Local entrepreneur Gillian “GiGi” Hanna is hedging her bets that fashion-forward Bahamian women will continue to invest in fashion and in themselves. Her store, House of Hanna Boutique temporarily closed its doors in mid-March as a result of the Emergency Orders issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now, with a new look in store, a shift to include online sales and the addition of self-care products, the boutique is poised to reset in the second half of 2020.

In November 2016, House of Hanna started as a home-based business to help women find the beauty in how they presented themselves to the world. While working a full time job in finance, the businesswoman spent her free time curating a fashion collection and growing a following for her brand on social media. The demand from clients for a full retail experience resulted in Hanna opening a storefront in July 2019.

“I want women to be unapologetic about the space that they take up in this world be it at work, while on vacation, at a special event or simply connecting with friends and family. Wherever they choose to show up, I want them to be confident in the style that they convey,” Hanna explained.

“Our clients range in age from their late 20s to 50s. They are women who are no longer interested in accumulating fast fashion but instead want to invest in signature pieces that reflect their own sense of style.”

Prior to the global pandemic plans were already in motion to expand the business to include a fully functional online space for local and international sales. Hanna spent the downtime rebranding the business and building out the online store. Starting July 17, both local and international shoppers will have the option to shop at www.thehohboutique.com.

“Instead of focusing on the loss of income due to the store closure, I used the time to revamp the whole concept of what House of Hanna could offer to clients from a retail standpoint,” she said.

“In addition to changing our look and selling items online, we have added a line of products for clients to indulge in self-care. If this year has taught us anything it’s that taking time to care for our mental and physical wellbeing is important.”

On Saturday July 18th, the boutique's storefront will reopen for clients to shop the latest collection and experience the redesigned retail space on Rosetta Street including a mural by local artist Angelika Wallace-Whitfield.

For more information on personal wardrobe styling, visit House of Hanna at #55 Rosetta Street, shop www.thehohboutique.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @thehohboutique.

Gillian “GiGi” Hanna, owner of House of Hanna Boutique seeks to create a community around her store.