Exploring Life & Business with Lashanda Bennett of Betty Boulevard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lashanda Bennett.

Hi Lashanda , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2005, I moved from Michigan to California with my two turtles Lance & Limón. With no furniture in my apartment & literally just enough money for next month’s rent. I was working part time at Abercrombie & Fitch but luckily, I signed with a modeling agency within months and began shooting for commercials, print and background work in LA. Being a model made me very social. I went to trendy hotspots, started dating actors & musicians but the one thing that made me stand out was my need to drink from a straw. May sound crazy but I absolutely would dump a guy if he didn’t have straws in his apartment. During this time, plastic straws were becoming banned in a bars and restaurants. A nightmare for me. So I would start carrying them in my purse when I would go out. These weren’t fancy or anything at least not yet. I would grab handfuls of Starbucks or fast food straws and keep them in my purse just in case. Everyone who knew me associated this with me because they couldn’t fathom the obsession. By 2019 I was dating a wealthy Marvel Producer who took me to a trip to Italy for the summer and I was able to quit my job. While we were there, the Italians were in such an uproar when I would pull out my straw from my purse and put it in an expensive glass of Barolo to drink it..It was then when I thought, I need to make this elegant and elevate it for people to actually show some respect. Seeing the classy ladies dress in Italy the style & the fashion culture there. I knew I wanted to make a very high-end luxury brand of straws. So when 2020 Covid hit it was the perfect opportunity to start something that was not only environmentally friendly, but something that was fashionable & trendy. During Covid, everyone became germaphobes. So it just became perfect timing for me to contribute to those times.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, it seemed very easy. I was able to order samples try different types of materials for straws. The designing part was easy because I already knew in my head exactly what I wanted. I knew the name that I wanted & my brand slogan. All that was easy. It wasn’t until I got to the paperwork the trademark the patent, filing for sales tax.. That part was definitely a struggle and things that I always have to work on every day.

We’ve been impressed with Betty Boulevard , 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?
Betty Boulevard provides the necessary necessities to sophisticate your social life. The name was inspired by the creator’s maternal grandmother Betty, who was thriving in her twenties in the 1950’s. This brand represents those women who were hosting “Tupperware Parties”, a common gathering of women in suburban neighborhoods in the 50s to demonstrate new products. Betty Boulevard takes on a contemporary version of that by adding amazing accessories into your social regiment rather than just keeping you in the home like housewives of the 50s. Our sustainable luxury on the go offers you individuality, unique style and social status. Products here are designed from the best materials. We are a niche based brand, our products are designed to fit in your favorite purses, outerwear or travel bags.

The two exclusive must-have items on Betty Boulevard are, the signature Titanium Straws and Paper Cigarette Straws. These items are the ONLY products that will be offered year-around, while new products will be introduced seasonally for a limited time. Both signature products are a part of our first collection; The Livin Lush Luxury Collection.

Now we’re moving into providing customized items for events & special occasions, such as weddings, bachelorette parties & baby showers. We can offer a straw logo and design a custom box for your special day or event.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting a business is not for the weak. It definitely takes a lot of time and will consume you mentally at times. You have to make sure you are checking in on yourself and making sure you’re OK because there will be failures but when you really love something and you believe in it, you can make it happen. The major risk I’ve taken was starting my business with my own money that I saved over all the years I was modeling. I invested in myself and I have no other investors at this time.. Knowing that this solely relies on me to make happen is challenging, but I also know that it’ll be very rewarding in the end and more importantly, I named this business after my grandmother and I would never let her down. So it gives me alot of motivation to keep going.

Pricing:

• Titanium Gold Straws $80
• Paper Straws: Cigarette Style Box $30
• Custom Minimums Starting at $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bettyboulevard.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettyboulevard_bylush/
• LinkedIn: Check out LaShanda Bennett’s profile on LinkedIn