Meet Latia Lopes of William Edward Boutique in Cambridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Latia Lopes.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My fashion journey began when I was a little girl. My mom owned a clothing boutique and would take me on her buying trips. On these trips, I saw so many different fabrics and styles. I also started to realize there was more to it then actually selling clothing.

As I gotten older people often comment on how they liked my style so I decided to start styling part-time while I was in college. I started styling photo shoots and also some professional athletes. I enjoyed styling but I wanted something different out of the experience. I created an online store in my junior year of college called Fashion Tales. I would sell clothing online and be a part of fashion shows. While creating a business for myself, I started working in retail at stores like Gucci, Saks, and Lord & Taylor. I enjoyed retail but I wanted to own my own store.

In 2014 I changed my business name to William Edward Boutique, named after my father. I opened William Edward Boutique in a suite space in Dorchester, MA. I wanted to create a styling experience in the boutique for women and men. As time progressed, I started getting different opportunities to open in a storefront space. Now I am located at Cambridgeside, a mall in Cambridge, MA. My journey is still continuing but what I do know now is that my persistence and faith have gotten me this far and will get me even further.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My road hasn’t been smooth at all. In business, you will reach highs and lows. Some of my struggles are balancing home life. I am a wife and a mom so it can be hard at times focusing on my business without feeling like I am neglecting my husband and daughter.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
William Edward Boutique is a women and men’s boutique. Typically boutiques are womenswear, I named it after my dad so menswear was important to me. When I created this boutique I wanted clients to feel like they had their own personal stylist. I wanted clients to also find some clothes that wouldn’t be in every store.

I believe that sets me apart from other boutiques is the experience. As my business is growing, I am going to create even more of an experience because that’s what I want when I go into a boutique. I am happy about our continuing growth and now being located in a mall. So many other opportunities are opening up and I’m excited about our present and future.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very social and stylish. My parents love fashion so I would always be super stylish in school from elementary and up. I enjoyed singing, dance, tennis, track and acting. I had so many interests and enjoyed each of them. My parents would allow me to explore my likes and it helped mold me into who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Address: 100 Cambridgeside Place Cambridge, MA 02141
• Website: shopwilliamedward.com
• Phone: 6176655119
• Email: hello@shopwilliamedward.com
• Instagram: @shopwilliamedward
• Facebook: www.faceboook.com/williamedwardboutique
• Twitter: @shopwilliamed

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