Before the boutique, the window displays, and the Flo Tribe we’ve grown to love, there was just me—standing at a crossroads with nothing but my creativity, my spirit, and a dream.
After separating from my last business partnership, I had no business plan, and no real roadmap. What I did have was a storefront on Willis, my own two hands, and a vision. So I did what I knew how to do: I created. I made picture frames, greeting cards, clothes—whatever I could—and I called on my friends and family for what would become my very first “Friendraiser.”
It was an event filled with love, laughter, and belief. Kalimah came through with poetry. Inohs Sivad provided the music. The community brought its support. It wasn’t about asking for money—it was about inviting people into the next chapter of my passion. In addition to funds saved from organizational consulting, that night helped me raise the funds I needed to get Flo off the ground . More importantly, the love and support from the Friendraiser gave me the confidence to keep pushing.
Flo Boutique is named after my late mother, Florence. We shared a deep love for fashion creativity and connection. I even chose red as our signature color because it was her favorite. I didn’t have much when I started, but I had heart. I remember walking the streets of New York buying inventory with bags on my back, believing that if I had the tools—I could do it. I could create something real. Something lasting.
And I did.
This is just the first of many FloBack stories we’ll be sharing as we celebrate over 25 years on the block. I hope you stay with us as we reflect, celebrate, and share what built this house of style, soul and positivity.
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