Today we’d like to introduce you to Jehryca Rayford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am originally from Illinois. I moved to Texas when I was in the 6th grade. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Prairie View A&M University.
I have always had a passion for fashion.. I have always been complimented on my sense of style. I quickly became the go-to-girl to my friends and family when it came to fashion and style trends.. I also understood the struggle of finding fashionable plus size clothes. There wasn’t many places you could go to find cute fashionable, affordable clothes for plus size women.
For years, I dreamed of being a business owner and being my own boss. My friends have always expressed to me that I should start a plus size clothing line. I finally took a leap of faith and put my fears and doubts to the side and created Bella By Ray Boutique in November 2020. My ultimate goal is to create a plus size clothing that would be a one stop shop for plus size women. I wanted plus size women to feel beautiful and confident inn their clothes!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has not been easy, but it’s been worth it. No one likes to talk about the struggles of starting up a company and having to fund your company without any capital. I have had to learn to advertise and market my business. I have had a crash course in on-line sales, photography and web design. Talk about mistakes, I have made many but the mistakes have helped me grow. There has been so many times I wanted to give up on my boutique because I wasn’t receiving any sales but I kept pushing myself because this is truly my passion. I believe in God’s timing and that things will work in my favor.
My advice would be to anyone who wants to start a business that yes, you will have far more “no’s” than “yes’s” but never allow the “no’s” to make you feel less than or that the mission of your business is not needed or good enough. If this is truly your passion, you will succeed. .
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bella By Ray Boutique?
I’m known for helping plus size women learn and love to dress the body they’re in. In today’s world, everyone is looking to have a perfect body instead of embracing the one they have. Clothes are powerful. They can alter the body naturally and make you feel sexy, confident, and beautiful.
I’m most proud that I am my brand and when I say that I mean it. I have walked in my client’s shoes. I can relate. I’ve been told: “you’re not like most plus size boutique in the fashion industry, I love your personality, I love your vibe and energy.” I believe all of this sets me apart.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved spending time with my grandparents. At this time my grandparents had 6 grandchildren spoiled us all. My grandparents would take the grandchildren on an annual trip to the beach. We loved to swim. There were lots of birds at the beach. My grandfather would tell us to throw our bread out the car window for the birds while we sat and ate lunch. But my grandmother was terrified of birds. We thought it was funny to throw bread out the window and watch the birds surround the car while my grandmother would absolutely lose it.
Contact Info:
- Email: bellabyray@gmail.com
- Website: BellabyRayBoutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellabyray/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellabyRay-Boutique-108922297616149
- Other: TikTok: BellabyRayBoutique
