Today we’d like to introduce you to Porsha Key.
Hi Porsha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Porsha Key is a Black, female civil engineer; and the owner of La Femme Rebelle Clothing, a Saint Louis-based eBoutique. Her boutique aims to take the guesswork out of style by providing a source for ready-to-wear ensembles. Porsha’s approach to fashion STEMs from her engineering efficiency mindset; all of LFR’s pieces can be mixed and matched, creating a unique and carefully curated wardrobe for each shopper as they build looks they can wear over and over again.
Porsha attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. There, she studied Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering. It was also at TSU that Porsha realized you can be in STEM and still be passionate about fashion and how you present. Growing up in Ann Arbor near the campus of the University of Michigan, the style was not highlighted or celebrated. Attending an HBCU was a bit of a culture shock but showed Porsha fashion and education can run parallel.
After, being recruited to the metropolitan Saint Louis area for work as a civil engineer, Porsha decided to fulfill her dream of being a boutique owner. Realizing owning a brick and mortar store was no longer essential, Porsha launched La Femme Rebelle Clothing, her Saint Louis-based eBoutique.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Doing business in Saint Louis is a blessing. One, because it has small-town vibes, but with way more reach and resources. It’s not saturated like a larger city. Also, Saint Louis has a lot of pride and they really do take care of and support their own. If you love Saint Louis, it will love you right back.
I really struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome for the first few years being in business. I am a first-generation entrepreneur so I had no idea what to expect. It took me a few years to even buy my domain and really take ownership of what I was building. But I quickly learned people only see what you SAY you are. I had to really learn to take control of my story and create the brand I wanted people to see. I kept saying I wanted my sale demographic to be strong, confident women but I wasn’t even BEING strong and confident. I honestly no longer look at success by the amount of money I make but instead by the relationships I’ve built. I’ve built a community of funny, stylish, smart, silly, professional women who just so happen to shop with me every week.
I think La Femme Rebelle Clothing has grown immensely just by trusting my instincts and from loving and supporting other women. It’s kind of like the ‘Law of Attraction’. I don’t even do it for the payback. The same women that I support don’t always support me, but the universe sends the support of other women. It’s weird. When I show love, I get to love. I empty myself and some other woman fills me right back up!!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Considering fashion as her politic, Porsha believes there is power in owning her identity and femininity; while looking and feeling confident. Politics are about power. LFR seeks to help women feel powerful, as they navigate tough spaces. The notion that women can’t enjoy fashion and looking good while also being taken seriously professionally is sexist and an idea that Porsha rejects. Being an engineer, it is extremely important for Porsha to own space in a male dominated field and that is her goal for the women who shop with her as well.
Every time a woman shops with La Femme Rebelle Clothing, they are not only investing another piece into their wardrobe; they’re taking a political stance by enjoying and having fun with fashion while shopping taking up and owning space.
La Femme Rebelle Clothing seeks to outfit women, sizes S-4XL in clothing with powerful, bold lines in soft feminine textiles and colors. All LFR clothing compliments the female form. Porsha takes pride in choosing pieces in high-quality fabrics; something often compromised in fast, boutique-fashion.
What makes you happy?
Traveling makes me super happy. Travel is definitely my love language. Lol.
Black women also make me happy. I love the network and community of bomb-ass Black women I’ve built here in Saint Louis.
And fashion!! Of course.
Contact Info:
- Email: Lafemmerebelleclothing@gmail.com
- Website: shopLFR.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lafemmerebelleclothing
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lafemmerebelleclothing
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/lafemmerebelleclothing
- Other: https://Pinterest.com/lafemmerebelleclothing
