Gratitude for each and every client that has entrusted us with not only finding a bra that will support them, but also for allowing us into that intimate space that most women feel quite vulnerable about. It takes a lot of courage to stand half-undressed in front of another woman, let alone to have your breasts ‘man-handled.’
When I reflect back on our humble beginnings, back where it all began, my heart smiles on the incredible journey we have been on so far.
Here are some of the highlights of what I’ve learnt over the years:
1. Listening to clients:
Everyone wants to be heard, not just seen. At Bravacious, it’s always been important to me that every client feels like her needs have been heard and hopefully met. We want our clients to come in and offer them a ‘safe space’ where they won’t feel judged, but rather valued as a person who has genuine fears and concerns.
2. Creating a connection:
Over time I’ve learnt that each and every one of us has our own insecurities to deal with. These may come in different shapes and forms, but we’re all facing some battle of some sort. Creating a connection and being vulnerable enough to share what you might be going through has helped ladies feel like they aren’t alone. That yes, their problem may feel unique to them, but a problem shared is a problem halved.
3. Seeing a woman’s reaction to finally being fitted in the correct bra:
This is still one of my biggest highlights and why we do what we do. So many women don’t have a healthy relationship with their bodies, especially their boobs. Some women can’t even look at themselves in the mirror. But the transformation that happens just from being fitted correctly is priceless and warms our heart each and every time. I still remember one of my very first fittings, where a voluptuous lady came in for a fitting and I got her fitted not only into her right size, but in a gorgeous bra.
When she looked at herself in the mirror, her response was, “Wow, I’m actually beautiful!” We both stood there hugging each other with tears streaming down our cheeks.
4. The relief of a mother’s frustrations at not being able to find a good fitting bra for her teen:
Any mother that has gone bra shopping with her teenage daughter knows the frustration of not being able to find a good-fitting bra. We love when we pull the curtain open for a daughter to reveal the fitted bra and the relief and smile on her mother’s face!
5. The joy of a young woman finally having a pretty bra that fits her perfectly:
This is a big one for me. Many of our clients bring their daughters in to get fitted for their first bras. The shyness when they come in quickly fades to excitement and joy as they are given the privacy and space to decide what their lingerie wardrobe is going to look like. My heart is so happy when, at the end of the consultation I ask them, ‘was that as bad as you had anticipated’ and their response is ‘not at all, thank you.’
6. Transformation:
Oh, there have been many transformations! Firstly with our space. When we first started Bravacious, we were in a space at my parents’ home. Ladies enjoyed the more intimate space and that it felt more private. Eventually, in 2019, we moved to an office complex, still providing a certain element of privacy in the sense that we weren’t in a shopping mall. This month, we have given our studio a birthday makeover and we are just so excited for our clients to come rediscover our new, modern space.
7. Transformation as a business owner:
Being in business for 13 years has certainly made me more humble and grateful. Humbled because of how loyal our clients are. We have clients that have been on the 13-year journey with us and were there from the beginning. Grateful that our clients choose to spend their hard-earned money at Bravacious because they see the value in investing in themselves – that wearing the correct size bra is not a luxury but rather an absolute necessity.
8. Not everyone will understand that getting the correct fitting bra will most likely be more expensive than they expected:
This has been one of my biggest challenges. Due to the fact that the sizes we require to fit our clients correctly aren’t manufactured locally, we have to import our bras. That comes with dealing not only with a weak Rand, but also with custom charges (45%) plus VAT, as well as freighting charges. This pushes our bras out of the normal price range ladies expect to pay for a bra. So, in an economy where everyone is watching where they spend every cent, some ladies feel they just can’t justify spending that much on a bra.
That said, as we celebrate 13 years, I am excited to see what the future holds. I am excited for more women to be transformed and for more ladies to see that they are beautiful, just as they are!
At Bravacious, we pride ourselves on taking the time to understand our ladies’ needs. Book your personalised fitting with us on 079 799 5838 and have fun (rather than stress) finding your perfect lingerie fit.
