Women who run their own businesses. In our monthly Small Business Spotlight series, we talk to independent fashion entrepreneurs about their journey to becoming bosses. Here are some tips from real women who have started their own businesses, including fundraising, marketing strategies, and using social media.

Beth Burkett is no stranger to the fashion industry: costume designer, creative director, co-owner with her husband Chris Gibbs of the iconic Los Angeles streetwear store Union (open in new tab), and the super When COVID-19 was all the rage, instead of breaking bread, this fashion girl jumped into another space: beauty. She evolved Bephie into Bephies Beauty Supply, an inclusive marketplace for clothing, beauty products, and household goods, and an online retailer that supports the work of black women and those in the LGBTQ+ community.

The inspiration for Bevy's Beauty Supply was actually born out of an unfair contradiction. Says Burkett, "As a black woman, I change my hair all the time and am obsessed with beauty supply stores." 'Even though black women are the biggest consumers of beauty supply stores, they don't own them.' The brand features Burkett's own items, including street-inspired clothing, scarves, bags, and pillows (many of which feature anthurium flowers, a nod to Burkett's Caribbean roots), as well as brands from budding BIPOC and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs promoted; Bephies Beauty Supply features hand-painted marble pressed nails (a collaboration between BBS and Curet Nails, a small brand founded by nail artist Astrid Curet), BBS's own Marble, Stamp and Scrunchie collection items, Baby Tress edge-styling tools, and lotions designed specifically for men, women, and non-people of color.

As a woman who has carved her own path in the male-dominated world of streetwear, launching a platform specifically for women of color is something Burkett has wanted to do for a long time. She said, "It's been challenging to develop a female-driven business in the streetwear world. It's not that those brands don't exist, it's that there isn't enough visibility and enough talent for them." She continues: "As a black woman who has been in the streetwear business for a long time, I know what it's like to feel invisible and what representation for BIPOC women is really important and necessary."

Here she talks about how she made Bephie a reality and how you too can make your dream company a reality.

On taking risks

"Starting your own business is a big risk, and many of the decisions you make are not necessarily the most realistic ones. You may not get a lot of money. Many people are not in a position to take risks, especially when it comes to money. This is the difference between people of color who start their own businesses and those with generational wealth. Venture capitalists don't typically jump on black and brown businesses, especially black and brown businesses led by women. [In reality] there is a lot of work that has to be done up front, it's risky, it's expensive, it's hard work, but it's worth it."

About Hustle

"One of the reasons it took me so long to focus solely on Beffy and turn it into Beffy Beauty Supply, because I had to do other work as well. What I learned is that in order to make things and make them of high quality, you need to have enough money. Much of my funding came from doing big jobs as a costume designer and stylist.

On supporting each other

"The hardest part is that people don't take you seriously. I am someone who has been on the front lines of the industry silently for years. People don't understand the importance of having a Black woman like me in such a position of power.

I am trying to create this space to promote women, women of color, and LBGTQ+ entrepreneurs. That is what I am most excited about, but also the most challenging. Other women don't quite understand why you are helping me. [This is especially true for women of color, and there is not a lot of support around women of color as a whole. That has been my biggest challenge. I tend to gravitate toward [smaller] brands because I want to help these women and encourage them to take risks. Generally, these women are on their own and don't have backup."

On the importance of working with a diverse team

"The girls we have at Beffy's are amazing and they all come from diverse backgrounds. It's a small brand, so there are no egos and they are really humble. We have to do everything. It's a team responsibility and we all share a common goal. Being a small team has its challenges, of course, but it's very rewarding because as we grow, we grow together."