Today we’d like to introduce you to Porsha Key.
Porsha grew up in Ann Arbor; a small college town Michigan. Always having a love for fashion, she recalls flipping through Vogue and ELLE magazines while her mother shopped at the grocery store. But, she has always maintained a love for math, science and technology too.
Later relocating to Nashville, Tennessee Porsha attended Tennessee State University where she studied Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering. Thrust into HBCU culture at TSU, Porsha noticed how well dressed her campus was; in comparison to the sweats and pajamas worn on the campus at home at Michigan. Porsha observed from her peers in #STEM that you can have genuine interest in technology and infrastructure and still be passionate about fashion and how you present. It was there at TSU that Porsha decided to be not only an engineer who designs and builds infrastructure but also one who designs and builds up the confidence of women through fashion.
After being recruited to the metropolitan Saint Louis area to begin working as a civil engineer, Porsha decided to follow through on her dream of opening her eBoutique, La Femme Rebelle Clothing. La Femme Rebelle literally translates to ‘The Rebellious Woman’ and that’s exactly what her brand and the women who shop with her embody. Women that wear her pieces tend to be feminine, free-spirited and little bit rebellious in fashion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely been challenging. Business is conducted on social media these days and it has definitely been a struggle sharing pieces of my life. I’m a super private person so it has been difficult finding that balance between what to share and what to keep for me. However, the more I share the more rewarding. People don’t buy from companies anymore, they buy from people. Your brand is your reputation and relationships, so connecting with my audience is definitely something I’ve prioritized.
Working as a full-time Civil Engineer and running a business has also been a struggle. I often have to switch hats several times a day, going from packing orders to checking bridge plans. Uploading new arrivals on my website in-between meetings with engineering consultants. It’s a circus!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about La Femme Rebelle Clothing – what should we know?
La Femme Rebelle literally translates to The Rebellious Woman and that’s exactly what Porsha’s brand and the women who shop with her embody. Women that wear her pieces tend to be feminine, free-spirited and a little bit rebellious in fashion. Whether it be mixing prints or showing some unexpected skin, LFR understands elbows can be sexy, collar bones and arms can be sexy… But the sexiest part of all is the confidence to wear what makes you feel beautiful. Wearing La Femme Rebelle Clothing is showing who you are without showing everything. Porsha understands that being sexy and showing skin empowers some, but so does being demure and mysterious, alluring and suggestive. However, women choose to own their bodies and their space is good with her; The hope is that LFR is able to help you own yours!!
Considering fashion her politic, Porsha believes there is power in owning her identity and femininity in male dominated spaces, while looking and feeling confident. Politics are about power. LFR seeks to help women feel powerful as they navigate tough spaces. The notion that women can’t enjoy fashion and looking good while also being taken seriously professionally is sexist and an idea that Porsha rejects. Being an engineer, it is extremely important for Porsha to own her space in a male-dominated field and that is the goal for the women who shop with her as well.
Every time a woman shops with La Femme Rebelle Clothing, they are not only investing another piece into their wardrobe; they’re taking a political stance by enjoying and having fun with fashion while taking up and owning their space.
La Femme Rebelle Clothing seeks to outfit women, sizes S-4XL in clothing with powerful, bold lines in soft feminine textiles and colors. All LFR clothing compliments the female form. Porsha takes pride in choosing pieces in high-quality fabrics; something often compromised in fast, boutique-fashion.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Authenticity.
And a genuine love for women in fashion. I think a lot of people sell clothing but aren’t necessarily a student of women or fashion. Selling clothing and providing style are very different to me. You can do both and make a great deal of money, I suppose. But success to me is providing women with style choices so that they can build wardrobes that make them feel confident in any setting.
Contact Info:
- Website: lafemmerebelle.storenvy.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafemmerebelleclothing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lafemmerebelleclothing/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/lafemmerebelleclothing/
Image Credit:
AK Media https://instagram.com/akxmedia?igshid=nr56wx42vy86
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