Meet Dess Bennett of Grace Boulevard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dess Bennett.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Dess. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always enjoyed fashion and working within the fashion retail industry. I started working with retail companies that I shopped with and realized if I worked hard enough, I could build my own brand and work for myself just as hard.

My next goal was to work for a wholesaler. The opportunity actually came after I quit my job. I started working for a wholesaler and built an amazing relationship- as I sold for her she poured information about the inner workings of the fashion retail industry into me. Every time she came to Atlanta we worked closely and built together. Within a year I had all the information and connections I needed to take the leap and start Grace Boulevard.

Since then I’ve been enjoying building my brand and providing apparel for customers that love bold statement pieces that transition from the office to happy hour.

Great, 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?
Many of the obstacles of starting a business, especially a retail business were the logistics in making sure that my business was legit and in good standing with the state. It’s very important to know the differences in the financial liabilities and taxes that you are responsible for-which I didn’t initially. My biggest oops was learning 6 months in about the difference between sales and use tax- a HUGE financial mistake that I try to help anyone I know that’s starting a business refrain from making.

Tell us about Grace Boulevard – what should we know?
Grace Boulevard is a fashion brand that focuses on providing transitional apparel. When I worked in real estate I spent most of my day in the office or out in the field with clients. At the end of the day I would attend networking or social events and I found it was hard to find unique pieces that could work for both types of events. I always wanted to give a great first impression, and I believe your outfit speaks for you before you do when you enter a room, so that’s what we focus on. My brand provides chic, unique pieces that are both fun and functional in multiple scenarios- from board rooms to happy hour- and accessories that compliment those with an eye for fashion.

I love that so far, my brand has shown to be on the front end of fashion, meaning we have pieces that aren’t “trendy” but are super stylish. Everyone isn’t going to be as daring to wear Grace Boulevard- but the clients that do look amazing and stand out in a room.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think my determination to be a sponge in all scenarios has been a major asset to me. Learning and soaking up information and processes while I was in places that I felt like I was ready to move out of (old jobs) was always my goal. I do believe that every room that you’re in, you’re in for a reason even if it’s uncomfortable. It’s important to make the most of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.graceblvd.com
• Email: shopgraceblvd@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/graceboulevard
• Facebook: Facebook.com/graceboulevard

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