Breanah “Bree” Marie is not only the ultimate Maxxinista. She is an editorial fashion stylist, content creator, and creative director of Black Girls in TJ Maxx and her own brand, Black Luxe Label. The community is similar to Black Girls in Trader Joe’s and Black Girls in Starbucks on Instagram.
Online communities are an essential part of building connections, especially with the continuance of the pandemic. This group allows people to find relationships through the common interest of style and fashion. Early in 2020, I discovered the group as a fellow Maxxinista. The store has always been one of my favorite places I frequent on my solo dates. I like to top it off with a trip to a nail salon and a great meal.
@BlackGirlsInTJMaxx was created in 2020. Marie was inspired to start the group to create a space where she could share and receive resources that may be helpful.
“I would often share my finds, tips, and tricks on my stories, and the feedback was always positive. People were engaging, asking questions, seeking my expertise and opinion before purchasing items, etc. The best thing that came out of doing something for fun as a hobby was creating this group.”
I am utterly biased toward the store, but I love sharing with others. It’s great to see others enjoy the store as much as I do. I had to ask why TJ MAXX, though?
“TJ Maxx has always been a great place for me to go to when I need something for my children, my apartment, my wardrobe, as well as gifts for any occasion. I live a few blocks from TJ Maxx as well as Homegoods. What started as a weekly trip for me to create a moment for myself to just enjoy some retail therapy quickly turned into a thing that other people seemed to be into as well. The joy of browsing with no pressure to buy anything is the most enjoyable.”
Home decor and beauty are among her favorite finds in the store. “I can get lost smelling candles, looking through the makeup goodies but mostly the self-care aisle. Body scrub, face masks, oils are such a luxe indulgence for me, and creating a skin/body care routine has helped me feel really good at the end of a busy week.”
Breanah Marie also showcases her own style through her brand Black Luxe Label. It is an emerging brand first launched in 2021. It features a curated collection of jewelry that is 14k and 18k gold plated (stainless steel, tarnish-free, waterproof, hypoallergenic) signature statement pieces. Jewelry is her favorite accessory and can elevate any look. “I’d love to also design a few ready-to-wear clothing pieces to add to the brand.”
We all know self-care goes beyond products. Breanah Marie is a black woman in America who wears many hats while building her own brand. Self-care and prioritizing our mental health are of utmost importance in 2022. She shares what self-care is to her.
“Self Care is personal, and I’m constantly learning and adapting new ways that I can allow myself to feel my best. Self-care isn’t always putting on a face mask or going shopping, even though these elements can add value to a self care moment. Sometimes my self-care is creating a morning routine, meditating, and setting my intentions for the day, allowing myself a chance to lead with positive energy. It is expressed in many ways, and I often enjoy exploring moments that allow me to feel like my best self.”
I was happy to hear that the creator has collaborated with the brand itself. In 2020, she was selected to participate in the #50MaxxChallenge, a shopping challenge where she received a $50 gift card and shared how you could shop for that amount or less. Anderson tells us more of the collaboration.
“My category was “Holiday Decor,” and I was able to find a decorative holiday pillow, throw blanket, and a candle staying within that budget. I spent that day creating content for TJ Maxx while doing this challenge, and they shared the whole moment on their Instagram stories which was nice. They encouraged me to use #TJMaxxPartner for promotion, which was cool.”
She is looking forward to creating more.
Breanah Marie leaves us with some tips for her Stylenistas when making a trip to the beloved store.
1. Come in when you have time because, girl, let’s be honest, hours go by while walking the aisles.
2. Always ask for a discount on damaged goods. They offer 10% but only if you ASK.
3. Wednesday may be one of the best days to shop new inventory.
4. If you are indecisive about purchasing an item, they will hold items for 24 hours.
You can follow @blackgirlsintjmaxx and @blackluxelabel
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