ANNOUNCING THE WOMAN OF THE MONTH
Fort Worth women are making headlines daily as business owners, entrepreneurs, top management officers, and political leaders. So, here at Fort Worth Woman, we are selecting one of our city’s shining stars each month. These are the movers and shakers you need to know, and we are proud to honor their accomplishments as our WOMEN OF THE MONTH.
Jessica Breslin
Owner of B Kids, Shop Birdie & Bette’s
”I hope my work and drive are empowering to my children and show them that what they can accomplish is limitless. My girls asking to come to work with me and telling me that they are proud of me after coming home on long days is what keeps me moving forward.”
Meet Fort Worth Woman’s December 2023 Woman of the Month! Jessica Breslin is not just a name but a fashion movement in Fort Worth. She’s a beacon of style, innovation, and business savvy, lighting up the Texas fashion scene with her unique boutiques – B Kids, Birdie, and the newest launch, Bette’s at Clearfork. Her journey is a vibrant tapestry of passion, creativity, and unyielding dedication to bringing art of fashion to Fort Worth.
Jessica Breslin’s path began at Louisiana State University, where her journey in Fashion Merchandising intertwined seamlessly with her innate passion for style. Here, she didn’t just learn about trends and textiles; she immersed herself in the intricate dance of fashion and business, a blend that would later become the cornerstone of her entrepreneurial spirit. With a minor in business to complement her major, Jessica was not only absorbing the nuances of style but also the strategies of market dynamics and consumer behavior.
Her transition from academia to the retail world was a natural progression, marked by a series of roles that were more than just jobs; they were opportunities for growth and learning. Starting as a sales manager, Jessica quickly proved her mettle, evolving into roles that demanded more creativity and responsibility. As an assistant buyer and later a regional buyer at Dillard’s in Fort Worth, she honed her skills in selecting merchandise, understanding customer preferences, and anticipating market trends. These experiences were invaluable, giving her a panoramic view of the retail world – from the excitement of spotting new trends to the satisfaction of seeing a well-chosen product line succeed.
In these early stages of her career, Jessica wasn’t just building a resume; she was crafting a vision for her future in the fashion industry. Every decision, every role, every challenge was a step towards realizing her dream of creating a unique retail experience that reflected her personal style and business acumen. This period was crucial in shaping her understanding of the fashion industry and preparing her for the entrepreneurial leap that would soon redefine children’s and women’s fashion in Fort Worth.
In March 2016, Jessica Breslin transformed her dream into a vivid reality with the opening of B Kids, a boutique that would revolutionize children’s fashion in Fort Worth. Jessica describes, “the idea to open B Kids was a natural progression of my buying and retail knowledge. When opening B Kids I had two very young children, 2 years old and 6 months, and my interest in children’s clothing and it’s limited variety locally truly pushed me to open a brick and mortar store.” This enchanting store emerged not just as a retail space but as a wonderland for young fashion enthusiasts. Here, children could embark on a sartorial adventure, exploring and expressing their individuality through an eclectic array of clothing. Each piece in B Kids was a reflection of Jessica’s extensive travels and keen eye for fashion, handpicked from her voyages to global fashion capitals. It was here, amidst the vibrant colors and unique designs, that Jessica’s commitment to offering distinctive, playful styles came to life, turning B Kids into a cherished hub for families seeking fashion that spoke to their children’s personalities. B Kids progression and growth was simply natural.
The story of Jessica’s retail innovation didn’t pause with B Kids. In 2018, she unveiled Birdie, a sanctuary of contemporary women’s fashion that quickly became the talk of Fort Worth. Birdie wasn’t just another boutique; it was a celebration of modern femininity, featuring a curated selection of high-quality clothing, accessories, and shoes. As her last of lines and vendors grew, each item in Birdie became a testament to Jessica’s understanding of what the modern woman desires – fashion that’s both on-trend and accessible. The boutique’s ambiance, coupled with its fashionable offerings, made it a haven for those seeking to elevate their wardrobe with contemporary flair.
The crescendo of Jessica’s retail symphony was the launch of Bette’s at Clearfork, a venture that epitomized luxury and high fashion. Bette’s was conceived as more than a boutique; it was a fashion-forward sanctuary where luxury met designer styles, creating an exquisite shopping experience. Jessica describes, “Bette’s is an extension of my love for fashion. When the opportunity arose with the space in Clearfork I knew it would be the perfect incubator for the idea I had been holding on so tightly to.” Here, Jessica’s decade-long vision and expertise in fashion retail culminated in a space that not only offered exclusive designer wear but also an elevated shopping experience that resonated with the discerning tastes of Fort Worth’s stylish clientele. With Bette’s, Jessica further cemented her influence on Fort Worth’s fashion landscape, demonstrating an unparalleled ability to capture and lead the evolving trends and tastes of her customers.
Jessica’s life in Fort Worth, where she resides with her husband and three children, is a testament to her ability to balance a thriving career with a fulfilling family life. She claims that this is due to authentic – of the city itself as well as the people who treasure this city. Her journey here is not just about fashion entrepreneurship but also about inspiring local women to chase their dreams and create their own success stories.
When reflecting on her impact on this city, Jessica chose the word empowering for herself. She describes further, “I hope my work and drive are empowering to my children and hows them that what they can accomplish is limitless. My girls asking to come to work with me and telling me that they are proud of me after coming home on long days is what keeps me moving forward.” She’s present in her kids’ lives. She’s present at her stores. She’s present at market, looking for styles seasons ahead of time. Essentially she’s empowering masses of people all at once.
In a world where fashion is ever-evolving, Jessica Breslin stands out due to her innovation, style, and empowerment. Her contribution to Fort Worth’s fashion scene goes beyond mere business; it’s about inspiring a city to embrace trends, take risks, and express individuality through fashion. Jessica isn’t just setting style trends; she’s influencing lives, one outfit at a time, proving that in the world of fashion and beyond, anything is possible with passion, determination, and a great team.
Stay tuned – Birdie is moving up the Bricks in January! With twice the amount of space, the new location will make it that much easier to shop for yourself as well as your kids all at the same time. The perfect glowup after nearly six years in business!
Michelle Miles
Author
Michelle has a passion for connecting, encouraging and informing about the good happening in our city. The good people, events, food, stores, entrepreneurs, and good deeds are her focus. She has created a niche for herself by using social media as a native marketing tool that has created meaningful exposure for local businesses in Fort Worth to a wide but very particular local audience.