I have been in the fashion industry for the last 12 years and boy has it been a wild ride. Leaving college, I was certain I was going to be a famous fashion designer by age 25. Now at age 32, I am far from wanting to be a famous fashion designer, although I am still in the fashion industry there were times I was not sure I wanted to be. In the past 12 years I have been a designer, stylist, worked in sales for fashion showrooms, worked in fashion PR, was a GM and a buyer for a boutique, worked as a district visual manager for the store Foreign Exchange managing visuals for nine of their stores up and down California, and much more. I almost quit fashion when I went to go work for the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Family (random, I know), which was extremely rewarding, but something told me I was still supposed to be in the fashion industry and that is when I started B. POY & JO.
B. POY & JO started as an online statement jewelry site. One year later we opened up a brick-and-mortar store in Beverly Hills adding all other accessories: purses, scarves, sunglasses, and hats. Seven months later, due to some unfortunate circumstances we had to move out of that location. Not knowing if our company was going to survive the “surprise” move, miracles happened, and we were able to find a even better home on Melrose Ave. The move was a blessing in disguise and with our new bigger store we were then able to bring in clothes. B. POY & JO is now a full women’s boutique with all the goods and WE ARE LOVING IT!
I am loving where I am in life right now, there are, of course, major challenges with having your own business, and working around the clock with no sleep to get to where I want to be, but all in all I am very thankful for where I am in life. It hasn’t always been this way though, my 20’s were ROUGH, I didn’t like almost every job I have had after college, I struggled with where I fit in in the fashion industry, my love life was very inconsistent with a lot of heart break, I almost lost my business, but through all of this I have always maintained a very grateful attitude about life. No matter my circumstances I have always made sure I was thankful for what I DID have with the true belief that everything really does happen for a reason and to just be patient to see everything work itself out… a life of gratitude.
Through all of this I have learned a lot about myself, my goals, my dreams, and that no matter how serious the situation is you always need adventure and fun! I have learned the most magic comes to your life when you do things that are out of your comfort zone, wether that is a hike you didn’t think you could achieve, going to a social gathering by yourself to make new friends, doing something your scared of, or going in an adventure with an open agenda and letting the wind take you wherever you are supposed to be. I have been blessed to come across some very inspirational people and groups this way, people and groups that are a big part of my life now, ones that share in the creation, adventure, connectivity, and inspiration of this life. This life is truly special…remember that…and you are a badass…remember that, never let anyone tell you otherwise.
I am Casey Lum 