Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in bridal clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nathale Phillips, president, and founder of Ma Chérie Bleue, located in Rosemere, QC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My name is Nathale Phillips. I am 49 years old, a mother of two beautiful children ages 7 and 11. I am a work-in-progress wife to my very humbled, husband Maxime, of 15 years. I am the proud black business owner of the best job & company I could have ever created and happily call my own. I am happy to say that I am the Founder & President of Ma Cherie Bleue Bridal Boutique De La Mariée in Rosemère, Québec. My customers are the funniest, most beautiful, and most inspiring brides! Our brides come from all walks of life and truly have been the source of my daily inspiration.

Tell us about yourself

It was very important to me that every bride, no matter their background, feel unique and special on their wedding day. That is why I was very motivated to open this boutique six years ago. I wanted brides to experience a unique, empowering moment when they would try on their dresses. Being in the right dress that makes a bride confident sets the tone for the rest of the wedding experience.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It was very important to me that every bride, no matter their background, feel unique and special on their wedding day. That is why I was very motivated to open this boutique six years ago. I wanted brides to experience a unique, empowering moment when they would try on their dresses. Being in the right dress that makes a bride confident sets the tone for the rest of the wedding experience.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Having a company like Ma Cherie Bleue in a primarily Caucasian-owned industry is not without its challenges. I've long wondered how many other women of colour would love to take that risk and start a similar business but have opted against it because they believe the odds of success are stacked too heavily against them. These realities were important for me to overcome so I may be successful in this industry.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. If you wish to create or provide a service by opening a business, remember to do it from an aspect of kindness and compassion. Ma Chérie Bleue was designed to empower women to look and feel their best in a wedding gown that genuinely represents their personality and unique sense of style for one of the most important days of their life.
  2. Every day, remind yourself that If you can help, do it because it's the right thing to do! Small measures of kindness can change the life of another.
  3. Know that the time commitment and long hours required to establish a business will sometimes strain and challenge your family life. Above all, not everyone you meet along the route (financial institutions and other industry providers) genuinely wants you to succeed. Do what needs to be done! Continue to construct and progress! Others you meet will be sincere in their desire to establish a long-term professional relationship with you. Keep them close to you at all times. There will be times when you feel like giving up or despairing, and they will be right there with you, encouraging you to keep going.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://macheriebleue.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaCherieBleue/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macheriebleue/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.