Your Name: Cassaundra Bourne
Business Name: Cassaundra’s Custom Boutique, a clothing boutique that offers custom sizing
Type of Business: Clothing & Accessories
Business Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Reason for starting
1.When my husband was laid off from his job in accounting in 2009, we lost our financial security. I knew that I had to do something to help bring more money into our household. It was my goal to be able to stay at home with our two children and earn an income. After taking a 5 year sabbatical from the fashion business that I had worked my entire career, I started a home based online fashion boutique. 2. I know, firsthand, that not all women fit into standard sizes. After exhaustive research, I did not find a store online selling affordable custom dresses like my collection. I combined my many years experience in fashion design and garment construction with my love of shopping online and created an online custom dress boutique. CCB Custom Dresses offers designer quality garments at budget friendly prices.
How do you define success?
I define success by my ability to do what I love, making a product that is in demand and practical, and making a significant contribution to the financial security of my family.
Biggest Success
I have tried and failed more times than I can count. Often times I believe that I have a really great good idea but sometimes the execution may be off or the idea just turns out to be in need of improvement. When I make a mistake or fail to reach my intended goal, I always stop and try to find out how I can do better next time. I recognize that my many mistakes and failures are simply opportunities to gain more experience. My biggest success is that I never give up.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
My top challenge to date is managing my sales volume and maintaining excellent customer service. I hired a business coach and she is giving me solid advise on how to manage the growth of my business.
Who is your most important role model?
The most important role model to me is my father; he started his business the year I was born. I watched him become a successful businessman as I was growing up and he inspired and guided me as I became an entrepreneur.