Single Mom Announces Campaign to Open Brick & Mortar Challenging Stores with Chinese Inventory

MANCHESTER, N.H. - May 20, 2015 - PRLog -- Two time breast cancer survivor and single mom, Joede Brown, owner of Black Pearl Creations, a bohemian crocheted clothing and accessories line, continues to challenge the odds Quitting her job to run her small fashion line during a recession, she was called crazy. Five years later, Black Pearl's sales have increased over 1,000%. Now, Ms. Brown is again rolling the dice to open a brick and mortar based on handmade clothes versus inventory from China.


"Many people are calling themselves designers when what they do is look at a catalog from a Chinese factory, order and then sell the items online. We are challenging these cheaply made clothes from China by offering handmade, individual pieces not found on the mass market."


Limited production runs and freedom of expression are just a part of the Black Pearl experience. Setting itself apart from other businesses that buy clothing wholesale from China and resell here in the U.S. is the ultimate goal of Ms. Brown. "Society tells us, 'Be yourself! But not like that.' When everyone offers the exact same pieces, you can't have an individual style. I want men and women to come in, find a piece or two that allows them to show off who they really are, on their terms."

To raise the funds to open the store, Ms. Brown launched an Indiegogo campaign on May 15. Ms. Brown is looking to raise $3,000 for the initial 3 months of expenses. Opening in August and running into the holiday season, she believes the store should be self sufficient by November.

"Our crowdfunding campaign was 4% funded 24 hours into the campaign. We have the expenses listed and are transparent. We need others to donate to make this a reality."

Ms. Brown has found a location to open the shop, inside of a converted mill named Mill No. 5 in Lowell, Massachusetts. It has ample foot traffic and will fit in with the hipster, organic vibe. "Being located in Lowell opens Black Pearl to the larger regional market. Clients from Boston can take the train. walk a block and they're here. There is a cultural resurgence in Lowell and we want to be a part of it."

Handmade in the US with unique pieces is Black Pearl's strategy to differentiate from other clothing boutiques that are filled with wares from China.

Black Pearl's crowdfunding campaign ends on June 14. Donations can be made on Indiegogo at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-bohemian-shop-full-o...