For many, their early 20s are a time to experiment and explore; to try new things and to find their passion in life. At 22 years old, Genavieve Boue is doing all of that…but she’s doing it in the name of business.
Boue, a former Miss South Florida USA as well as model and actress, is the owner of Private Label Styles, a Pinecrest boutique she opened in March 2018 after establishing an online presence in 2017. Unlike other boutiques, Private Label, however, is interested in not just what their merchandise looks like, but where it comes from. “I have always loved fashion,” says Boue. “I traveled for two years before launching the store, meeting with artisans, manufacturers and designers everywhere from Thailand, Bali, Spain and Italy to Paris and South America.”
Her travels are readily apparent in her store, a mix of beachy resort wear and feminine tops and dresses that have attracted customers from around the area. “I wanted everything to be handmade, to be different from what other stores are offering,” she says. To that end, her fabrics pull toward natural materials such as cotton and linen with accents of crochet and lace to reflect her sunny location and background as a Miami native. Prices range from $12 to $300, so as to provide many options, including her handmade line of organic jewelry, known in South Florida since 2009 under the label “Gena’s Gems.”
Boue herself grew up in the area, attending Leewood Elementary and Palmetto Middle School before earning her diploma and college degree as she explored opportunities in modeling and acting, and building a social media following that eventually led her to launch Private Label.
In addition to her eclectic fashion offerings (she sells clothing for women, men and children), Boue says working with clients is a big part of Private Label Styles. Working with everyone from high schoolers looking for an event outfit to brides who want to create a full wardrobe for their honeymoon, Boue’s styling services encompass the full look: from lingerie to accessories. “We put together looks from head to toe,” she says. “We have a lot of brides come in who are looking for jewelry for their bridesmaids that we can custom design. And we love to create honeymoon looks. We work with all body types, all budgets….”
The store gets new merchandise in everyday and are currently looking into stainless steel jewelry wholesale so they can offer jewelry that matches their clothing. Boue regularly posts images and videos on their social media channels, sometimes selling out of items before they even hit the store racks. Store décor is also up for sale; think custom cowhide rugs and furnishings at wholesale prices, handmade beaded dream catchers and beaded vase chokers and accents, custom art and reclaimed wood. “I’m always looking for what’s new and exciting,” says Boue. “I love traveling to find treasures from artisans around the world and bringing their creations to Miami.”
Private Lable Styles is located at 13615 S Dixie Hwy #112, Ste 118, Palmetto Bay, FL 33176. For more information, please call 305.431.4356 or visit privatelabelstyles.com.