CCC Small Business Center Success
LISA CARSON
CURVY CLOSET & ACCESSORIES BOUTIQUE
I have always wanted to own my own business. After 20 years in retail
management, I pondered the idea that “I make money for business owners so now
is the time to make money for myself.” However, I was not quite sure what I
wanted to do.
In 2006, I sustained a back injury from an automobile accident and was forced to
apply for disability. After about one year of inactivity recuperating, I gained a
considerable amount of weight. When I searched for clothing that fit or looked right
on me, I discovered there was a limited number of stores that provided plus-size
clothing. My self-esteem plummeted fast.
That experience gave me a passion for having a boutique where I could make it easier for us curvy ladies to
shop and have a variety of items to choose from at affordable prices. I believed that if I was struggling and
having self-esteem issues with the way I looked and felt, then I was sure other women like me, on a limited
budget, were experiencing the same struggle.
Convinced that I was going to be able to help curvy women look and feel their best, I started small by selling
fashion jewelry, handbags, etc., just to get my name out there and build funds. I attended flea markets and
other events in addition to creating a website to offer products. I was determined to achieve my goal and
saw the need to build a plus-size boutique.
I began working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and learned about the Small Business
Center at Cleveland Community College. The seminars offered by the Small Business Center helped me get
information about starting a small business. Working with the Director, Steve Padgett, I learned to manage
my finances, and began the steps to create a storefront business. In addition to the Small Business seminars,
I attended several Entrepreneur Networking events with other small business owners. These networking
events gave me an opportunity to learn about other entrepreneurs’ successes and challenges.
Soon I located an available building, signed a lease, and began stocking my boutique. After being open only 2
months, I received great reviews from women coming into my store. The most frequent comment I heard
was, “It’s about time!”
Now my dream has become a reality. I plan to stay involved with the Small Business Center and their
networking events to keep up-to-date. I am helping curvy ladies understand that when they feel and look like
a million bucks, it shows from the inside out. My motto has become: Keeping America Beautiful…One
Woman At A Time.