Meet LaSheree Bennett | Woman of God, Mom, CEO, Philanthropist

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

Hi LaSheree, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Contrary to my own belief, “Haus of LA” forced itself upon me.

At the end of 2019, I managed to build an empire all while being broke and broken.
Here I am; a single mother whom had recently hit rock bottom, I’m talking so low that I never thought I would see up again.

But whew; If “God will give you double for your trouble” was a person.

One day I just woke up sick and tired of being in this space and begin to pray and ask God to change my circumstances-
HE did just that!

Even though I was no CEO at the time.
I knew that yet and still I was the CEO of my life and had the ability and power to change the outcome.

So I booked this bomb photoshoot with the great Kinmiar (Haute Mice Studios).
Despite, being in one of the most darkest moments of my life I knew I still needed a uniform that screamed “Girl Boss.”

A blazer is the perfect piece to immediately exert power dressing.
The response to the black fitted, one arm ostrich feather blazer I wore during the time of the shoot was mind blowing.
At that exact moment my vision became crystal clear.

Being at a time where I’m experiencing imposter syndrome; this one piece of garment gave me the most infinite power. It stood as a barrier that protected me from everything that was once thrown-
I wanted every other hopeless woman like myself to experience the same power!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Haus of LA- “A closet crafted to keep up with all your Girl Boss moves”

The million dollar question that’s always asked, how did I come up with the name. Well the word HAUS was inspired by the Germany “Bauhaus” movement- quality/design and it’s actually a play on the word “House.”
Instantly, people think LA stands for the city of Los Angeles but it’s actually one of my many nicknames- La/ LaLa.
So those that know me personally tend to pronounce the L.A. as La- to me it’s all the same, either way it’s all an representation of who I am, which is the purpose of the brand.

I always tell people, when starting a business figure out a problem within that industry and become the solution. That’s how you find your niche, that’s how you set yourself apart.

Haus of LA was created after receiving the outpouring of responses and love from the blazer that I wore in the photo shoot I’d previously spoke about but it also came from the frustration of not being able to physically walk in-store and find a good-quality blazer that was cost-effective. Hence, even after finding a blazer for the shoot, It still needed revamping because it just wasn’t given what needed to be gave lol
And that’s when it came to me, I can’t be the only one. Other women have to be experiencing the same issue- my hustling tendencies kicked in immediately. I’ve already figured out the problem now it was time to become the solution!
It was time for me to revolutionize the fashion industry by curating a go-to, affordable luxury brand that specialized in blazers for all boss babes!

And I did just that! In 2019, this brand started off as just an idea with no executed plan just God + hustle. I started off with 5 blazers, preorders and making deliveries out of the trunk of my car.

With God, determination and consistency in just 3 years I’ve built a well known, six-figure go-to brand for blazer essentials and signature wardrobe pieces. With designs being seen on some of your favorite celebrities, macro influencers, as well as appearing on Emerge’s runway show in 2021 at New York Fashion Week- yet in still I’m on a high! I’m just so grateful for Dionne Williams- the founder and creator of Emerge for the opportunity and my two dear friends Mark Tutson & Kamal Woods for believing in me and pushing me since the beginning.

Entrepreneurship is not easy and isn’t for the weak. And for most, it won’t be an overnight success. It took me over 10 years with the help of previous failed businesses and an overall lack of knowledge that got me here today.
I’ve learned that you can’t be the jack of all trades and a master of none. So figure out that one thing that your absolutely passionate about and master it.
You have to love what your doing, because if you love it, not matter what happens you’ll figure out a way to get though it.

Often times we see people at a level and have no clue what they went through or how long it took. Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Own where you are. Take time to embrace and celebrate that!

May my story inspire you wherever your journey leads you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Welcome to Chicago! The second-best city in the world!! Contrary to popular belief Chicago is actually one of the best cities to live in and visit. Being well-known for our iconic food, music and architecture.

So let the fun begin,
It’s a must to visit The Bean; the mirrored sculpture in Millennium Park, Navy Pier, All of the Museums, The Roller Rinks, Chicago’s Riverwalk, The Skydeck at Willis Tower, check out some of the best views at 360 Chicago, The Lakefront & Beaches

Whew Chile! “Let’s go eat” is a Chicagoans love language!!! Considering we have some of the best food in world, there’s so much to choose from but to say the least;
You have to experience a chicago-style hot dog, a Maxwell street polish, an Italian beef sandwich, some fried chicken with mild sauce from Harold’s, a Deep Dish pizza from either Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s, some fine dining anywhere in the heart of downtown, Del Toro’s for some of the best tacos and drinks,
“Chicago’s Food On The Run” for some great soul food, if you’re vegetarian,
“Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat” If you don’t eat pork, “Just Turkey” has you covered. And there’s no itinerary without some great brunch starting off the day,
Batter and Berries and Truth’s Italian.

Oh and just in case you forgot how we act outside, our nightlife and Sunday Funday is a vibe!!! Hello Chicago!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My amazing 12 yr old Son, Cordell!- As a young child I have always been self motivated but the moment I gave birth to him he became my motivation to be the best version of myself. He’s my reaSON. Everything I do is for him! He’s literally my entire world. But if you were to ask him, he probably would add “manager” LOL

My family’s values and beliefs are the core of who I am! I come from a bloodline of go-getters, god-fearing, just overall strong individuals but there are 3 special women that’s had a profound influence in my life that made me into an even stronger person. That also encouraged me to be the woman I am today;
My Mom (Stephanie Bennett-Peebles)
My Grandmother (Sillierine Bennett)
My late and dearest Godmother (Felysha Cole-Jackson)

Today, I’ve come to the realization that nothing in my life has happened TO me.
It happened FOR me. Every wrong, every closed door, the hardship, the trials and tribulations. I’m thankful for it all-
collateral beauty has shaped me into the person I’ve become.

Website: www.shophausofla.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/la.bennett

Other: Instagram.com/hausofla (Business IG handle)

Image Credits
Dominique Barginear: itakeshotschicago.com Kendall-Kinmiar: kinmiar@hautemicestudios.com