MEET RACQUELL ROYSTER, OWNER OF HANDMADE BOUTIQUE, Dora Lee Squared

What is the message or meaning behind your boutique?

The boutique currently specializes in any wear for everywhere, meaning that I want you to be able to wear my garments literally anywhere Work Errands Cocktails Fast fashion is in, but slow fashion is making a comeback The girls are tired of looking alike

What inspired you to start creating handmade clothing?

I noticed that the quality of manufactured clothing was constantly declining It was almost as if nobody did any quality assurance on any of the garments Then Id look at the expensive price tags and get confused There was no quality I needed work clothes since my role went hybrid I didnt want to buy anything in the stores, so I started making my own clothing for the office

What do you love most about sewing?

Racquell Royster is a talented designer and owner of Dora Lee Squared Boutique Dora Lee Squared is a handmade boutique specializing in “ any wear for everywhere” As a child, Raquel studied her great-great grandmother closely as she crocheted, embroidered, and sewed items by hand While many of us were watching soap operas (aka stories) and eating our favorite snacks with our grandmothers, Royster was learning skills that would one day blossom into her passion

Where did the name Dora Lee Squared come from?

My great-great grandmother’s name was Dora Lee Lewis She is who taught me how to sew as a child I named my boutique in honor of her memory

I love the peace and connection I get when sewing in solitude I get to escape reality for hours Sometimes I sing Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts Sometimes I listen to music It’s the solitude for me I also enjoy the hum of the sewing and serger machines It’s therapeutic Kind of like sewing ASMR

Where do you see yourself and your boutique in the next 5 years?

Dora Lee Squared will expand into different markets in the next 5 years Currently, the focus is on crafting versatile items without compromising comfort or quality I’d like to expand on that On the tech side of the fashion industry, I foresee Dora Lee Squared being a key player somewhere in the fashion tech arena I’m still trying to figure that part out

Minimal makeup typically includes just enough product to even out the skin tone, define the eyes, and add a touch of color to the cheeks and lips You want to look effortless and still eye-catching

This type of makeup look is often natural-looking and can be achieved using foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lip color

Here’s a breakdown of what each product does for this natural look:

Foundation: to even out skin tone and create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup

Concealer: to hide any blemishes or discoloration

Brow pencil or powder: to give the eyebrows definition and shape

Mascara: to make the lashes look longer and fuller

Blush or bronzer: to add a touch of color to the cheeks

Lipstick or lip gloss: to give the lips a hint of color and hydration

Taking this “natural” approach is more gentle on the skin The less makeup you use, the less likely you are to irritate the skin or clog pores Opting for brands with natural ingredients can help improve skin tone, texture, and overall health

Many natural makeup products contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help nourish the skin and protect it from environmental damage

To break it down, less is more with this look Keep it simple so that it looks natural, and as a bonus, throw in natural products to actually benefit your skin

I made the transition years ago, along with many, and its really good! It was easy to start, and the results were great I’d definitely recommend it

Stay Pretty!