Inventing a product starts by identifying the need, locating the “hole” in the market and then creating a solution.
Local female entrepreneur Dawn Jackson, Founder/Creator and CEO of Bosom Couture® did just that, after losing it all.
SCM: How did you first come up with the idea Bosom Couture?
DAWN: Like many start-ups, Bosom Couture® emerged as an answer to a problem. “Necessity is the mother of all invention” and it’s so very true.
Like many women, I would find that perfect dress/outfit but have to leave it behind on the rack because a bra isn’t always an option and there was just nothing in the market that actually worked when it came to keeping the bosom up and in place. Believe it or not, a lot of women have gone to extreme measures like applying duct tape, etc., in an attempt to wear something they love.
SCM: That sounds painful.
DAWN: Indeed it is, that’s why I had my light bulb moment.
SCM: Do you remember where you were at the time?
DAWN: Yes, I will never forget. I was sitting at my desk at home; I was in mortgage and real estate at the time. It was the beginning of the end, the crash of the market. I was losing my home, my rental property…absolutely everything. Being single, I had no backup. I was on a sinking ship.
SCM: So following a dream doesn’t always start off like we may think?
DAWN: Not always, it can definitely have its challenges, and there’s no handbook when you’re an entrepreneur, it’s one step at a time. Being intentional, planning and setting goals is a must; however, many times you just can’t see the next step. It’s like being on this huge winding staircase and its complete darkness.
You have three choices; stand still and wait, cautiously feel for the next step and execute, or pray and jump off. It’s what I signed up for and I guess I’m OK with that because I have never expected it to be easy but at the same time the word “hard” does not exist in my vocabulary. You just roll your sleeves up and do what needs to be done, period. I never thought I would say this but I have learned to embrace not only the peaks but the valleys as well.
SCM: Why the valleys?
DAWN: What we don’t see at times is that by facing these challenges, not only are we coming closer to seeing our goals emerge but through these difficulties, we ourselves are developing into the person who can attain our dreams.
SCM: What is some advice you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?
DAWN: Use your passion as the fuel that propels you forward. It’s YOUR dream and not always will those around your share your vision. Don’t be discouraged when they don’t, it’s OK, just learn discernment about when to share and when not to.
When you fall get back up, keep going— we all have more in us than we realize.
SCM: Why a brand that focuses only on women?
DAWN: Women amaze me every day. I’ve always felt the calling to empower women. This article, for instance, If it has inspired just one woman to believe in herself and follow her dreams, then I have done something right.
SCM: What’s next?
DAWN: Continuing the pursuit of “uplifting” women…in more ways than one.
Bosom Couture® is a proud sponsor of select regions of the Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants.
You can find Dawn’s product in retail stores as well as visiting
bosomcouture.com
