Meet Katia Sarti, Owner of DeSarti Boutique

DeSarti Boutique is online-only store that sells (plus size) clothing dedicated to curves. The shop offers cool and casual clothing to appeal to women of all ages. Their clothing ranges from dresses to pants to tops and tees. Learn more at http://www.desarti.com/. Our interview below is with the shop's owner, Katia Sarti.

1. How did Desarti first get started?

I'm a marketer by trade (but a fashionista by heart) and worked in corporate America for nearly 10 years, until one day, I no longer had a job. I immediately thought, "Why not start my own business?" Truthfully, I've always wanted to have my own business, and the perfect opportunity presented itself. What a blessing in disguise. I love fashion, and I love women. I saw an opportunity to combine both and do something I can be proud of.

2. How do you choose the items to sell in your shop?

It takes us a great deal of time to find clothes that we like and know will be well-received. That's why we don't have a very large selection. We go to market to meet new vendors and brands, and the ones we like most, we develop a special relationship with them.

3. Would you tell us a little more about the military discount you offer?

It's a small gesture to thank our active and retired troops for their immense courage and for all they do for our country. We offer them and their families an everyday 15% off discount on all orders. All they have to do is to verify their information on our page, www.desarti.com/pages/military-discount, which is powered by SheerID, and they'll receive the coupon immediately.

4. What are some of your favorite designs when it comes to plus-sized clothing?

My favorites designs are the ones that flatter in the right places. I love our tunics, which flow nicely on the body and also gives you shape. Our dresses are like that as well. We are always looking at the right fit, so everything in our store is meant to flatter in the right places.

5. What is your advice to others who want to break into the fashion retail market?

My advice to anyone wanting to start a business in this field, or any other, would be to:

1) make sure you're passionate about what you're selling: it will make your "selling" pitch a lot less like selling

2) and make sure you have someone on your side, whether a partner, a friend or family member who believes in you and will give you support during the difficult times. We all need a cheerleader when things get rough.

Thanks!

Meet Stacy-Ann Walker, Entrepreneur

Stacy-Ann Walker is a 30-something professional who finally decided to follow her passion and open an online store, Leigh-Ann's, specializing in trendy styles for confident plus size women. She juggles a full-time job, motherhood, and a budding business, which keeps her very busy.

1. What had your experience with fashion been before starting Leigh-Ann’s in 2013?

Before I started Leigh-Ann's, I had always been a consumer of fashion. I love to shop and mix and match pieces to create the perfect look for any occasion. That's why launching my store was so much fun (it was stressful, too) because I got to shop not only for myself but for all my customers.

2. Where do you find the designs/clothing to feature on your site?

We carry designers from all over the globe. Europe has always led the way in embracing full-figured fashion, and most European designers are not afraid to be bold regardless of size. I do have some American and Australian designers who produce modern pieces that speak to my customers.

I am happy to announce that we have designed a few pieces that will be available in July. So look out, Leigh-Ann's the brand is coming soon...!

3. What feedback have you received from your customers since starting your business?

The feedback has been amazing! Since we have opened our doors, we have sold out of a number of items. I have gotten great reviews and requests from customers. I fact I have a waiting list for a few items that customers are waiting for me to restock.

Customers especially like the fact that I offer free exchanges and returns. Online shopping can be intimidating, but my customers know that can shop with ease knowing that they can return an item if it doesn't fit.

4. What do you think makes Leigh-Ann's unique in the market of clothing in plus sizes?

I think Leigh-Ann's is unique because we offer fun clothing. Designers tend to be safe when they design plus size clothing, but the truth is that curvy women can rock any style. We provide an outlet for our customers to shop the latest fashion trends in their size. The emphasis is on modern styles to really allow them to express who they are as women.

5. How do you find time to work on Leigh-Ann's while also working another full-time job and being a mom?

This is the hard part. My days are usually long, and I can honestly say I am sleep-deprived. I love what I do, so it is a constant juggling act to keep all the balls in the air. I think the fact that millions of women do it every day as they juggle careers and family life proves that I am not alone in this struggle. I am committed to my daughter, and and I am also committed to Leigh-Ann's, which is my other baby, so I just make it work.

Thanks, Stacy-Ann!