We had the good fortune of connecting with Jane Perry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jane, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My name is Jane Perry. I am a 30 year old female. My pronouns are She/Her/Ella. I identify as an African American Woman with an Hispanic/Latino background. My parents were born and raised in Honduras, which is a country located in Central America.

My parents migrated from Honduras to the United States in the 1980’s. I was born and raised in the Bronx County of New York City. I then relocated to Houston, TX in the year 2018 to venture and explore new opportunities.

On or around November 2018, I discovered I was expecting a precious boy that I named Chase. I had a healthy pregnancy up until February 2019. 10 weeks into the pregnancy the obstetrician was unable to detect His heartbeat. At that very moment, my entire life changed.

Le Bleu Clothing brand logo includes a Teddy Bear which represent the Teddy Bear Urn where Chase cremation remains. Although he is not with us physically, he remain in our hearts.

Le Bleu Clothing brand represents faith and hope. Miscarriages are often hidden and/or kept a secret due to its sensitive nature. Le Bleu Clothing brand wants to support families that are grieving and/or have grieved pregnancy loss. Le Bleu Clothing mission is to restore hope and shed a light post miscarriage by spreading confidence through our designs and styles for families from different backgrounds.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated from Nyack College with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work Degree in 2015 and Master of Science in Clinical Social Work Degree in 2016.

I am currently a full time employee as a Bilingual Senior Counselor for the Houston Area Woman’s Center.

I also manage Le Bleu Clothing brand alongside Shop Jane’s Closet.

I have experienced many challenges over the course of my life. However, I remained determined and motivated to accomplish the goals I set for myself.

Over the course of my life and journey as a mother and an entrepreneur, I have learned that I am a solution-oriented person. Critical thinking has helped me to become open-minded to other opinions without internalizing. Instead, having the capability of clarifying situations and/or questions while applying constructive criticism to my life. This mentality has helped me throughout my journey as a mother, influencer, content creator and entrepreneur.

What’s one conventional advice that you disagree with?

“Keep your opinions to yourself.”
I believe opinions are important and vital to our growth as leaders. It is a form of networking and connecting with others. When communicating healthily, other’s opinion aside from our own can help determine solutions.

Over the course of my life and journey as a mother and an entrepreneur, I have learned that I am a solution-oriented person. Critical thinking has
helped me to become open-minded to other opinions without internalizing. Instead, having the capability of clarifying situations and/or questions.

This mentality has helped me throughout my journey as a mother, influencer, content creator and entrepreneur.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/ career?

I believe entrepreneurs are often risk-takers. As an entrepreneur who have an interest in raising capital for Le Bleu clothing brand, I confidently
take risks in investing personal funds into the brand while also utilizing personal investors alongside Crowdfund to raise capital.

Here is the link for more information: https://crowdfundr.com/LeBleuClothing/

Entrepreneurship requires courageousness and determination in order for one’s business to succeed. I refrain from viewing risks in a fearful manner.

Taking risks lead to great rewards, if done correctly. Planning and budgeting are vital for me in entrepreneurship and also in expanding the Le Bleu Clothing brand.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

My Faith, Consistency, Planning and Budgeting has helped me succeed in the expansion of Le Bleu Clothing brand.

I currently have a YouTube Channel where I showcase many products from Le Bleu Clothing brand. I utilize this platform for promotion of the brand, as well as connecting with other business owners.

Business planning has helped in setting goals for the brand and exploring ways to achieve the goals. Some examples of business planning include
but are not limited to business description and structure, products and services, as well as finances and budgeting.

Faith allows me to release all stressors and worries to a greater power. Faith allows me to see the positive aspects of challenges. I am grateful for
ShoutOut HTX Magazine connecting with Le Bleu Clothing brand and expressing interest us

What is the most important factor behind your success / the successes of your brand?

The most important factor behind the successes of Le Bleu Clothing brand is happiness and motivation. Happiness drives my motivation to continue moving forward in my career and within the clothing brand.

Motivation boosts my adrenaline and stamina. Motivation increases my energy levels which creates a safe space for me to remain focused, committed, driven and passionate of goals and objectives pertaining to Le Bleu Clothing brand.

What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

The most important lesson I have learned in managing Le Bleu Clothing brand and in my career is prioritizing self-care. I have learned the importance of taking care of my physical, emotional and mental health to reduce feelings of burnout.

Some examples of self-care include keeping a consistent sleep schedule, maintaining a balanced diet (including fruits and vegetables in my meals), staying hydrated by consuming plenty of water and taking breaks throughout the course of my day.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

Work life balance can be challenging; however, it is possible to have a healthy balance with work and life. I currently have a full-time job as a Bilingual Counselor for the Houston Area Women’s Center. I also manage Le Bleu Clothing brand alongside Shop Jane’s Closet.

I utilize planners every year to assist in managing my time effectively with work and life. I utilize it by keeping track of important dates, appointments and deadlines. I also utilize planners to block off time for vacations, family time and self-care activities.

How did you come up with the idea for your business

I am a mother to a 3-year-old precious boy named Cody B. Ruiz who was born on January 2020. Le Bleu Clothing include Cody’s middle name “Bleu” and it also honors him as my Rainbow Baby.

A rainbow baby is defined as “a baby born subsequent to a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, termination for medical reasons,
stillbirth or neonatal death” (Tommy’s, n.d.).

Le Bleu Clothing is a brand that centers the attention to children and youth alongside their parents and caregivers. We believe that children are the
future, and it is vital to invest in their future.

I have experienced challenges in finding comfortable clothing for Cody, as he is very active and playful.

Through this clothing brand, I have been able to find cozy, warm and flexible clothing for him. I instantly wanted to share our idea, designs and styles with other children and their families.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
Growing up, I have always expressed interest in Writing, Drawing, Painting, Fashion Designing, Graphic Designing and Web Designing.

I have always enjoyed creating and sharing my work with others. Now that I am an adult, I am tapping back in to my creative and artistic roots by
sharing my ideas on All Social Media Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Twitter (also known as “X”).

Here are the usernames to further connect and learn more of Le Bleu Clothing brand.
 YouTube: @HernameisJane
 Instagram: @LeBleuClothingLLC
 Twitter (X): @LeBleuClothing
 Website: https://www.lebleuclothing.com/

What are you inspired by?
Inspiration is a mental stimulation that motivates one to work, set goals and remain hopeful of the future.

Breaking barriers and achieving professional growth as an active African American Women who manages Black-Owned Businesses inspires me
to thrive and remain motivated and determined to accomplishing goals.

Communicating and engaging with my son Cody and my Support System also renews my sense of purpose. They are a constant reminder that
failure is not an option!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of the most fun and interesting locations in Houston, TX for me is Buffalo Bayou Park, McGovern Centennial Gardens, Discovery Green, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Zoo and Kemah Boardwalk.

I would invite a friend to experience these interactive places with me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a Shout-out to my mentors Waldina P., Jasmin P., Brian P., my Life Partner Kenneth R. and my Precious Baby Boy Cody R. I would also love to Shout-out, ShoutOut HTX Magazine for connecting with me and expressing interest in Le Bleu Clothing brand.

Website: https://www.lebleuclothing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebleuclothingllc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lebleuclothing/

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/lebleuclothingllc/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@HernameisJane/

Other: https://crowdfundr.com/LeBleuClothing/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.