Meet Courtney Watkins | Personal Shopper/Stylist/Aspiring Boutique Owner

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

Hi Courtney, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My IG handle @MyLifeWithCurves was created on January 17, 2019 because I wanted to share my style as well as my self love advocacy with others. I constantly receive compliments on the way I carry myself, my style, hair, nails, etc. from people, more specifically plus size women, in addition to inquiries regarding personal shopping as well as questions regarding where I purchase my clothing from so I wanted to expose other plus size women to my life with curves (no pun intended, lol) in pictures. Initially, my goal was to post pictures of my outfits and tag the brands and boutiques that I would purchase items from in hopes of being reposted wearing their inventory. However, my goal has shifted. Although I’ve been blessed to be reposted and I’ve had the opportunity to model plus size clothing within the last couple of months, I’ve decided that I need to create my own space within the plus size boutique community. Currently, I am in the beginning stages of starting a plus size boutique which I plan to launch in the Spring or Summer 2022.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I previously mentioned, @MyLifeWithCurves was created because I wanted to share my style as well as my self love advocacy with others. Creating my handle on IG gave me a platform to reach women around the world. I’ve had women direct message me or comment on my posts with “I wish I had your confidence.” ,“How are you so confident?” or “I would love to wear that, but…” and I empathize with their statements because I have not always been comfortable in my own skin. I’ve grown into who I am today. I also receive direct messages, comments and have conversations regarding me shopping for and styling women. We’ve all heard the quote, “If you look good, you feel good.” and for me, that quote rings true. Regardless of someone’s statue, we all deserve to have the option to purchase trendy clothing to accentuate our frame. Growing up plus size in the 1990s was kind of weird because there were not many clothing options. Chubby girls were walking around looking like little women!! Now, there are a plethora of options and one of my goals is to ensure that women understand that it’s okay to step outside of their comfort zone and try pieces that they like. There are NO rules in fashion!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In true Houston fashion, I would definitely take them to Pappadeux and The Breakfast Klub, lol!!! Who doesn’t like perfectly seasoned cuisine?? I’m also a fan of Snooze, Mikki’s, Steak 48 and Churrascos because I’m a foodie that eats the same type of food all of the time. Honestly, we’d be experiencing new places together because I’m still not comfortable with being social due to the pandemic. There are some places that I’d like to visit or try: Cidercade ,Amhale, Houston Grub Park, Post Houston, McIntyre’s, and JOEY Uptown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is dedicated to: My mom, my SHEro Pamela: Thank you for your unconditional love.
My brother, Adrian: Thank you for always listening to me and for encouraging me to follow my dream of becoming a business owner.
My cousin, Mekey: Thank you for always telling me, “It’s okay. You can do it, cousin!”
My unofficial mentor, Mitzi Henderson @themitzihenderson: Thank you for staying on me!!
AND the rest of my people who believe in my dream just as much as I do!

Instagram: @MyLifeWithCurves

Image Credits
Green Dress: @Twiggy’s Boutique, photograph: Hollis Francois Multi-Colored Dress: @Twiggy’s Boutique, photograph: Hollis Francois Light Blue Body Suit and Jeans @Twiggy’s Boutique, photograph: Hollis Francois