Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Lashkari.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Lily Love Boutique was born out of a long-time passion for fashion. I have loved and been involved in fashion for as long as I can remember. From sketches of dresses as a young girl to working in retail in high school, and discovering global fashions while living in South Korea and Italy, Starting my boutique was always a dream and just seemed like the next step in my journey. After moving to LA from Canada in 2011, I attended FIDM and studied Merchandise Marketing to pursue my career. I started interning at the TV channel E! and then became an employee there for almost four years. I also worked as a wardrobe stylist for several TV commercials and for celebrities. One of my most memorable jobs was working with a member of Swedish House Mafia and his family on the island of Ibiza for 2 months! After all my experiences, I started my own freelance work as an influencer. From there, after people complimented me on my style and asked for advice or where I got my outfit, I thought- why not start my own store? It has always been in the back of my mind. Then, when my mom passed away in 2018, I knew I had to do something to keep me busy and make her proud. She knew this was my dream. After tons of tribulations and hurdles (starting a business during a pandemic is NO JOKE!) it finally all came together. I knew I wanted to incorporate her into the store somehow, so I named it after her: Lily Love Boutique. Her name is Susanne, which from Farsi to English translates to “Lily.” I will make it my mission to make her proud in all that I do. I definitely got a lot of my love for fashion from her! She was always dressed to the nines and so chic. She was the hardest working woman I’ve ever known, and I only hope to be half of what she was and will always be in my heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has NOT! Haha. I initially started out with a partner, and we had formed an LLC and did all the legal paperwork to be able to start the boutique. We also went to a huge vendor show in Las Vegas called MAGIC where we discovered a lot of brands and put in some orders for our grand opening. That was back in February 2020. Upon our return, my partner reached out to me saying simply, “I can’t do this. It’s too much.” That was via text as well. So, after freaking out and shedding some tears, I sat there pondering if this was really worth moving forward with. Could I do this on my own? How will I manage everything?! Well, I decided it was. I have done a lot on my own in my life and have always been super independent. I could do this. I chatted with several people on what to do and eventually dissolved the original LLC and formed a new one. THEN, the pandemic hit. I could not open my store. I could not receive any orders. No one was working. I really thought- Ok, is this just NOT meant to be for me? How many more hurdles could I endure?! So, I pivoted and started online first. I joined some local women’s groups in the Playa del Rey area, did some virtual shopping and fashion show events with them, and tried to build up some clients! I also did some Facebook events and promoted myself heavily on social media. Then, in October of 2020, I finally opened the doors to Lily Love Boutique! We had a very small ribbon-cutting ceremony with the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce. I’ve been open ever since! It’s not always rainbows and butterflies, but I am living my dream and learning every day.
We’ve been impressed with Lily Love Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Lily Love Boutique, we are known for unique fashions and accessories that aren’t found just anywhere or in big box stores. I spend a LOT of time searching for these pieces and creating a curated collection each season. Almost everything at my store is under $100 and awesome quality. I also like to find vendors who make their clothing domestically! I love to partner with other women-owned businesses and sometimes stock their goodies in my store. I currently have some small-batch handmade candles and handmade jewelry! I think my unique taste sets me apart, and I have been told by my customers that they love that they can pop in and grab an outfit and that they know they won’t see a million people wearing the same look. Another thing that sets me apart is that I provide personal styling. I love to put together outfits for my clients and help them step out of their comfort zone. It’s the best feeling when I hear them say they never thought they could pull an outfit off that they end up leaving the store wearing! It just makes me SO happy.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising about me is that I can speak 4 languages! I grew up in a small city in Canada called Windsor. I went to a French Immersion school and studied french until I graduated high school. I also speak Farsi and Korean. My parents are Persian, so I grew up speaking Farsi at home- mostly with my grandma who couldn’t speak English well. After I graduated University, I moved to South Korea for almost 2.5 years and learned Korean on my own there. I learned the alphabet as well and can also read and write!
Pricing:
- Everything is $100 or under!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilyloveboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilylove.boutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lilyloveboutique15
Image Credits
@lovemauiphotos- the only photo she took was the one with the striped outfit on a beach! the rest I took.
