Today we’d like to introduce you to Manal Shteiwi
Hi Manal, 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?
My name is Manal Shteiwi, a second generation immigrant who was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio to a long line of passionate and hard working people who took the chance of creating a life for themselves in a new country. America is where any dream that you have, no matter how big or small, can come true. I, the daughter of immigrants, have cultivated my own version of the American Dream.
Growing up I always knew that I wanted to open a boutique one day. I have loved everything about fashion for as long as I can remember. The fabrics, the silhouettes, the way in which a piece of clothing can be so much more than a garment that you adorn yourself with. Though I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and dream chasers, none were in the world of fashion, and I knew I wanted to use both what I already had learned and combine it with knowledge I had yet to possess. Thus started my endeavors into the world of business, fashion and marketing. I dove into educating myself through schooling and research along with getting firsthand experience working for a large fashion business. I quickly climbed the chain of command and before long I was managing this wonderful fashion business, always still in my mind that one day I would not only run but own a fashion business of my own.
I learned so much from my studies and my hands on work managing a fashion business, but when I had learned all that I could and grown as much as I could, I knew it was time for me to move forward and continue taking those scary but exciting steps towards my big dream. So I left behind a space I was comfortable and safe in so that I could get closer to making my dreams a reality. It is only by allowing ourselves to be uncomfortable and take risks that we truly grow.
Alright, 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?
The lease for BoChic Bridal Boutique was signed in September of 2017 and our doors opened just two months later in November of 2017. When I opened the doors to this beautiful and bold boutique, I was both the youngest and also the sole minority owner in the Reading Bridal District. The RBD is the largest bridal district in the US with over 44 bridal related businesses- 9 of which were already existing bridal fashion boutiques. Talk about challenges! To be a young woman of color stepping into a world that was brand new to me and to compete against people who had been working in this industry for decades was unheard of in this district, but I knew a little something about using your passion and hard work to create a new life for yourself; I AM the daughter of immigrants, remember? So though these obstacles and challenges stood before me, I faced them head on. I knew that I belonged, and that I was going to create a space in this booming district that was unlike any other before me. I didn’t let fear or doubt overcome me, instead I allowed myself to be filled with drive as I instead overcame THEM. I surrounded myself with people who supported me and who I could seek out advice from, and I trusted that I was making the right decisions. Believing in yourself and having people who believe in you is the key to success in this life. Only two and half years after my business opened we were faced with another major obstacle, as was the rest of the world: Covid19. This was one of the most trying times for absolutely everyone. I had only been open less than three years and now was dealing with uncertainty like I never had known before. Having to temporarily close a store that you have dedicated your life to creating is terrifying, but it is another obstacle that I was able to overcome. (The economic instability honestly has been a consistent challenge over the years but you learn to continue pushing through it.) Nearly five years later, eight years after opening, my business is thriving! We are able to bring gorgeous one of a kind designs to brides in a safe and welcoming environment, and THAT is worth every single obstacle faced.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
BoChic Bridal Boutique is my American Dream come to fruition. Though I knew I always wanted to own a boutique someday, it wasn’t until I fell into the world of bridal that it seemed all the pieces connected. I worked for 4 months as a bridal fashion consultant and soon had that feeling of “Oh, this is it!”. There is something so unbelievably special about helping a soon-to-be-wed bride find the dress that they are going to walk into the next chapter of their lives in, nothing compares to it. These are people who are allowing themselves to be vulnerable with you because this isn’t just any piece of clothing that they are buying- it is arguably one of the most important and impactful pieces of clothing a person can ever own. I knew that I wanted to be instrumental in helping brides say “YES!” to their dream dress, to be a part of that special moment and create life-long bonds with them. BoChic Bridal Boutique is a woman-owned and operated small business in the heart of the Reading Bridal District. BoChic strives to give each of our brides an experience that is as dynamic and unique as they are. From the calm and modern atmosphere to the authentically friendly, client-focused staff, BoChic Bridal Boutique is a complete wedding gown shopping experience that you absolutely want to include on your must-visit bridal shop list! More than just a store-front in which brides get to come try on gowns, BoChic Bridal Boutique is a family, a collection of people from vast backgrounds coming together to both make dreams come true and have their dreams made. Our BoChic Bride’s are just as much a part of BoChic as our team, and we couldn’t and wouldn’t be here without all of them. Each bride who comes into our door, whether they say “YES” or not, is someone who we respect and appreciate for giving us the opportunity to do what we love to do every single day. Our goal is to not only bring our brides the latest and greatest in bridal fashion, but build a connection with them. The brides who do say “YES TO THE DRESS” become people who we create bonds with that last for years and years, staying in touch on social media and getting to share in memories with. It is even more special when our brides refer their loved ones to come visit our boutique as well. We really feel a part of the family, and we hope our brides feel the same!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Throughout the last 7.5 years, I have learned so much. Opening a business is a huge risk but you also have to take risks within your business to continue to grow. While some risks have been a successful part of the business, there are some that weren’t as successful. You never know until you try though, right? I have learned what works for my business, what doesn’t and how to pivot through it all. When things go wrong, I take a step back, let the emotion wear off and then face the problem head on. Is it a problem though if there is a solution? My uncle always said if there’s a solution to a problem, then it’s not really a problem. That has really stuck with me throughout my life and I have definitely become a solution driven person!
A lesson that I learned from enduring such a uncertain financial period (Covid) was that I needed to ensure that I was making decisions that kept my business secure through unexpected events (i.e.expect the unexpected).
Something that I have been consistently reminding myself is that when things are good, truly enjoy and hold onto those moments. When things are tough, the only way out, is through. So just keep going…and remind yourself of those good times.
The business and personal life can be extremely overwhelming at times as well. I have learned what routines and lifestyle choices work best for me so that I can show up for my business, team, family and friends as best as I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bochicbridalboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bochicbridalboutique/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bochicbridal
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/bochic-bridal
