Billie & Lulu's was founded by a plus-size woman, a petite woman, and a guy who somehow became an expert in women's clothing inventory.
That's probably not what most people picture when they think about the team behind a plus-size clothing store.
But the truth is, inclusivity isn't just something we talk about with our customers. It's reflected in the people behind the business, too.
Heidi was one of the reasons Billie & Lulu's exists in the first place. As a plus-size woman, she understood the frustration of trying to find stylish clothing that actually fit, felt good, and reflected her personality. I don't share that experience. But I have spent years listening to the women in my life who do—friends, family members, and customers who were tired of limited options, tired of feeling overlooked, and tired of walking into stores that didn't feel welcoming.
A few years ago, I shared on Instagram that I often avoid being on camera because of my own insecurities. As someone who co-owns a plus-size clothing store, I've heard plenty of opinions over the years. Some were meant as jokes, some weren't, but they all taught me something important: people make assumptions about each other based on appearances all the time.
What I've learned is that body acceptance isn't about one body type. It's not about deciding who belongs in a conversation and who doesn't. It's about creating space where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and welcome.
And then there's Brian.
Customers are often surprised to see him working in the store. He laughs about it now, but the reality is that Billie & Lulu's wouldn't function without him. He's our inventory manager, tech support department, maintenance crew, problem solver, vendor helper, and about 100 other jobs rolled into one. He just happens to prefer staying behind the scenes instead of appearing on social media.
What we've learned is that our differences aren't the most important thing about us. The values we share are.
We want customers to find clothing they love. We want them to feel confident. We want them to feel seen. We want them to feel comfortable asking questions, trying new things, and expressing their personal style. And if they leave feeling like they've made a few new friends along the way, even better.
The same philosophy applies to the people behind the business. We don't all look the same. We don't all have the same experiences. But we share the same belief that every woman deserves to feel confident, comfortable, and celebrated.
It takes a village to build a small business. Ours just happens to include a plus-size woman, a petite woman, her supportive husband, and an incredible community of customers who make all of it worthwhile.
We may not look like the team people expect, but we're exactly the team Billie & Lulu's needed.
And honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way.