Bridgett Johnson

Y-NOT Boutique

Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas & Divos!

Club Fifty is kicking off ‘Women’s History Month’ with another great backstory for our Her Story/His Story: “What didn’t break me, made me stronger” series, with a resilient diva who loves everything dealing with fashion. So, let’s talk about fashion in this post and her journey to getting there and becoming a stylish entrepreneur. Many brick-and-mortar clothing stores closed during the pandemic, and many companies were birthed online.

The fashion industry took a hit; however, it made a comeback and resurrected in so many different ways. The clothing business reinvented the wheel of dressing; fashion became a game changer in styling ourselves for working at home before going back into the office became a norm again. Casual, comfortable clothes became the go-to outfit for just about every event. However, when the world got back to some form of normalcy, Popup stores and small boutiques were and still are all the rage, popping up everywhere when the world opened back up.

One advantage of owning a boutique store over an online business is the ability to go into the store, try on an outfit, touch and feel the fabric and speak to someone who has knowledge regarding the item you are interested in purchasing. To be an owner of a boutique store, you have the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service. Another advantage is you can set your hours to when you want to open your store, and you also have the pleasure of picking the proper inventory to entice your customers to shop in your store. Don’t get me wrong, this may sound glamorous; however, there is a lot of work that goes into setting the perfect environment and ambiance to entice your customers.

As we all know, the location, location, location is imperative to where ladies want to shop. Boutique stores are much smaller than large retail stores; however, no matter the size, like the old cliche, it’s not the size that matters; it’s what you can do with it. Heads out of the gutter, ladies! Seriously, for the seller to be successful, they have to have the right location, and the owner must know where it stands in the marketplace while filling a niche in the retail domain. Since boutiques generally specialize in clothes, jewelry, and shoes, you must know who you are catering to market to your customers appropriately.

Golden Divas this leads me to Club Fifty’s Golden Diva for March. This diva birthed her business out of her love of fashion, selling to her friends for nearly twenty years. Her ingenuity has enhanced the restructuring of buying clothes in the big stores by opening up her boutique and catering to the masses in a hair salon for the past four years. So, club Fifty, without further ado, let me introduce you to Bridgett Johnson, owner of Y-NOT Boutique.

MEET BRIDGETT JOHNSON

Bridgett Johnson is 58 years old, and she was raised in Chicago. She is a member of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. She is a single mother and has one child and two grandchildren. Bridgett, like so many, has endured two layoffs with her previous jobs and is a five-year breast cancer survivor. She has a reserved personality. However, she is bubbly when it comes down to socializing and always looks for a great gathering. Bridgett never lets her circumstances define who she is and her purpose in life. 

God has brought Bridgett through some challenging times in her life and never has left her side, guiding her every step of the way. Her tenacity, courage, strength, and passion have persevered in building her fashion business. 

Her business name is Y-NOT Boutique, a female clothing store she operates from a hair salon. The boutique carries sizes 4 thru 22. Y-NOT collections are for reserved women that are looking for an edgy look. 

The look that screams (Yes – No Other Trends). Her boutique is at 2406 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL 60655. Bridgett looks forward to Spring, bold colors, and prints designed for the traveling woman this year.    

Fun Fact about Bridgett: She has been a License Massage Therapist for over 26 years. Also, have a non-for-profit business which is also called Y-NOTS (Youth Need Opportunities To Shine)

Y-NOT business hours Thursday – Saturday

Thursday & Friday 11:00 am – 5:pm

Saturday 11: am – 3:00 pm

IN CONVERSATION WITH BRIDGETTE JOHNSON

C50: Tell C50 readers about Y-NOT Boutique

BJ: Elease Tolar inspired my business; Elease is my grandmother who has gained her wings in heaven. This lady was the epitome of elegance. She was indeed a class act when it came to fashion. She raised six girls and three boys, all sharp dressers. 

Therefore, my history line taught me at a young age to dress to impress. This has now carried over to my daughter and granddaughters. Y-NOT Boutique is a cozy/personal shop: you will be pleased with our personal selections in the shop. We style our customers per their body type, giving you a fabulous look. Our mission is to please our customers with quality fabric with great styles.  

C50: What made you decide to open up your spectacular Boutique?

BJ: The love of fashion is why I’ve started the Boutique. This journey began by buying and selling clothing to a group of girlfriends, posting pictures in a group chat, and having the ladies bid on each item I posted. This was the birth of my Boutique.   

C50: Can you purchase your clothes online?

BJ: Y-NOT is not online yet; we’ll work within the next six months to get the site up and running. We are located at 2406 W. 111th St. (Completely Styled). We call our business a one-shop stop. Three companies are under one roof, two business owners for the Hair Salon and my Boutique.   

C50: How often is your business open?

BJ: Y-NOT hours are Thursday-Saturday.

Thursday and Friday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday Hours 11:00 am – 3:00 pm  

C50: What are the first things customers see when they walk through the doors of your Boutique?

BJ: The first thing they would notice is my personal sense of style selected just for the Boutique. My business style is for a mature woman with an edgy flair. Next, you’ll receive a personal one-on-one consultation about body type.

C50: What sets your clothing style apart from another boutique? What is one thing you think the customer should know about your business?

BJ: I would say I’m always engaged with my clients. If I’m not there, my business partners from the salon are always willing to assist our clients. We are indeed a family in this business. We are a one-stop shop; you can get your hair done and buy an outfit under one roof.   

C50: How do you keep your clothing inventory fresh and up to date?

BJ: Since the pandemic, the fashion industry has taken many turns. It’s changed how we spend money, purchase clothes, and how small business operates—shipping/receiving, quality of clothing, etc. I must say, it’s been a challenge, but I’m still moving forward.   

C50: Can you share a hint about what shoppers will see in your store next season?

BJ: You will see bold colors, yellow, green, red, and pink. More cruise vacation attire. We all like to look fabulous on a trip.

C50: What are a few must-have items right now?

BJ: A few must-have items at Y-NOT are your plaid/demi trend coat for the spring, your bling jean for a great party, and off a shoulder waist jacket.  

C50: What are your best-selling products?

BJ: Jackets, Trend coats, and Bling Tee.

Bonus Question   

C50: Where can Club Fifty’s loyal readers find your boutique?

Y-NOT Boutique

Completely Styled Hair Salon Fashion Boutique

2406 W. 111th St.

Chicago, IL 60655

773-629-8955

C50: There you have it, Golden Divas; check out Y-NOT Boutique for some great fashion for the reserved woman. Bridgett will offer you the best brands and a very engaging experience with quality customer service at her shop. Want God do it!!!