Q & A with Deanna Boatswain- Purcel

She says the name is evocative of a sexy mysteriousness, hinting at the intimate nature of the items she carries without being vulgar or distasteful.

The family woman and mother of two from La Brea has a Bachelor’s in Business Management but after seven years of professional work she desired more fulfillment in her career. With the gracious support system of her family, she was encouraged to follow her dream of becoming an entrepreneur and opened Bare Secrets in 2014.

Although still employed at an “8-4” job, Bare Secrets has given her an outlet to be her own boss and supply services and products that make her proud.

“I love what I do, I love making my customers happy, I love seeing them satisfied,” says a loquacious Deanna of the close relationship she shares with her clientele.

Today, she speaks with WMN of her entrepreneurial path, the reasons her clientele feels comfortable and applaud her quality service, and what makes “Bare Secrets” a thriving business.

Q What is being an entrepreneur like? What challenges and triumphs have you experienced since embarking on this journey?

Being an entrepreneur is fun and exciting, it has always been something I wanted. Probably (because) I grew up with both parents being involved in businesses of their own, which encouraged me from young to be my own boss. As in everything, there are challenges. My schedule is extremely hectic. Being based online, I have deliveries which are done sometimes daily. So I do deliveries on a Saturday and after work hours on Monday to Friday. My family assists whenever needed (I am thankful for them!). However, those challenges are nothing compared to the satisfaction that I get when customers call or send messages regarding their contentment with their purchases.

Q Would you say your professional work relates to some of your personal passions?

Most definitely! There is a joy in being able to give a customer that confident satisfaction when they try on or purchase something. We as women all want to feel confident on a daily basis; we are no longer a society that keeps things for special occasions because every day is special in itself. So, my main focus was to ensure that each customer felt confident about themselves when trying on any garment we offer.

Q Tell us about “Bare Secrets” – when was its genesis, why did you choose to focus on intimate apparel and swimwear, and what has your customer response been like?

Bare Secrets officially started on May 25, 2014.

I chose Intimate Apparel after research in the industry and what was needed as well as what I like. I did the entire Business Plan and surveys.

When I was finished, I knew that this is the market I would like to be part of. I wanted the customers to have undies that matched… swimwear that suited their body type, comfortable sleepwear, accessories that are needed … My mission is to give the customers what they are looking for in an atmosphere which is discreet, comfortable and satisfying, (which) invites customers to feel comfortable when purchasing.

Q What are some of your bestselling products? And how do you stay in touch with what your clientele wants?

Oh, lingerie and swimwear are the bestselling ones. Because we are focused on being discreet and convenient, customers are comfortable with the way in which we interact. I go to meetings organized by someone who is interested and they can invite a number of other women to view the items, try on and purchase. I keep a record of what is required by some because the thing about women, we are talkers, so they message, “Hey do you have this?” or “Can you get it for me?” and that makes it easy with us staying in touch.

Q Who is your market at Bare Secrets? Why should they choose Bare Secrets for their intimate apparel and swimwear choices?

My market ranges from 18 to 65 plus. I cater for everyone. I try to incorporate current styles with comfort. It’s one thing to look gorgeous but it’s another to feel comfortable so that’s why I aim to have my customers choose me… I want them to be comfortable while being fashionable.

Q What do you believe makes you and your business unique, sellable, and relatable?

Service, Availability, Appreciation. We offer a service where we care more than just about the sale of an item, we care about how you feel. Because we’re based online, I try to be as accessible as possible, be it meeting for deliveries or coming to the comfort of your home/business for you to try and purchase items. And we appreciate all our customers, we are focused on ensuring they are all satisfied when they purchase

Q What is it like having a business in your hometown? How does it feel to be part of economic and entrepreneurial growth and expansion?

It’s great, actually. La Brea is a small community, when I launched I must say support was great. I have a few customers who are frequently calling … for something new to be added to their intimate stash. And that is actually very rewarding to know that in our community you can add growth and people don’t have to venture far for what they need.

Q What is your advice to other women who may be thinking of starting their own businesses? What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

The most important thing I have learnt is that when God births you with a vision no matter how many bumps may come, keep pressing. We women are made for this. The ups and downs, the ins and outs of life. Things will not always be perfect but in knowing who you serve He allows us to be prepared for whatever comes.

Last words or thoughts?

When you love what you do it’s never too much to go the extra mile… it becomes who you are.

God has blessed us all with talents and we may sometimes think this isn’t for us, but He knows why He chose to birth that idea in you. Leap out in Faith.