Help Wicked Chic ME Boutique "Get Physical"!

My name is Candace Niva and I am the owner and founder of Wicked Chic ME Boutique. A women’s clothing and accessories boutique focused on fashion equality for mature women (ages 30-65) of all shapes and sizes. I started my online boutique in early 2021 after realizing a need for a women’s clothing store that offers the same or similar “trendy and current” fashions regardless of body type.

I have struggled with my weight practically my entire life, always considered the “bigger girl”. I have also always loved fashion and how good you can feel about yourself when you find the perfect pair of jeans, or an amazing top that seems like it was made specifically for you. The way a piece of clothing can change how you feel about yourself as a person is absolutely amazing, however, sometimes it can be heartbreaking. As plus sized women I have become accustomed to being disappointed when shopping for clothes over the years. Finding the same, or at least similar, cute and trendy options that are available in smaller “regular” sizes is rare to find in plus sizes. More often than not, clothing items offered in larger or “plus” sizes seem “old fashioned” and are just not in style. Moreover, when I do actually find something in my size that’s “in style” it's usually more expensive than the smaller size items.

Frustrated by my own negative experiences, in early 2021 I decided to open an online women’s clothing and accessories boutique out of my home that focuses on size and style inclusiveness as well as affordability. I truly believe that when a person feels good about what they are wearing and how they look, it can lead to improvements in so many aspects of your life; for example, higher self-esteem, more confidence and increased self-worth. An improved emotional well-being creates a trickledown effect to other areas of a person’s life; including but not limited to, healthier personal relationships, better/more career opportunities, as well as, and most importantly perhaps, improvements in your overall general health.

Since launching my website in May of 2021 I have worked directly with high quality vendors to find items perfect for every body type.  Every woman deserves the opportunity to feel sassy, sexy and sophisticated any day or night of the week, regardless of their size. Whether you are built like a runway model, or a plus size diva, my boutique is designed to accommodate all the single ladies, working mamas, and even those aging gracefully!

I have seen steady growth and support of my boutique since launching online, but what I heard most often from customers was that they wished I had a physical location that they could shop at. Most women, especially plus size, prefer the ability to see, touch and try on clothing in person prior to purchasing. With that being said, I am raising money in order to expand my already growing online business to a brick-and-mortar retail store location in my community.

All funds raised from my project will first be used towards securing, and paying several months in advance, for a long-term lease on a retail space in my community. Additionally, I am planning to use a portion of these funds towards renovations needed to adequately upgrade and improve the retail space with my branding and designs. Improvements would include, but are not limited to; build outs for dressing room(s), displays, furniture, updated lighting and other improvements of the space. I also need to purchase additional components for my POS system to help improve and streamline daily sales, as well as maintain inventory data/reconciliation. All remaining funds would be used towards professional marketing and advertising for the boutique to increase brand awareness and attract customers.

I truly appreciate all the love and support I have already received since starting my small business and I cannot thank you enough for helping me realize my dream of helping women like myself feel good about how they look and feel about themselves!

XOXO- Candace Niva

Owner, Wicked Chic ME Boutique