337 MAGAZINE Turning Furlough Into Fortune

Turning Furlough Into Fortune

By Vicky Roe

F

urlough. A word some of us have become all too familiar with during this pandemic. While for some, it may be weeks or months, but that’s not the case for everyone- some furloughs have led to the full on loss of jobs. Unfortunately, this was the case for Glam Me More Fashion Boutique owner, Antoinette Moore. After spending 14 years working as a Dental Assistant, that dreaded time came- first a furlough, then her being completely let go. How do you begin to pick up the pieces after such a blow? Moore leaned in on her faith and love of fashion to not only inspire herself but others along the way.

Fashion has been in Moore’s blood for as long as she can remember. “I grew up in a really small town and I was always the only Black girl. I felt like every girl wanted to be a teacher and I almost felt left out because I didn’t want to be a teacher. I thought, no, I’m into fashion! I want to look cute,” Moore said as she laughed. “It was to the point where one time, my Mom sent me to school and my outfit was less than cute. I played sick to come home and change that outfit! It was a lime green outfit with black polka dots.”

Although the pandemic pushed Moore to really put in the work for her brand, this wasn’t the first time she tried to make a long time dream come true. “I stepped out initially in 2016 and it didn’t happen for me right away, so I quit. This time around, quitting is not an option for me. Here I am, knowing that success doesn’t happen overnight and you have to stay the course. This is all a part of the process and I’m loving every minute of it.”

While things are looking better and better for Moore each day, it wasn’t long ago that she felt the true effects of the pandemic. “My job was still waiting for me; I was on a furlough. But then they called me up three months into the furlough to say farewell. I was really pushed out into the deep end, like, you really have to do this. I prayed every day and I asked God to lead me.“

After losing the security blanket of her job of 14 years, Moore knew this was the perfect opportunity to step out on faith and build her fashion empire, no matter how scary things initially looked.

“My income changed at first. I was depending on a multimillion dollar company and I was making some really good money working for someone.”

While being a Dental Assistant brought in good money and stability, after being let go, Moore had to pivot from that plan and begin to pursue her passion- thus the (re)birth of Glam Me More Fashion Boutique. “I had to take everything I had, to put into what I wanted. My job is so fun but it’s still hard work. It still takes dedication and perseverance and it’s very much a sacrifice. I am still a mother, I am still a wife and I’m also a student.”

Moore says Glam Me More Fashion Boutique is that sexy and sophisticated brand that all types of women can enjoy. “I’m big on being sexy and comfy. We want to look sexy but we want to be able to breathe in those jeans, we want to be able to breathe in that jumpsuit. I’m just about for every woman- we serve sizes small to 3X. I wanted to embrace all sizes. Sexy comes in all shapes and sizes and I’m here to make those women feel sexy and comfy in whatever size they’re in. You’ll find some sexy office sophisticated wear, you may even be able to come across something for your prom, or you may find some real nice lounging outfits.”

It can be tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel in today’s current economic climate, but in addition to her faith, Moore says her passion to inspire keeps her going. “I’m keeping in mind that I’m motivating my children indirectly. Showing them the way- they do what you do, not what you say. I just want to be an inspiration and encourage other women, or just anybody in general. Once you make up your mind about something, you can conquer just about anything. Also, if you want to see different results in your life, you do have to start doing different things.”

We encourage you to shop Moore’s boutique at glammemore.com and find that perfect piece that makes you feel good in your skin!

With Vicky Roe, you’re getting the best of both worlds - born and raised in New York City but growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina gives her the Concrete Jungle hustle with a solid serving of Southern Hospitality!

After numerous opportunities, including working for “American Idol” during their stint in Charlotte, to interning for the “Rachael Ray Show”, to becoming a Television News Reporter in Alabama, she ultimately made her way back to Charlotte where she worked as the Executive Producer for a Morning Radio Show. The experience both behind the scenes and on the mic, set her up to be the next powerhouse on Q95.5 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now contributing writer for 337 Magazine.