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Correspondent SPRINGFIELD When choosing the right clothes for you, just be yourself is the motto of Bianca Jackson, owner of Just B on Sumner Avenue. The petite 23-year-old businesswoman practices what she preaches as she dresses each day in clothes that makes her feel comfortable and confident. Just B is a contemporary clothing boutique aimed at ages 18 to 35 that Jackson describes as "fun, colorful, hip, and ever changing." Her free-flowing displays, accented with light-colored walls, mirrors and polished hardwood floors, are all designed to provide a warm inviting environment for customers. A comfortable sofa is also provided for patrons trying on shoes. Jackson credits her boyfriend Jaimie Burton with helping her find the right location for the shop and then renovating it to fit the contemporary look she sought. "I grew up in Springfield and like the Forest Park area," she said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "The location is also in a multicultural area which I like." Jackson is no stranger to the fashion world after graduating from Central High School in Springfield where she took four years of classes related to fashion, she attended New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), majoring in fashion merchandise management. "I worked several Mercedes Benz fashion shows and put a lot of interest into displays and exhibit design," she said of her years in New York City. Her stylish shop is a perfect example of the skills she honed during her years at F.I.T. Jackson is the buyer for all the clothing and accessories which includes a wide variety of casual and dressy shirts, jeans, dresses, pants, shoes, belts and purses. Clothing sizes range from extra small to large with jeans in sizes 0 to 12. In addition, a jewelry corner includes colorful earrings, bracelets and necklaces. "Three times a week we have new items arriving so there is always a fresh look about the shop," said Jackson, adding that she also has five new lines a year added to her inventory. What's hot this fall? Jackson says denim is in and Joe's Jeans, Seven Jeans and Frankie B are all popular styles. Jackson likes selling Joe's Jeans, in particular, since they are made to contour with one's body shape and, therefore, are more popular than other styles. Jackson said what sets her boutique apart from others is the one-of-a-kind pieces that customers will find attractive and affordable. "If you don't want to have the same outfit on at a party that someone else does -- this is the place to shop," she added. "Customers tell me they always receive a lot of compliments from the clothing and are asked where they were purchased." Jackson said she is honest with her customers when they seek advice on clothing choices because she wants them to receive compliments from others and feel confident about their purchase. Jackson can also provide expert alterations for customers. "I can also special order clothing for customers in some instances," she added. Jackson knows that to stay on top of the fashion industry, daily research is a necessity. Her purchasing trips to New York City are indispensable for reading the pulse of the fashion world, but also countless hours are spent reading magazines, observing what people are wearing and watching television for trends. When Jackson isn't running her business or researching the latest fashion trends, she can also be found shadowing fashion designer Helen Stefanyszyn who owns Stefanyszyn Inc. in the Cabotville Industrial Park in Chicopee. Jackson said her four years of working part-time with Stefanyszyn has allowed her a glimpse of designing and constructing fashions which has given her additional insight into the business end of the fashion world. Stefanyszyn specializes in high-end mother of the bride dresses, according to Jackson. What's next for this enterprising young entrepreneur? "I would like to expand into the men's market at some point," she said, adding that a design room downstairs may also soon be in the works. Just B is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is closed Sundays. For more information on the chic shop, contact Jackson at (413) 747-0207. | ||||||
