‘Chic & Style Boutique’ – for affordable high-end apparel, footwear & accessories

Nov 26, 2023 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine, Young entrepreneurs

“Young entrepreneurs help to drive economic growth, job creation and innovation.”

By Allyiah Allicock

Waterfalls Magazine – ‘Chic & Style’, is a popular boutique that will have you looking not only classy but top tier for that next special occasion.

Allyiah Allicock

Located at 235 South Road, Lacytown (four buildings from Citizens Bank) the establishment is currently taking the local clothing industry by storm.

This is no surprise since it is owned by the smart and sassy, Alicia Hardy. Hardy, 24, who hails from the Cinderella county of Essequibo, is the holder of a Degree in Business Management and a Degree in Banking Finance from the University of Guyana.

During a recent interview with The Waterfalls, Hardy said that Chic & Style Boutique started back in January 2020 and now offers affordable high-end style clothing, footwear, bags and accessories.

When asked what inspired her to start this business venture, Hardy recalled that the journey all started in school, when she discovered she had a deep passion for fashion design.

Young Entrepreneur, Alicia Hardy

Realizing that there was a gap in the market for affordable high-end style apparel, as many people desire to dress stylishly but cannot afford the price tag that often comes with it, lead her to the idea of opening a boutique. Hardy knew right then that she had found her niche and decided to start promoting clothing to people she knew.

Speaking about her support following her launch, the young woman related that initially she had kicked things off with pre-orders from friends, family, and other people within their circle. She added that through these small efforts, Chic & Style boutique was born. According to the young entrepreneur, right after that the customer-base started to grow quickly and before she knew it they had became a success, and the business is now a well-known name around town.

Just some of the apparel and footwear Chic & Style Boutique has in store.

She briefly shared that her brand is synonymous with affordable high-end style clothing, and that she continues to expand her business to reach even more and more customers.

Having been in the business arena for almost four years now, Hardy highlighted that one of the main challenges she dealt with had been importation duty within the industry. And having to help overcome this she started shipping in bulk.

Another challenge she faced was the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on her business. Hardy’s business had just started couple months before the pandemic hit and at that time there were numerous cargo delays which caused her items to arrive later than expected. Having kept grounded through it all, Hardy said business has since been blooming.

Grateful for all that she has accomplished thus far, she shared that her long term goals for her business is to expand to various regions and offer international shipping, to grow the customer base and to stay profitable. Also she mentioned she plans on having a bigger location where she would be able to offer men’s products.

Meanwhile, when asked what role she thinks young entrepreneurs play in our society she is of the view that they are the ones who help to drive economic growth. “Young entrepreneurs help to drive economic growth, job creation and innovation,” she commented.

She suggested that to help boost small businesses within our society, the government should create an avenue that will help reduce taxation for small businesses, and find more ways to offer grants to assist small businesses.

For anyone interesting in apparel, footwear or even accessories from ‘Chic & Style Boutique’ the business is located at 235 South Road, Lacytown (4 buildings from Citizens Bank). You can also contact (592)671-2038 or check out their Instagram page @chic_andstyle and on Facebook at Chic&Stye Boutique.

accessories, Alicia Hardy, apparel, Chic & Style Boutique, footwear

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