer service! I don’t push sales to make money. I encourage my customers to stay within budgets to prevent overspending In addition of sales, I pray with my customers when needed! Customers come in and have found themselves worship God, praying or just sitting to feel the peace of the store. I develop relationships with my customers so much. I have attend weddings, private parties, church, family fathering, community service programs, even funerals and funerals of their loved ones. I cry with them, and talk to them. I provide a safe place and a place of peace for my customers. But most of all, I appreciate and love every customer!
What were you like growing up?
As a young girl, I was less fortunate. My mother had four children with no father in the home and it was very difficult for her to take care of us. Because we were struggling financially I started selling drugs so I could buy clothing and anything else I felt I needed for myself. I couldn’t depend on my mom because she was addicted to drugs at the time. Praise Report she is 20 years sober! Praise God!! My situation caused me to struggle through school and to have any type of normalcy. Although I had a tough life growing up. I had a bubbly personality and loved to dress nicely. I really thought I was something growing up. I mean I really believed I was the baddest chick in the world! Well in my opinion. Lol. I remember getting my hair done weekly and wearing the brightest clothing, I wore pumps with everything including a sweat suits. All my friends would laugh at me but, nobody couldn’t convince me that classy women wear pumps daily.
I’ve always had a love for people and wanted to pour out all the love I could to everyone who crossed my path. I always found myself trying to give away what I wanted from my mother and father as a child; love and confidence! If I spotted a person with struggled with low self-esteem or would seem down, you better believe I would greet you with hey… BEAUTIFUL! It’s important to me to help struggling people find they’re greatest attributes (beauty) and I would overload them with hugs, cheek kisses and love. I use my greatest asset daily, and that is to make sure I make everyone who crosses my path feel beautiful regardless if they have low self-esteem or not! When you walk in my store you will be greeted with the word BEAUTIFUL!
Pricing:
- Upscale Boutique, Most dresses average about $74
- High Grade Shirts $79
- Mid grade Tops & Dresses $59 – $79
Contact Info:
- Address: 229 S. Cedar Ridge Dr.
Duncanville, TX 75116 - Website: Melanieannsboutique.com
- Phone: 4697596523
- Email: Melanieannsboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: Melanie Ann’s Boutique
- Facebook: Melanie Ann’s Boutique
- Twitter: Melanie Anns_B
- Yelp: Melannie Ann’s Boutique
- Other: Google: Melanie Ann’s Boutique
Image Credit:
LaTitia Owens and Melonie Henderson
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