Lisa Rinna Begins Her Fashion Career
Lisa Rinna has embarked on an exciting new chapter in her career. Renowned for her acting, she has now launched her fashion venture, Belle Gray. This boutique is located in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, and celebrated its grand opening on May 5, 2003, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo.
Belle Gray: A Unique Fashion Destination
Belle Gray was designed as a one-stop shop for fashion enthusiasts. Rinna aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere, featuring a diverse collection of shoes, jewelry, lingerie, and clothing. The cozy space invited customers to relax and enjoy their shopping experience, becoming a community hub.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Entering the competitive retail landscape in Los Angeles proved challenging. Rinna felt like an outsider, surrounded by established retail personalities. Initially, she struggled with limited financial resources, which restricted her purchasing power.
- Opened on May 5, 2003
- Location: Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles
- Initial offerings included shoes, jewelry, lingerie, and clothing
The Impact of Oprah’s Endorsement
The store gained unexpected national attention when Oprah Winfrey’s team reached out. They expressed interest in featuring Belle Gray on an episode of “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” This opportunity came at a pivotal moment for the boutique, as social media was just beginning to take shape.
In preparation for the show, Rinna learned that a robust online presence was essential. With limited time, she and her team developed a website to accommodate the anticipated influx of customers following the airing.
- Collaborated with a friend, Cindy Crawford, during the Oprah show
- Launched a website to handle online orders
Record Sales Following the Show
On the episode, Oprah famously declared, “You get a candle! And you get a candle!” This generous promotion resulted in an astonishing $125,000 in sales the day after the show aired. The exposure dramatically boosted Belle Gray’s profile and success in the fashion industry.
Lisa Rinna’s journey from actress to fashion entrepreneur underscores her adaptability and vision. With Belle Gray, she has carved out a unique space in the competitive retail market of Los Angeles.
