Boutique Makes History as 1st African-American-Owned Shop in Wayne

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Hillary White Jean wanted to offer high-end fashion to customers, so she sought out a Wayne storefront and created JWH Boutique, writes TaRhonda Thomas for 6abc.

Now JWH Boutique has made history as the first African-American-owned business in Wayne.

Jean is from Haiti and came to America when she was 14.

She created a reputation as a celebrity hairstylist, then started her fashion business.

“I started from my closet. I would sell one piece of my clothes, then I would buy a new one,” she said. “I was actually waiting for a loan to come through, it never came through.”

Not securing a business loan is a problem many minority entrepreneurs face, according to the African American Chamber of Commerce.

Jean persisted and was able to run a small boutique in SoHo.

Then Wayne called to her.

Jean has been warmly greeted and the shop has a loyal following.

“Wayne has been so good to me, I actually moved here,” Jean said.

Her collaboration with some great Black designers means she carries brands not found anywhere else on the Main Line.

She hopes her success inspires others.

“There’s nothing that is impossible,” she said. “You put your mind to it, you go for it.”

Read more about JWH Boutique at 6abc.

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