Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannine Benoit Adams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeannine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I came to Chicago for graduate school and immediately started work at a global public relations and communication agency. For ten years I worked at various agencies in and around Chicago, but always had my foot in some aspect of fashion. I worked as a writer and editor for various print and digital publications, was a style correspondent for NBC5 and even worked with some smaller fashion startups with their marketing efforts.
I always knew that I wanted to do more in fashion and it was just a matter of time until I could actually pull the trigger and take the leap into Ready Pretty.
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?
I wouldn’t call it smooth, but I’d certainly call it rewarding. Like anything worth having, it’s hard work. There seems to always be a lack of resources, time, money – you name it. But we’re a scrappy young start up with big plans and even bigger ideas and we’re just putting one foot in front of the other and learning every day.
I’m lucky that Chicago has an incredible start up community and I’m surrounded by a network of incredible people doing incredible things. As a small business owner, you need to have a lot of different skills. And in some areas, I certainly lack the knowledge or experience – but that’s where this community steps in and I’m able to learn from others before me or others going through the exact same issues I am. All of this helps me to learn and grow as a business owner.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ready Pretty story. Tell us more about the business.
At the core, Ready Pretty is about building confidence in women through clothing. We connect our personal stylists to women who need help with their wardrobes. Be it a special occasion, or a full closet overhaul we help create stylish, versatile wardrobes for our users. We’re a high-touch, mostly virtual services that is personal and custom to each and every woman we work with. Most important, we work with all women. All sizes, all budgets – all women. We offer an inclusive service that works for every woman.
I’ve always believed that fashion is transformative. When you look good, you feel good. I’m most proud that I’ve created a company that helps women to build this confidence and to feel good in the clothing that they wear every day.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck.
In fact, I have a piece of art in my home that says “Make Your Own Luck”, which reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness”. Each day that artwork in my home reminds me to go out and work hard to create the life that I want.
Pricing:
- The Mini – $35
- The Midi – $79
- The Maxi -$270
Contact Info:
- Website: www.readypretty.com
- Email: hello@readypretty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readypretty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadyPretty/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
