Meet Britinii Bouie of Kouture Konnections & Konnected Business Solutions in Miami Gardens

Written By Britinii Bouie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Britinii Bouie.

Britinii, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Starting at the age of 14, I’ve always tried to work to make money. Though I enjoyed having an independent source of income, I’ve always dreaded having a boss. So I became my own! After numerous failed jobs up until the age of 20 (I quit from some and others I was fired) I discovered that working for someone else’s company wasn’t for me. In 2011, I began to experience the taste of entrepreneurship. I tried doing hair (selling and styling), club promotion and eventually started selling shoes.

After traveling all over Florida for months, selling and promoting, I noticed that shoes wasn’t something I enjoyed, so I switched to clothing. I sold clothes for a few months before I actually began to enjoy it and decided that this was the path I wanted to pursue. In the midst of building my brand, one day, I went to get my hair done at this salon and the owner offered me a small corner in her shop. I agreed! I had a grand opening about two weeks after that meeting in which no one showed up. I was discouraged and confused because I now had a solid location but no one who usually supported stopped by. I began working day in and day out to make sure I could at least pay the rent for space.

After a few weeks, the business began to pick up to the point where customers no longer wanted to just pick up items but now they also wanted to try on. Keep in mind. I’m in a hair salon so I had no space for a fitting room. I eventually had to use the restroom to let them try on. I had to trust that the customers were going to try on, come back and hopefully not leave without paying. (the restroom was about 12 doors down the hall). I started to receive bad reviews because everyone hated trying on in the restroom. I cried and cried just thinking of what I could do. Luckily a few weeks after, a space became available in the same office plaza. It was about 400-500 square feet. I had my friend’s mom come in and decorate so that I could open as soon as possible. By the next month, I was able to open. To my disbelief, there were so many customers and I was extremely overwhelmed! There were times that I had to let customers in by 5’s to make it comfortable to shop. I stayed at that space for about a year and realized that I had to get a bigger space. I rode around for weeks and no spaces were available near the same area.

I eventually found this plaza on the side of the expressway that looked pretty deserted. It had about two businesses there but you could tell there was no walk-up traffic. Meaning, my business would solely rely on the customers I bring in. I didn’t care because both of my previous locations were on the second floor in office spaces and no one was able to walk up then, so this should work. I took that space and I have been there every since. Fast forward about six years, Kouture Konnections has had the opportunity to work with celebrities and influencers such as Cardi B, Dej Loaf, Angela Yee, Chanel Westcoast, Yung Miami, Tammy Rivera, Mya the singer, Bernice Burgos, Pretty Vee, Lil’ Scrappy, Jojo Simmons and many more.

Through my trials and triumphs over the years, I realized there were so many others out there like me in need, trying to build their own empire. I established my second business, which is a consulting firm whose goal is to offer business essentials to all upcoming entrepreneurs. Konnected Business Solutions is the assistant that every business needs. We offer services such as marketing/advertising, business startups and practically everything needed to run a business. Our clothing storefront is located at 17090 NW 7th avenue Miami, FL 33169. You can find us on Instagram @kouturekonnections @konnectedbizsolutions.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth ride at all. I have my times where I’m overwhelmed, times where I shut down for months, just being human. Times I’ve had to go to therapy. I’ve had to do some self-evaluation. I’ve had to take mental breaks. You name it. Entrepreneurship is hard. Especially when you’re the first entrepreneur of your family and friends. There was no guidance or inspiration for me. They didn’t understand and didn’t really know how to help. I was surrounded by a bunch of individuals who were used to a set income, knowing a check was coming weekly/biweekly. There were months I didn’t make anything, I was robbing Peter to pay Paul. Over drafted accounts, times I couldn’t cover rent or keep the lights on. People didn’t understand why I added stress to myself when I could have went and got a job. But my business was my baby and I was willing to risk it all to keep it. It inspired me to help others and start Konnected Business Solutions.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kouture Konnections & Konnected Business Solutions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Kouture Konnections is an upscale clothing store, ranging from sizes XS-3X. We offer complimentary wine and water everyday, all day. Rather you are spending a day at the pool or you have an evening event to attend. We have you covered! We are the only boutique in Miami who has an extensive variety of celebrity clientele. We feed the homeless yearly and give back seasonally to our community. We have been voted “Best Boutique in Miami” by 99 JAMZ in 2018 and we continuously work every year with 103.5 The Beat, doing makeovers for breast cancer month.

Konnected Business Solutions is a consulting firm whose goal is to offer business essentials for all upcoming entrepreneurs. KBS is the assistant that every business needs. We offer services such as marketing/advertising, business startups and practically everything needed to run a business.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are working behind the scenes on a few new projects and we would love to share the great news when the time is right. We will also be reopening soon.

Contact Info:

Britinii Bouie
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Meet Britinii Bouie | Entrepreneur & Business Consultant