Women in Business Wednesday: Lauren Healy
We are excited to be working with Lauren Healy, the owner of Blue Bones Vintage this week as we continue our celebration of women business owners in Richmond. Blue Bones Vintage is located on Broad Street and has been a part of the growing community of small businesses that have helped bring new energy to the area.
When did you decide to become your own business owner - to make the leap to go into business for yourself?
After many years of feeling like I had done my homework. I had studied fashion design, graduated from VCU, moved to New York and worked for Anna Sui, moved back to Richmond after a few years, worked high end retail, helped other people further their businesses, styled for commercials and magazines, and supplied vintage clothing to Need Supply Co. on the side. Once I met Jeremy Flora we started doing vintage pop up markets together and it was a natural progression from there. After doing a couple pop-ups in Steady Sounds, we all decided to merge into the vintage and vinyl destination for Richmond.
What is the greatest joy of "working for yourself"?
Knowing that all my efforts are for a brand and business that has my back. Every action I put into the business is to help further Blue Bones and the community.
What is the biggest challenge?
Making sure the standard of clothing and accessories only improves over time. Having the best variety of vintage available for our customers at a realistic price, Quality, Quantity, Economical.
List 3 tools that are essential to your business.
Square, Instagram, Etsy
What is unique about being a business owner in Richmond?
Always knowing this was a great place and realizing that the potential is only going to get better over time.
Do you have any other female business owners that you admire? Or look to for advice/guidance? Or are a role model?
I must say I really love Norma Santamaria, owner of Baggio. She has been in the fashion business since the early eighties, raised a family and created Baggio. I met her when I started borrowing clothing for photo shoots for local magazines. I instantly connected with her and realized what a great eye she has and appreciation for the art in fashion. I can always get real insight and laughs with this lovely lady. Plus she has great style!
What is next for you/your business?
Never Stop Improving! (Lowes slogan) - We joke that this is what keeps us going in business, personal and our relationship. Plant flowers outside, fresh paint, new awnings, go hunting for vintage, etc...
What do you see at the future of Broad Street?
I see a part of Richmond that I want to be a part of and even crave at the moment. Richmond was once a traveled to location for Miller and Rhoads, Montaldo's and Thalhimers. I know Broad Street can be this positive, bustling energy again and hopefully more small businesses can grow here to make it that.
