JEANNA KADLEC
Owner, Bluestocking Boutique
Brooklyn, NY
The owner of a lingerie boutique dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community, Jeanna Kadlec was inspired by a gaping hole in the market.
“I didn’t feel comfortable shopping for lingerie, and neither did my partner or our friends,” Kadlec said. “The lingerie industry was seemingly oblivious to our community, at best, and still is. Nevermind that I had no business experience whatsoever; nevermind that I had no professional background in the lingerie industry. But it was one of those ‘If not me, who?’ moments, and I couldn’t shake it. Two years later, here we are.”
The Brooklyn-based online shop now caters to queer and trans consumers who not only want to support LGBTQ brands and designers, but ethical manufacturing. Kadlec also made sure that the wearables are available in a wide range of sizes and for various gender presentations, saying she’s encouraged by other small business owners who are “out here fighting the good fight.”
“Especially other women, other queer and trans folks, people of color,” Kadlec said. “Folks who face systemic disadvantages and who manage to grow and create against the odds. Luckily, through my work with Bluestockings, I’ve been able to meet a lot of them, and they inspire me.”
Her advice to those looking to also fill a specific niche is to keep up the endurance.
“The instant success unicorns are rare, and you can’t pin your business plan on hoping to be one,” Kadlec said. “You have to settle in for the long haul and plan accordingly. “
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