Meet Your Neighbors: Ijanay Harris, Owner of ZuZu & Zy Boutique

There are so many opportunities for moms at home to build a brand and still take care of babies while building a business.  We had time to speak with Ijanay Harris, a mom that has a fast-growing fashion brand of cute, affordable, and stylish clothes that has a cult following in Somerset County with families. www.zuzuandzyboutique.com

Raritan Neighbors: What inspired you to start your business?

Ijanay Harris: To be honest, what inspired me was my daughters Ja’zyiah and Zuri. They have such a close bond despite their significant age gap. Ja’zyiah is now 12 years old and Zuri 3 years old. I thought about their future and what could I possibly do to keep them close.
Zuri always talks about being a princess and she’s such a mini fashionista so, I asked Ja’zyiah what she thought about us starting a boutique named after her and Zuri. She said “yes” without hesitation.

I dream for ZuZu & Zy Boutique to grow so it can be passed down to the two of them as something they can share in their future and remain close as sisters.

Raritan Neighbors: What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?

Ijanay Harris: What I enjoy most is the freedom to make your own schedule. Whenever I want to take a day off, I don’t have to request it.  Being an entrepreneur allows me more time with my children. They also get to be a part of the business and are always extremely excited to hear about new orders. Their first question is “What did the person order?” then follows their favorite “Can I help pack?” It brightens my day! More importantly, I am giving them the experience of being their own boss and teaching them how to be leaders at a young age.

Raritan Neighbors:  What are some fashion trends moms can look forward to for the summer for kids?

Ijanay Harris: This summer we will have cute stylish sunglasses offered in various colors, cute floral print sets, we are bringing in the beautiful bow looks along with trendy sun hats, some boy items, and more!

Raritan Neighbors:    What do you love about living in Somerset County?

Ijanay Harris: What I love about living in Somerset County is well for one I was born in this county and, it’s nice that I can raise my children in an area familiar to me. In the state of New Jersey, Somerset County is one of the best counties to live in. It is the perfect place to raise a family and most residents are homeowners. Somerset County offers a suburban feel and not to mention the number of parks! Our favorite park is Colonial Park in Somerset.

Raritan Neighbors:    What can you tell a woman that wants to start her own business?

Ijanay Harris: I would say girl, go for it! Figure out what it is you would like to do, whether it's selling personalized notebooks or custom stickers. Then develop your “Why?” that is your inspiration behind the business and set goals for yourself. I cannot say it will always be easy but, if you are consistent and determined nothing can stop you.  “When there is a will, there is a way.”

Raritan Neighbors: Anything else you would like me to include about your business in Raritan    Neighbors?

ZuZu & Zy Boutique has been in business for a little over 1 year now. Please follow us on Instagram @ _zuzuandzyboutique and we are also on Facebook as ZuZu & Zy Boutique.

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