Lillon Boutique, Your African-Inspired Brand for Handmade Accessories and Home Décor

This week’s Featured Business is Lillon Boutique, an African-inspired brand offering accessories and home décor handmade by Black artisans

2. When did you start your business and how did you come with the idea?

I come from a family of business owners/entrepreneurs, so business has always been in my blood. I was making my own beaded jewelry when I was 10-12 years old and I started selling it to friends in high school. When I reached college, I stopped to focus on my studies. I started once again back in 2014 when friends, colleagues even strangers wanted to purchase the jewelry I was wearing. Then in 2019, I expanded further and participated in bigger vendor shows in within the Toronto and GTA.

3. Where are you located?

I am based online at the moment due to COVID-19 and I can be found at LillonBoutique.com. Prior to COVID-19, I was also participating in various vendor shows, summer festivals throughout the Greater Toronto Area. I really do miss interacting with customers in person and I cannot wait to go back to it when it's safe to do so. You can also purchase some of my products at Canada Blackowned Market Place located at Bramalea Centre in Brampton.

4. What makes your business special or unique?

The thing that makes my business special or unique is that you get to see first-hand the variety, versatility and talent of our artisans. Customers do get to see and buy a piece of my own personal style, as all the items sold are items that I would personally wear. I like to have fun with colours, texture and I am drawn to items that are unique or different.



5. What are your 3 favorite products/services?

My 3 favorite products are earrings, bangles and necklaces made from various materials. If I had to choose just one, it will be earrings as they are my favourites and I personally own a high number of earrings. Earrings are also my top selling items as they are versatile, they can add a pop of colour and elevate any outfits. I currently have over 1000's pair of earrings made from different material ranging from recycled materials, plant-based, beads and fabric...



6. What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner and how did you address it?

My biggest challenge as business owner has been to switch my business from a physical one to an online one. The pandemic really forced me to pivot and sell more from my website. When I saw how all the vendors shows I had booked months or year in advance started to get cancelled, I felt a defeated and even took some time off to recharge.

I had doubled, tripled some of my inventory in preparation for the summer 2020 season as early as December 2019. It was very hard to see all that hard work and money spent being put on hold. After the initial shock, I persevered. I managed to expand my business not only to the United States, but to Europe as well.



7. What have you learned about yourself since you started your business?

Since I have started my business, I have learned that I am stronger and more resilient that I thought possible. When I look at where I started and where I am now, I can see the growth.

8. Would you do it again?

Yes, I would do it all again every time. I like the fact that no matter the hard work or stress this business belongs to me.

9. What are you working on now?

I have been trying to get my products to be carried into more physical stores. I have noticed that some customers like to feel and touch items first then they are more comfortable in placing orders online.

10. Do you want to relay anything to our readers?

I just tell everyone to chase their dreams and follow their passions. If you want to open a business, travel the world, go back to school or learn a new hobby, just go for it! Life is too short and this pandemic has really shown us not to take things for granted. We stop ourselves through fears, self-doubt, not having enough funds but you can always start small. I did it all while also working full time.

I started my business with carrying a small shopping bag with me to sell my items to my friends and colleagues. I have travelled alone when no one was available to travel with me at times and had so much fun. I went back to school and received another advanced diploma to further my professional career. I elevated my cooking game during the pandemic when missing dining at my favorite restaurants.

Start planning your next adventure or professional endeavors as of today...

You can find Lillon Boutique on AfroBiz Marketplace Canada which is the largest Black-owned marketplace in Canada. You can buy these items directly by visiting the following categories: Accessories, Home Décor, Jewelry and Women Shoes. Just try it!