Hidden Gems: Meet Franchesca Bethel of Monet’s Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Franchesca Bethel.

Hi Franchesca, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
To understand how I got to where I am today, it’s important to know where it all started. As a young girl that struggled to find their own identity, there was always an emotional battle with myself. It was a constant battle of wanting to be different but not knowing how or if it was even okay.

That same young girl just decided it was best to hide in the shadow of others because she didn’t want to face the reality of what it meant to be different. And what is different anyway? As I grew up watching TV and scrolling through various media broadcasts, in some instances it was heartbreaking to be exposed to some of the negative stigmas and societal views of women.

Some might have believed that women needed to be a certain size or have a specific physique to fit in and be seen. What about the women that were in between sizes or had long arms and a small torso or had hips and short legs? What about the women that didn’t look good in outfits that everyone else did or didn’t feel comfortable in certain clothing?

It wasn’t until the discovery of a sketchbook and a toy sewing machine, which peaked my imagination, and paved the way for my passion. Sewing cheerleading uniforms and a friend’s swimsuit line ignited a variety of emotions and a spark of adrenaline which propelled me to explore, create, and imagine the unimaginable. Once the clothing pieces came to life on a mannequin or person, confidence overflowed, and I realized it was okay to look different as long as you felt good.

From then on, there was only one vision and that was to create a brand for women to feel confident in what they wear. There was no more room for comparisons or feelings of exclusion, it was okay to be different from others when you’re confident. It’s important to note that there is a space where you can be yourself no matter what other people may say or think and that is right here in this community created for women. I went to college and studied Fashion Merchandising.

While attending college, I was able to hone in on my passion for design and fashion as I interned for one of the top bridal boutiques in Eastern Massachusetts. Additionally, I was able to broaden my experience and expertise in the field, when I was hired as an Assistant Manager of a trend-setting Canadian-based retail store.

After graduation, I moved to Florida to expand my opportunities in business and logistics, and it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I knew it was time to live my dream and open Monet’s.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, especially while living in these uncertain times during the current health pandemic and also being a minority woman. There is no direct blueprint to starting a business, nor is there one path to take. Many people see individuals broadcasting their success in business or only displaying the “good” days for their business.

I believe transparency is key because starting a business takes hard work, long nights, early mornings, and an understanding support system. I was lucky enough to have an educational background in business and fashion merchandising that provided me with experience in a retail setting. There were still some moments when handling legal, financial, and marketing aspects that I didn’t always know what to do.

Often, I tried to complete every task myself, but I learned the importance of having a team of individuals that can complete tasks that I may not understand or be familiar with. For that, I am forever grateful and thankful for the support I have received from others. I have a team with expertise in the areas I lack for assistance with updating my website and graphics, and an accountant that takes time to explain all aspects of taxes and financial requirements in detail.

Creating and opening a business may seem easy to some, but maintaining a business is even harder. I am grateful to have people who genuinely support me and my dream which provides the opportunity for this experience to be less stressful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Monet’s Boutique?
Any driven individual can create a clothing brand and sell products that are deemed “trendy” or likable by consumers and their market. Many of those brands created started on the premise of driving profits and sales instead of the most important element of a business. A brand needs values and to be able to provide for its customers’ demands and needs.

A national brand cannot consider the needs of each of its customers, but a private label brand can. Women are constantly faced with influences over what they should look like and stigmas in the fashion industry. Thus, shopping for clothing that a woman can feel comfortable and confident in, is at times next to impossible. Women should feel good about their purchasing habits. When you look good, you feel good! Women want to be noticed, feel luxurious, and experience elegance at an affordable price.

Monet’s Boutique is a brand that is meant to promote inclusivity, diversity, and confidence for all women no matter the size. Women drive 70% to 80% of consumer purchasing, and yet their needs are the least fulfilled. Women have become increasingly educated and entrepreneurial. In today’s 21st Century, women play a big role and are responsible for shaping buying trends. It is crucial that brands target women consumers with informed researched and data-driven approaches.

All women are welcome and invited to actively engage as decision-makers in a brand with Monet’s Boutique. They will be uplifted and empowered when wearing our merchandise while knowing they were a part of the conversation and product development.

This will expand the brand in a positive way as many women promote brands through personal experience. Monet’s Boutique is selling a luxury experience allowing women to feel comfortable and confident in our merchandise for any outing, whether casual or formal.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is how my customers feel during their purchasing experience. I am a huge advocate for women’s empowerment, and I want all of those that follow me along my personal and business journey to know that they are valued. I believe every woman should feel good about themselves internally and externally.

I feel like there are so many obstacles and challenges against women and not enough communities that elevate women. I strive to build that community to let women know that they are amazing and can achieve whatever they put their minds to.

It all begins at a young age, so I make it a priority to reach out and acknowledge young women and let them know to dream big and not let anyone come in between that dream or tell an individual that their “DREAM” is non-attainable.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: shopmonets.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shop.monets/
• Facebook: facebook.com/Monets-Boutique-106196958364420
• Twitter: twitter.com/shopmonets

Image Credits
Kaitlyn Murrell, Wiljuna Melendez, Jahlaani Campbell, and Angello Negron