Meet Brianna James | Owner of Dream by Allure

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

Hi Brianna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always known I wanted to start my own business, but with the right timing it all just came together. I graduated with my degree in Health Studies during the pandemic, so it was really hard trying to find something in my career while everything was shutting down! I had so much free time on my hands and wanted to keep my mind active, so I just pulled out an old sewing machine and taught myself how to sew! After a lot of practice I randomly wanted to make myself a bonnet lol. Being a Black woman with natural hair I know how important it is to protect our crown! Every bonnet I’ve ever owned was from a beauty supply. They always said they were “silk” or “satin”, but they definitely weren’t, or at least not quality satin. I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt this way, and this was the perfect time to launch Dream by Allure. I was very adamant on sewing all the products myself, and I definitely make each item with love. I want to provide other individuals quality satin products from bonnets, durags, shower caps, pillowcases, and more, and I want women to feel beautiful in their hair protectants.

What should our readers know about your business?
Of course it wasn’t all easy starting off. Starting your own business takes ALOT of research and understanding that I honestly wasn’t aware of before hand. I had to take the time to actually educate myself on all the business licenses, taxes, and more. I wanted to make sure I had everything intact beforehand. But overall, I enjoy it so much. I love being able to do something I enjoy and providing a business that I’m genuinely excited about. Sometimes it can be overwhelming because I make everything by orders, but I love receiving photos and reviews seeing my happy customers, it just all feels good! I’m most excited about the future, I have so many ideas and goals that I know I’ll fulfill. One day everyone will know to go to Dream by Allure for all your satin needs!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a huge foodie so it would definitely be a lot of eating. I would take her to Vidorra because they have bomb queso, then we would hit a spot called Uchi and Bowen House, somewhere we can get cute, eat good, and have some cute cocktails. I really like spots that I can chill but still has good music, so we would go to Daiquiri Shoppe, or Blendz Daiquiri Shop to have some daiquiris and hookah! And of course we’d have to have Sunday funday, starting off with brunch at Stirr Addison, then going to Gaslight, Harris House of Heroes, or Bitter End.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! I’d have to say my family! My mom, dad, and sister are so supportive, rather it’s just reposting stuff or helping me when needed. My sister is always down to model products, and she’s definitely not afraid to give me her opinion on things, we all need a little constructive criticism. My dad is always doing post office runs for me, I’m sure he finds it enjoyable by now lol, he’s also my handy man & always looking for a way to help out, he would probably sew with me if he could. And my mom might as well be my business partner. I come to her with all my ideas, she’ll stay up till 3am helping me if need be, and they’re all so knowledgeable on marketing and sales. I already told my parents they have to work for me when they retire!

Website: Dreambyallure.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dreambyallure?igshid=uzn8ah0za7w7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dreambyallure/