Boutique owner Angel Hicks was known as the go-to girl when her friends need style advice. Years ago, she created a boutique in her closet that her friends would often raid when they needed something fresh to wear. Seven years ago, she started selling clothes out of a colorful polka-dotted suitcase before opening her own shop, 28Boutique.
“I was introduced to wholesaling clothes by an Italian shoe designer who took me to a convention. At that time, if someone wanted to buy clothes from me it was through word of mouth. When gas was over $4 a gallon, a girlfriend of mine asked if I would like to rent out a room. The room was painted pink, and I just knew that this was it,” said Hicks.
Hicks has been successfully running her shop for the past six years. In addition to selling clothing, she works as a stylist. She visits customer’s homes to help them build new looks from pieces they already own. Hicks has advice for aspiring fashionistas who are building a new look for spring.
“I absolutely love maxi dresses, and I have every color. They are easy, comfy, cute and they are my favorite. For a relaxing day, you can never go wrong with a romper. You can do flats, tennis shoes or heels with rompers. My other favorite for spring would probably be distressed shorts and a tank top. You can keep it simple and still look great,” said Hicks, who considers herself a bargain shopper and says one of her favorite places to find clothing is TJ Maxx. When she does decide to splurge, it’s typically to support another Black-owned business.
“I think supporting Black business is amazing. For the last 60 days, I have purchased only from Black businesses. Where I’m coming from, as a Black woman, I am a double minority and I know how hard it is to be a single woman with children and also a business owner,” said Hicks. “They may have been ready to close their business before you walked in. When someone sees your face at their place, you gave them some hope. There are so many people who have so much to offer.”
In the next five years, Hicks hopes to have multiple 28Boutique locations, launch a men’s clothing line and own the buildings that house her shops.
28Boutique is currently in the process of relocating to a new physical location. The new address will be announced online at facebook.com/ms28boutique. Clothes are still available for purchase online. Visit 28Boutique.com or call 317-210-0828 for more information
