Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcilla Hayslett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marcilla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started Latres in 2011 in historic core of downtown Los Angeles. At the time DTLA was up and coming with small unique boutiques, eclectic restaurants, and a vibrant community. I felt that there was a void in Los Angeles for a unique intimate apparel store as we often see in New York. A lingerie that sales designer, quality, moderate-high end lingerie that women don’t find in department stores or your average Victoria Secret. Unlike Victoria Secret, LATRES is a retail store that sell brands from all over the world and even designers based in Los Angeles. Latres was created to have a space where women can feel comfortable while inside, something of their own. I wanted to create a shopping experience to embrace being a woman.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road unfortunately. When you open a small business, you tend to get more people asking you to purchase from them than they are shopping from you. As soon as you open you have photographers, all kinds of advertisers, phone companies, insurance companies, payroll services etc. constantly contacting you. It can be a little overwhelming in the beginning. Because Lingerie is a niche business, you have to teach women about fine lingerie and convince them that they’re not walking into “trashy lingerie” or a place where whips and chains are being sold. Then you have to show them that we not only sell special pieces such as bridal lingerie, but we also sell everyday intimate apparel. For instance, we sell 5 for $20 undies every day and LATRES has its own loungewear line. So the education.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
LATRES is a lingerie boutique that sells quality designer lingerie brands.
We specialize in Bridal Shower registry (Bridal Lingerie) and your everyday intimate apparel needs.
We’re know for our 5 for $20 undies and unique bra sizes. Unlike Department stores and VS we sell bras sizing from 29D-40G.
I’m most proud that I have customers that return and beg us to stay in business
What set us apart from others is our variety, we have designs that appeal to women from the age of 14-70. Our goal is to create a delicate shopping experience for our customers, so our customer service is awesome. We not only sell lingerie, we sell non-toxic laundry detergent, soaps, candles, books, lotions and palo-santo. As I mentioned before the fact that 90% of women that walk through our doors will not only find their size they will find beautiful options in their size.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit! I was the kid who always said “let’s sell popcorn, lets sell lemonade”. I can remember when my friend and I were about 8 years old, we bought candy and sold it to our friends in the neighborhood for the same price that we purchased it. Her older brother laughed and had to explain the word profit to us. I was always an independent thinker and involving myself in many activities. I became a Presbyterian at about 10, my mom didn’t even know, until she starts receiving mail from the church. But I followed rules, went away to college straight out of high school and graduated.
Pricing:
- We have panties from $4-$69.
- Our bras are average priced for a quality bra $60-$100 unless on clearance.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6220 Topanga Canyon Blvd.,
Woodland Hills, CA 91367 - Website: www.latreslingerie.com
- Phone: 323-989-2304
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: la_tres
- Facebook: latres
- Twitter: la_tres1
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/latres-lingerie-woodland-hills-2
Image Credit:
Addiction- lingerie photo, lady in white
Marcilla Hayslett
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