Bette Davis And Betty Page Would Be Proud
Julia Sloan is a woman to be reckoned with. She took her tax return and opened a business with it. She says if she can do it anyone can. Her Brazen Betties Boutique is adorable. While she is a designer herself, her shop is full of work by Connecticut artists and designers. I continue to marvel at all of the talent in this state.
Julia’s store is on Main Street in Torrington, a city that is trying to rejuvenate itself. One of the forces behind that is Julia. She’s running around networking and connecting to make her town a better place. If you have something to consign, get a hold of Julia if you don’t, walk in the door and say hi and see all the things that are being created by local artists. The boutique specializes in clothing, accessories, home accents and artwork.
Julia is pushing herself big time and has even come up with a motto that moves her forward, it is “Be fearless without being foolish.”
Before I forget here’s her Facebook Page. You can find her on Twitter here @BrazenBetties.
She named the store Brazen Betties because she is a big time fan of Old Hollywood movie star Bette Davis and of Betty Page, a big time Pin-up gal of yesterday who donned more covers of magazines in her day than Marilyn Monroe.
When you walk into the shop you will hear music playing. She has an old record player and puts on real honest-to-goodness albums, remember those. On the day I was there she was playing South Pacific. It puts you in a vintage mood.
I mentioned Julia is a designer, she’s a graduate of Gibbs and is making, the Signature Accessory Clip, you see at the top of the post which you can buy on her website.
Julia understands the kind of outreach you need to do with a new business. That being said she’ll be holding a Brazen Betties Vintage Expo. It will take place on December 11th at the Torrington Armory. During the event she’ll feature a Bettie Page Look-Alike contest. For those who don’t know, Betty Page is the brunette below. The blonde is of course Bette Davis. Get in on this contest, it’s going to be fun!
I took a shot of Julia’s decals that she had put on her shop windows, yep Art Deco. Just in case you’re looking for something similar for your small business, a company called Videsignz did it. Pretty snappy isn’t it and a really good idea.
Every town needs a Betty, a Julia, to drive it into the future. There are other shops on Main that I will be writing up straight away, because I’m doing my part to help Torrington too, they’re trying and they can use the encouragement.
By the way, when Julia has bangs, she looks a lot like Betty Page, just sayin.
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Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Ann Nyberg
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Ann! So glad you wrote about Brazen Betties! I was just there over the weekend and I love Julia. She truly is an inspiration
Sami, she was telling me all about you and how sweet you are, couldn’t agree more!
Wonderful, wonderful piece! Thank you for letting the world know about my good friend. You’ve met a woman who’s a positive dynamo, and a force of nature. Her energy is infectious! Her store is truly one of a kind, and her vision is uncompromisingly forward-thinking!
Bob, this was a pleasure, Julia is a wonderful gal and is so good to the town of Torrington, it’s really lovely to see her relationship with others.
Wonderful review!
Elizabeth, Julia is a wonderful hard working gal that deserves exposure!
Ann, thanks so much for taking the time to visit Torrington and spread the word. Julia is such an asset to the downtown and we love having her here. You are a beautiful person and it was such a pleasure to meet you in person. Thanks again, Karen
Karen it was a delight talking with you, love your store.
Brazen Betty and the other shops along that drag in Torrington are well worth exploring