Meet Marissa Simms of Royal Bleau Boutique in Smyrna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Simms.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The Beginning…
At the age 21, as a senior at Jackson State University (MS) I established the first campus business, Royal Bleau Boutique, Homecoming 2011.

The Dream…
During my senior year at JSU, I was puzzled on what I wanted to do after graduation. I know this sounds crazy but I wanted to open a boutique on campus (before the Instagram era) and continue to go to school full time. As a mass communications major, I always been passionate about fashion, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. I made history by stepping out on faith to open Royal Bleau Boutique with my mother’s help. (2011)

The Growth…..
Royal Bleau Boutique became the main stop for many celebrities when they visited Jackson, MS. W hosted celebrity fashion shows and continued to grow on social media. In 2014, I was honored as SBA’s Young Entrepreneur of Year grossing a quarter of million dollars.

Recognition:
*SBA’s Young Entrepreneur (2014)
*The Clarion Ledger: Entrepreneur Spotlight
*Jackson Free Press Best Boutique/Rising Entrepreneur (2x)
*Business of The Year- Robertson Watson Book Company

The Bleau Print…
In 2016, I published my first work with my business partner and mom entitled, “The Bleau Print: How to Break Barriers as a Young Entrepreneur.” I continue to share my knowledge as a young entrepreneur.

Marissa The Mogul…
The Mogul behind the brand. Royal Bleau is my first baby and yeah we hit a home run out the gate, but as a business grows; it is imperative for the visionary to continue to grow as well. I started Royal Bleau at 21 and I just celebrated my 30th birthday. I am also a licensed insurance and GA real estate agent. My mission is to help my community, especially my sisters to equip themselves to acquire financial freedom. Free from dead-end jobs, free from dead-end relationships, and free to really live their purpose.

ATLANTA…..
I relocated to ATL, GA to continue to pursue greater opportunities. It’s a lot of life happen in between the accolades. I decided to close the Jackson (MS) Royal Bleau location and launch a “fashion tuck” which allowed me to keep my business visible and online. Since my relocation, I also opened my second business; The Silver Manor, a venue in Mableton, GA where we facilitate events from baby showers to 60th birthday parties.

Most Recently…..
I re-opened Royal Bleau Boutique, in Smyrna, GA minutes from Atlanta Braves Stadium and Cumberland Mall. We are located next to the infamous, Hot Dog Factory, on Spring Road (as seen on Housewives of ATL). Ariane of LHHATL hosted our Grand Opening in June and Toya Wright visited our store and sent our website in overdrive, from on post on her Instagram.

MORE TO COME……

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
1. Moving and Starting Over
I am from Mississippi. We are considered the bottom on every list besides poverty. I am forever grateful for my start in Mississippi. It keeps me humble and I really know what it means to get it out the mud! When I decided to move to Atlanta from MS as a new mom, it was extremely challenging. I didn’t have a fanbase (supporters) and it is starting completing over. Let’s be clear I moved to Smyrna and I love Smyrna, but it is not ATLANTA! My advice to anyone who choose to move away from their home town find a support system, and stay grounded. Find like-minded people FAST! JUST GO FOR IT, but be patient because your newfound success will NOT happen overnight.

2. Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood.
This something I never understood until I became a mother! It’s hard, straight up. I was so used to moving how I wanted and making sacrifices that only effected me but when I became a mom, the game changed. I am now responsible for a whole human being. That means my priorities changed immediately! I have to literally FIND time to work on my dreams even if it is 5am in the morning. It’s hard juggling motherhood, relationship goals, and dreams. So often women forget about their dreams. I see it everyday in the boutique world but I didn’t FEEL it until IT was me. I temporally lost a sense of ME! I am so happy that season is over and I am back on my grind but what I learn is to be gentle with myself. My remedy is stay close to my dreams, my purpose, and anything that scares me while being a mom. It keeps me balanced.

Royal Bleau Boutique – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Royal Bleau Boutique established 2011 and our flagship, @RoyalBleauATL established in 2019. We are a women’s clothing store which also host events (ATL)! We cater to the trendy and professional woman. We are different because anyone can walk in our establishment during business hours; whereas most trendy boutiques are ONLY online. You can visit us, you can feel our culture, and you can make returns in person. We also have a fashion truck which allows us to take our fashions on the road. We have a college tour in place fall 2019.

For our local store, Royal Bleau ATL, our vision is to create an incubator for like women. We put a lot of energy in our in store experience. We create this space so others can see their brand here. We rent our space out to aligned brands.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as freedom. I think success is accomplishing whatever goal you have for yourself.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1529 Spring Road
  Smyrna, GA 30126
• Website: shoproyalbleauboutique.com
• Phone: 4708856800
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @ShopRoyalBleau / @RoyalBleauATl/ @MarissaMogul
• Facebook: Royal Bleau Boutique
• Twitter: Royal Bleau Boutique
• Yelp: Royal Bleau Boutique
• Other: Royal Bleau Boutique

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