FASHION ---BISOU BISOU owner Michele Bohbot speaks with YAP CREW

I am Radha the cheif Editor of YAP.

I am not really the fashion columist but Lala lives in Chicago so here I am to YAP with you about Bisou Bisou.
http://www.bisoubisou.com/

Q---How old were you when you got married?
A---20 years old, I felt like it was a good age. I thought our love was very mature. It was natural. I never thought twice about it. I have no regrets. LaLa -16

Q---How did Bisou Bisou came along?
A----We moved here from France in 1987. We dreamed to do French liscencse jeans in America. And we came here with a little bit of money and dreams and after 2 years we lost very thing. Our money, or homes our business. We didn’t do very well. My husband wanted to go back to France. I didn’t want to go and by then I already had three children and was pregnant with my fourth. After I delivered my baby, I sat husband down and said lets start a new brand. So we came up with Bisou Bisou which means kiss kiss in French. I wanted to dress the American woman. This was my challenge. I wanted to make back what I had lost previously. I wanted to do this before going back to our family In France.

Q---Why do you think the company failed at first?
A---Didnt know the language. We didn’t know anything about the industry out here in America. We had a lot to learn and know one was there to teach us. It was a lack of knowledge! We were green! But once I started again I knew exactly what I wanted and what not to do.

Q---What gave you the strength to pick yourself back up to start over again?
A---Well I thought, how can I look myself in the eye know that I didn’t try again. I didn’t want to have to face my family and let them know I failed especially when I know that I have the capability to succeed!

Q---What makes Bisou Bisou Clothing different from all the others?
A---In the beginning we were just jeans. But then it developed into dressing a woman in a beautiful way. Each collection has a story and has a meaning behind it.

Q---How involved is you husband in your business?
A---Now, not anymore but in the beginning he was my partner for many years. But right now I am on my own and he has started his own company

Q---How many Bisou Bisou Lines are there?
A---Right now we just started a contract with JC Penny and at first we just used the Original Bisou Bisou Line and we did so well with that, now we have just started Miss Bisou which is kind of the “daughter” for Bisou Bisou. Miss Bisou is for the younger generation ages 14-18. We also have shoes bags and accessories.

Q---Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A---My inspiration comes from everywhere. Movies, music, the street anything. I have to finish my collections in a year and a half in advance. That leaves space for reactions.

Q---How long have you been in the fashion industry?
A---I have been here for 18 years.

Q---How do you incorporate Yoga with Biosu Bisou?
A---Yoga is a part of my life! I if didn’t discover yoga I wouldn’t have been able to continue with this business. When you’re a designer your never in your time because you always have to work ahead of your self and with yoga you have to be in the moment so it brings a balance to my life.

Q---How long have you been doing yoga?
A--- My son is 15 so I have been doing yoga for sixteen years.

Q---How many children do you have?
A---I have seven children. Statement---God Bless your soul!

Q---How old is the oldest and how old are the youngest?
A---The oldest 25 and the youngest 10

Q---Is there anything you would want the public to know about Bisou Bisou?
A---To know that we are at exclusively at JC Penny and I would like to see my customers follow me.And that behind the clothing is passion and love!

Q---What are the next projects for Bisou Bisou?
A---Right now I am writing a book. The book is about my life but also it’s a motivational book. It has some of my stories and the hard times that I went thru. Just describing how life determination has brought me to the top. I want to speak out to the young people and tell them that it is possible to achieve their dream. We all have stories and we all have dreams but its how we get started. And that you always learn from failure. Never let anyone else drive you and never think that anyone is better than you. Only you are better than yourself! I also will write about spirituality and business and how you can incorporate the two.

Q---What advice can you give to immigrant?
A----They have to buy my book!!!! It’s going to be coming out early 2009!