Young entrepreneur brings a contemporary chic style to women in Colleyville

After working 5 1/2 years at a stable corporate job and facing a potential transfer, Brie Washington realized her window to pursue a childhood dream of owning her own business was closing. So she packed up her things and started her own boutique.

"I said, 'You know what, I'm going to take all my little eggs and put them into this project,'" she said. "It was a lifelong plan that I was forced to try out based on the change in my job situation."

Washington founded Briesly's Boutique and opened its doors on 33 Main St. in Colleyville in October 2011, six months after leaving her previous job. At 34, Washington is one of the youngest shop owners in Colleyville, but she said that there is a rising trend of women entrepreneurs opening their own boutiques in the Metroplex.

"In Dallas, and just around the U.S. in general, I have noticed so many women have boutiques now, which was unheard of 10 or 15 years ago."

Although she isn't in the heart of Dallas with a vast customer base, Washington said she likes being in Colleyville.

"You have to have an anchor to have that big, big traffic boom. Luckily for me, my customers are pretty loyal."

Washington described her boutique as one that offers contemporary and chic clothing that appeals to several age groups, from women in their early twenties to late forties.

"I have moms and daughters that shop here," Washington said. "So you want to have things that are sophisticated, but you're a woman and you want to feel feminine and you want to feel sexy but not trying too hard."

The boutique stocks a mix of items on its shelves and racks. Jewelry hangs from decorative displays; assembled outfits adorn an old door that leans against a wall; an assortment of shirts, dresses and skirts cover several clothing racks; and containers of body lotions, room scents and bath salts line several shelves.

Washington buys her stock from various, independent designers and avoids the common trends.

"You can't immerse your store in trends," she said. "If it's too trendy, people can't wear it next season."

Tucked away in the Village at Colleyville shopping center, Washington said social media helps her customer base by letting them know when there is new stock or providing tips on the best ways to piece together outfits.

Washington said she is in her store every business day developing relationships with her customers.

"In running a small business you have to be present to know what's going on. You get to know people, what they like and what they're comfortable in."

Washington said she hopes to add another location and continue to increase her customer base in the store she dreamed about as a child.

"As women, as people, in life you have a very short window to do whatever it is you really want to do—there is never the right time," she said. "It's about taking a lifelong passion and saying, 'I hope this works.'"

Fashion shows

Washington said she hosts two fashion shows each year at her store. She said her March 22 show brought in more than 75 people, including models, vendors and customers. Washington said the next show is the first week of October which will preview styles for fall and celebrate the store's three-year anniversary.

Briesly's Boutique

33 Main St., Ste. 140, Colleyville, 817-581-2743

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Facebook, Briesly's Boutique

Instagram, @Brieslysboutique