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Boulevard News – March 2017

Boulevard News – March 2017

LK Fashion Boutique

Growing up in Togo, Africa Lili Latiube, owner of LK Fashion Boutique, always envisioned becoming a business woman. When she failed her junior year of high school, rather than being disappointed, Lili saw it as an opportunity to become the entrepreneur she wanted to be. Instead of continuing High School, Lili enrolled in a three-year trade school specializing in sewing.

 After her first year of attending sewing and design school for 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, her teacher offered her the chance to take the exit exam early. Lili took it, and passed, however she continued her training for the next two years to complete her school contract. Since her talent had been proven by her early completion of the exit exam, she had the liberty to use these two years to focus on developing her own identity in fashion, and develop plans for her business.

Upon finishing school in 1995, Lili quickly opened her first shop in Togo, specializing in custom dresses for big events. Lili’s business was a quick success. She was able to hire employees and teach them to sew for her. Lili strived not only for her own success, but for success within her community. The opportunity to hire employees and teach them skills that they can take with them the rest of their lives gives Lili fulfilment in her role as a business owner.

A few years after opening her shop in Togo, Lili’s husband won the lottery for a U.S. Visa, and was offered the opportunity to move to the U.S. He first came over without Lili, and enlisted in the Navy. After completing boot camp, Lili met her husband in New York City. Shortly after, the Navy relocated them to San Diego. With no established storefront in San Diego, Lili continued sewing at home, using fabric imported from Togo. Lili quickly began serving San Diego’s West African community, where there’s a need for someone with Lili’s expertise to design traditional clothing for ceremonies. For a brief time, Lili rented a small space in the back of the African Caribbean Market on El Cajon Boulevard.

Once her name spread within the community, she was able to open LK Fashion Boutique with instant success. Today in San Diego, her designs reach much further than her West African roots. Her unique designs made with colorful patterns are in line with US fashion trends. She also appeals to the local East African community, by integrating their traditional fabrics into her customs dress designs.

When entering LK Fashion Boutique, customers have the opportunity to search through her original designs that have already been crafted, or work with her to create something new. Enhancing the shopping experience, Lili sews and designs all her clothing in house, reminding her customers of the talent and hard work that goes into the clothing.

As Lili expands her business, she maintains her determination to run a business that advances her community. She noticed that the opportunities to learn sewing in the US are often expensive and out of reach to someone from a low-income household. Recognizing the need for employment opportunities, and skill development, Lili sought a way to leverage her position as a business owner to help.

LK Fashion Boutique – 5285 El Cajon Boulevard


Open Every Wednesday

11:30-7:30pm – 4350 El Cajon Boulevard

A Neighborhood Gathering Place
Offering Global Cuisine from Local Vendors

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Music Mob

The 3rd monthly Music Mob, presented in partnership by the El Cajon Boulevard BIA and Gig Town will provide a great line-up of live musicians at the BLVD West’s brunch time venues. From 10 – 2pm, locals are encouraged to peruse the Boulevard while enjoying a lazy Sunday, full of great dining options and drink specials, accompanied by live music sets at these four fabulous businesses.

 

April’s Line-up:

 

The Lafayette Hotel – 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, California 92104
10am – 10:45am
Devan M

 

Twisted Taps – 2302 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
11am – 11:45am
Alex Famous

 

Mamas Bakery / Live Wire– 4237 Alabama St, San Diego, CA 92104

12pm – 12:45pm
Barrie Dempsey

 

Negociant Winery – 2419 El Cajon Blvd B, San Diego, CA 92104

1pm – 1:45pm
Jessica Lerner

 


 

San Diego Futures Foundation

4283 El Cajon Blvd Suite 220

Yelper: I donated my old Mac laptop here, as I haven’t used it in 2 years and it still works (and wouldn’t have been in selling condition).  They were professional, and will either refurbish your computer or recycling it, based on the needs of their clients.

Click here for more yelp reviews.

 

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