SPOTLIGHT SHOPS: Getting to Know the Nominees of the BSA202D (pt. 9)

BRA LA LA

After 15 years in Bio-Tech sales, Mary Sitko-Jordan was ready for a change. She was aware of bra fitting boutiques and felt this would be the “perfect fit” for her. She knew that this type of business would be an excellent next step for her degree in Public Health Education and her background in breast cancer research. Located in Fulton, Maryland, Bra La La is known for its problem solvers, the staff often finds creative solutions for the customer’s fitting needs. Bra-La-La is also well-known for carrying larger sizes, not readily available at well-known retail chains. "Bra-La-La is primarily a fit boutique, and is predicated on building every woman’s self-esteem and well-being. We are sensitive to our customer’s individual needs."

LINGERIE EMMA

Lingerie Emma started with the ambition of the young Emmanuelle Dunn who started to work in a lingerie store at the age of 12. After two years of loyal service, the store went out of business. From that point, there was only one thing for Emma to do: buy the company. With the precious support of her mother, there was one condition remaining, to graduate high school. Once graduated, she began to work full-time. And then, two years later she launched Lingerie Emma at Repentigny, shutting down the store at l’Assomption to focus on the new 2,600 square-foot store. In 2015, the store expanded to 5,000 square feet. Located in Repentigny, Quebec, Lingerie Emma is known for the personalized fitting service with corsetiere expertise and a mastectomy fitting service with certified corsetiere.

THE BRA BOX

The Bra Box is a welcoming, picturesque bra boutique nestled in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. Salina Hernandez and her team often hear that they’re known for their precise fittings and sizing. "The Bra Box was created as a ‘hey, you should open your own business, San Antonio needs a bra store ’ from my Mom and then my Husband was right there by my side pushing me along. I’ve been a fitter for 13 years, but learning what my customers wanted, what our city would thrive off of and how I was going to put it all together quickly blossomed over the next 6 months after opening. Here we are almost 4 years later and I am so glad that conversation sparked interest in my heart, because I could never do what I do today anywhere else. My heart is in this business 110%."

THE RACK SHACK

When Laura Henny moved to New York, a city of diverse women that supposedly has everything, she was so excited to discover what she assumed would be an endless range of bra options. Instead, she discovered that brick-and-mortar lingerie stores for bustier women were few and far between. So, Laura decided to create an environment where everyone would feel welcome and comfortable: a store that wasn’t limited to serving slim, white, or cis-gendered women with an A-D cup size. The Rack Shack is designed to help a wide variety of customers find fashion-forward styles that make them feel great in their own skin. Located in Brooklyn, New York, The Rack Shack is known for its inclusivity, extremely personable service, and fashionable selection in cup sizes A-O. The Rack Shack provides fittings and tailored product recommendations. Laura and her team go above and beyond to meet their clientele’s demands, from comfortable everyday bras to outfits for lingerie parties, hot dates, work, or dressing up at home.

UNDERPINNING LINGERIE

Stacia O'Sullivan has always loved lingerie and wanted to open a shop. When she started to gather information before the opening, she realized what an opportunity there was for helping people feel comfortable and love their bodies. Stacia and her team came to the realization that their highest calling is being a listening ear for vulnerability. Located in Prospect, Kentucky, Underpinning Lingerie is known for making people feel at ease during a really intimate interaction. "We stock over a dozen brands from around the world, with bras in sizes 28A to 54N, and lingerie in sizes XS to XXXL. We strive to give our clients their best-ever customer experiences, so you can rest assured we’ll be affirming and discreet, but also fun!"

À LA MODE INTIMATES

À La Mode Intimates started as a quest for elegant, sophisticated lingerie designed for the full-bust woman. Patti Platt and Rebecca UlrichDodson wanted purchasing intimates to be an easy and comfortable process. Through 16 years of persistence and perseverance, and with the invaluable support of industry leaders, À La Mode has become the premier lingerie destination for well-endowed and well-dressed women of the greater Baltimore-Washington area. À La Mode Intimates is known for its warm friendly environment, its highly knowledgeable fit staff, and its incredible selection of beautiful bras and panties for all sizes. "We strive to inspire a passion and appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of lingerie with trend-forward collections from world renowned designers and brands. We offer a wide range of price points to our customers without sacrificing the unique aesthetic qualities; beauty, color, lace, embroidery; that elevate “everyday underwear” to intimate treasures. We work hard to bring a little lace and color into even the most modest intimate wardrobe. And don’t forget the matching panties!"





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