Ms. Lori's Boutique and Novelty Grand Opening: Ladies are Hustler's Too

May 7th 2011 marked the beginning of an era in boutique and novelty shopping. Ms. Lori's Boutique Grand Opening was held at Mercado Market Place located at 7355 Hwy 6. Houston, TX. Unsure of what to expect at this Grand Opening, I went in with an open mind and plenty of plans and money to shop. What I experienced was all that and more. When I got there, Ms. Lori and her staff were still setting up. So quite naturally, I joined in but couldn't help but notice the intricate details that had been put in place to make the store inviting. A sign that reads "Ms. Lori's Boutique" decorated in bright pink with a sexy silhouette painted boldly hung proudly above the stores entrance. Inside the store, behind the cash register was an Old Paris' picture set and to me that symbolized that love lives there and was certainly in the air. Each article of clothing was neatly hung. Ms. Lori's Boutique has dresses, shirts and more for every sized woman. The most beautiful part of Ms. Lori's Boutique aside from herself, is the shelves and glass cases full of adult toys, that keep the college freshman that lives within us alive. Items included penis inspired massagers, whips, paddles, bed restraints, gels, lubricants and my personal favorite, poles. Nothing in the store was overwhelming, however, with all of the love and support, service with a beautiful smile, one cant help but feel smothered by prosperity.

As Ms. Lori added the final touches to make the Grand Opening everything she wanted and more, I was able to talk with her about the entrepreneurial ventures that led to the opening of Ms. Lori's Boutique. It all began for Ms. Lori six years ago when she started hosting adult novelty parties and that led to selling the novelty items. Ms. Lori stated that while she made a decent living working for someone else,  figured that she could almost double her earnings, working for herself. As a result Sweet Lorraines's Fabulous Fun Parties was established. Ms. Lori disclosed that she traveled from Texas to Louisiana having parties and selling items to Caucasian women. Although this generated great sales, she couldnt help but feel that her inventory was unbalanced  and didnt reach her clients of color. She stated that 'black women have been raised and conditioned to believe that any thing sex or sexuality was taboo". Ms. Lori wanted to change this so that all women could appreciate her own sexuality and embrace the desire for more and different. Her secret to success was having the items ordered on hand, for immediate purchase gratification. Items sold at the fun parties included but wasnt limited to novelty items, clothes and romance enhancements. On my way to being a novelty expert, I had to know what was the most popular item sold. Ms. Lori informed me that she had popular items that ranged from lubricants to massagers, but the hottest item was the stripper pole that came in gold, silver, and pink. Brands include Carmen Electra and Hustler, ranging from $150-$200. Other merchandise include dolphins, rabbits and anything a woman can use in private. After examining the stores full inventory, all I could say is: I'll take one of everything please!

Ms. Lori has plans to expand just as she expanded Sweet Lorraines. She hopes to purchase commercial property to accomodate the expected success of Ms. Lori's Boutique. In addition to storefront expansion, Ms. Lori is currently seeking ladies to carry out the sales of Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Fun Parties and keep her humble beginnings going strong. She states that it isnt all about the money, as she has learned a great deal from Sweet Lorraine's business and the wormen that attend the parties. Ms. Lori disclosed that she is very personable with the women and share a ton of experiences with them. The reciprocity of the learning process amazes me. Ms. Lori's work is not only informative but it provides an outlet for the women to share, open up and nurture their own sexuality and sensuality. Ms. Lori says that the most important thing she has learned as an entreprenuer is to invest fully in your own company as its the only guaranteed way to reap a profit. She says what keeps her going is when an idea is born, that she works diligently until it becomes reality, even if in reality, it fails.

Ms. Lori's Grand Opening was an extreme accomplishment. Not because of the flow of customers, or the money earned that day, but because Ms. Lori is also giving others a chance to earn as well. She is currently featuring a jewelry designer's earrings in the store and plans to incorporate a fashion designer's merchandise as well. Aside from the novelty items, my most favorite item in the store was Ms. Lori's t-shirt that read "Who Gone Check Me Boo?' There were a variety of colors and slogans on the t-shirts sold. It seemed that once we added the final t-shirt to the shelf, ensured that each rack was populated with its own line of clothing; customers begin to stream in. I dont recall a moment where the store wasnt busy. It was a constant flow of customers buying everything from dresses, jewelry, and of course adult 'playthings'. I even sold a dress and it was rather refreshing. Ms. Lori's Boutique Grand Opening, served food for the customers to show her appreciation for their support. I purchased a few items as well. I would tell you what I bought, but Good Girls Never Tell!

I end this with a couple of quotes for the entrepreneur in us all:
“Capital isn't that important in business. Experience isn't that important. You can get both of these things. What is important is ideas.” -Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber

“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!"
-Madam C.J. Walker, creator of beauty products and the first female self-made millionaire

Madame Lori, I see you shining!! Salute and much success to you!

-Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber
"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"