Meet Philisha West | Mother & Business Owner

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

Hi Philisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was indeed a decision I never thought that I would make. Full transparency I never saw myself as a business owner. That all changed about four years ago, when I was asked to start a HomeCare agency with my partner. While yes, I have been in the Healthcare field for years, I have never been on the HomeCare side. My partner and I started our HomeCare Agency during the height of covid and to my surprise we became profitable within 11 months of opening.

I poured my heart and soul into the agency, during this lift to say things got stressful doesn’t even scratch the surface. I said to myself, if I could open a business for someone else, I know I can do this same thing for myself and my daughter. I have been a single mother for 7 years, no one plans to be a single provider, but I took that challenge and I continue to be the example my daughter admires. Opening this business was not just for me, but for her. Our business is a dedication to the two of us, it’s my childhood nick name and hers combined. I wanted her to know, no matter what you can and will be successful. You will know how to run a business, and you will never have to wait for someone to provide a good life for you.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Phi’s Bougie Bags and Beauty was created with the single mother in mind. Our main goal is to provide luxury at an affordable price. Too many times we as parents spend all of our extra on our kids and neglect our wants for their needs. Phi’s Bougie Bags & Beauty is here to curve that! We offer a variety of beauty products from lashes, eyeshadow, earrings, anklets, bracelets and of course bags!

We offer name brands selections such as Coach, Michael Kors and Kate Spade to name a few. These bags will be the most expensive items at our store. Even with that being said, these luxury bags will ALWYS be within the range of $110.00 – $140.00

Every other item offered at our establishment ranges between $3.99 – $55.00. We do our best to keep cost low so we can offer a little something for everyone. Our moto is “Affordable Bougie, Average is not in Our DNA”

Opening our store was not easy but it took off very fast! We took a leap of faith November 2023 bought a large amount of inventory and hoped for the best. We became a profitable company March 2024. Phis Bougie Bags & Beauty works vendor fairs every weekend; and we have made our way onto the famous TikTok store. The biggest lesson learned thus far, do not let fear lead you. Leading by fear has landed us at some vendor fairs that did not produce much profit. it’s okay not to sign up for everything for the sake of being busy. Location is important, so now we know the markets to join and the ones to stay away from. Also, its imperative to stay on top of what you spend, makes tax time so much easier.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first we have to eat sushi! Being in California you will certainly find some of the best seafood that one cannot pass up. After that, we would check out the aquarium! I love simple fun, and the aquarium is a great place to start as there is much to see you can truly spend the day and get lost. The beach is of course a must! We would have to check out Venice Beach, no way could we pass up one of the most iconic staples of Southern California. Of course, Six Flags, Disney and Knotts Berry Farm are on the list, we will certainly not visit them in the same day, but we will visit each of them and spend the day! We will have the best time ever!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The saying “It takes a village” is a true statement. I must thank my village for all of their support. Whatever dream I have, they always speak life into them.

Website: https://phisbougiebagsandbeauty.myshopify.com/

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