Spotlight on Entrepreneurs: Kristine Iannazzi

by Alyssa Gruber

Want to know the secret to start-up success?

We all do, which is why the Women Entrepreneurs Blog is launching a series of video casts that provide exclusive information, tips, and stories about everything entrepreneurial!

Each episode will feature a different female business owner in the Rochester area, so be sure to check the site often for new footage and material.

In the first on-site interview, Kristine Iannazzi, founder and CEO of Embrasse-Moi, gives juicy details about the benefits, challenges, and work associated with starting and owning a business.

Kristine describes Embrasse-Moi as an “all inclusive lingerie experience,” with customer service at the forefront of her business strategy for sales and growth.

“We wanted to have the customer service aspect with the personalized bra fittings, the personal shopping, and then also offer that really nice atmosphere so that a woman feels really special and important when she walks in,” Iannazzi explains about her company's competitive positioning. 

An FIT grad and fashion designer at heart, Kristine reveals that an underlying goal of opening the store stems from a desire to launch her unique lingerie line. Her innate sense of entrepreneurship is apparent, for her business angle focuses on tapping into an unfilled market of women with fuller cup sizes.

Kristine's advice on undertaking a venture? Create a business plan! She structured her proposal by preparing, researching, and becoming totally informed about every aspect of the lingerie industry.

"That really helped me to feel confident when I opened my doors," confesses Iannazzi. "I had a game plan of what was going to be going on."

And it looks like her hard work and planning is paying off! Halfway through its first year of operation, Embrasse-Moi is on track to significantly exceed predicted sales.

Congrats, Kristine, and best of luck with your future endeavors! You are truly an inspiration to me and other entrepreneurs, near and far. Thanks so much for sharing your story!