Meet Buffie Lewis

We recently connected with Buffie Lewis and have shared our conversation below.

Buffie , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from a desire to be self-reliant and independent. I realized I wasn’t cut out for the traditional 9-to-5 job. I’ve always had a strong mind and a clear sense of direction, and I struggled with working under directions from others. After graduating high school, I knew I didn’t have the skills to land a high-paying job, but I also knew I didn’t want to depend on anyone else financially.

That’s when I decided to bet on myself. Starting my own company gave me the freedom to be my own boss and I love it! That independence and flexibility fuel my drive every single day.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Buffie Lewis, the founder, designer, and heart behind Brick Built, an online women’s clothing brand that I started in 2012. Right now, I’m focused on expanding our reach and building even deeper connections with our customers. I want to make sure Brick Built becomes the go-to brand for women who refuse to settle for boring, uninspired clothing.

One of my favorite things about what I do is seeing ladies out in the world wearing something I designed. It feels good to know they trusted my vision, my ideas, and my taste enough to make one of my designs a part of their life. That motivates me!

Other than running Brick Built, I’ve also started a consulting firm called Build with Buffie (though the name is likely to change soon—no more naming businesses after myself, “lol”). With 12 years of experience in the fashion industry, I now help others bring their clothing brand ideas to life. I LOVE LOVE guiding people on their entrepreneurial journeys and seeing their dreams take shape.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have been the most helpful for my growth are perseverance, creativity, and adaptability.

Perseverance has been key because entrepreneurship is full of challenges. There were days when sales were slow, ideas didn’t work out, or I doubted the entire company! But I kept pushing forward because I believed in my vision. For anyone just starting, my advice is to stay committed. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’re consistent and willing to stick in there, you’ll see progress.

Creativity has been the foundation of my business. It’s not just about designing clothes—it’s about standing out in a crowded industry! I do a lot of brainstorming, learning new skills, and stepping outside of my comfort zone. It was important to become a brand and not just a company that resells clothing. I want my designs on everything I produce! I had to learn Adobe Illustrator and become a graphic designer! You are never too experienced to learn new skills.

Adaptability has probably saved my business more times than I can count. The market changes, trends shift, and as a business owner, you have to be ready to pivot. I’ve learned to listen to my customers and trust my instincts when it’s time to try something new. For those just starting, I’d say don’t be afraid of change—it’s a sign that you’re growing.

At the end of the day, it’s about staying open, staying curious, and staying focused on your goals. Those three qualities will take you farther than you can imagine.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Right now, the number one challenge I’m facing is keeping my warehouse stocked. Brick Built has been growing, which is amazing, but it also means the demand for our designs has increased. As the sole designer for the brand, it’s been a lot to manage. I love creating, but I’ve realized that to keep up with the pace I want—and the pace my customers expect—I need a full-time clothing designer to help bring new ideas to life more quickly.

To tackle this, I’m actively working on finding the right person to join the team. It’s not just about hiring someone with talent—it’s about finding someone who understands the brand, shares the vision, and can collaborate with me to take Brick Built to the next level. I’m excited about the possibilities this will bring for the business, and I see it as an investment in the future of Brick Built.

Challenges like this are a reminder that growth isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. I’m learning that sometimes, the key to overcoming obstacles is building the right team and being willing to ask for help when you need it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All images were taken by me with my own camera.

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