Some people succumb to pressure while others thrive in it. Entrepreneur, wife, mother, mentor, stylist and CEO Martha E. Berry of IMarE Boutique has proven herself to be a diamond as obstacles and her belief in God have helped to shape her life and career.
A Franklin, Louisiana native, Berry is a woman of faith, family and fashion. Martha started her now thriving and high-profile business from the trunk of her car after being laid off from her accounting job in 2016 and a divorce would soon follow. After a successful closet sale, Martha took to styling, which led to several plus-size women seeking her expertise. The journey from uncertainty to fearlessness has now resulted in sales three times her 2020 goal, all while during a pandemic.
Berry is a recipient of a Black History Achievement Award from her hometown for being a stellar entrepreneur. Her mother helped to instill entrepreneurship in her by creating a praise dancing business when she was limited on opportunities in Franklin. From that, Martha taught several women to praise and worship God through the gift of dance. The model takes pride in showing other up-and-coming business owners they can do anything they set their minds to.
Martha has created a lane for providing trendy clothing to the plus size audience and used her personal obstacles in life as learning tools and stepping-stones to help guide her throughout her journey. From Goo Goo Atkins, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Maranda Curtis and Shana Wilson Williams, Berry’s brand has been worn by some of the best and most notable entertainers, singers and moguls. The IMarE Boutique has helped to birth confidence in curvy girls across the globe. In addition to being the CEO and founder of IMarE Boutique, Martha is also the creator of IMarE Glam House, a photography studio with eight different backgrounds that creates a picture perfect experience for any occasion. Martha has a sister boutique to IMarE Boutique called the I’ceE Collection, which is inspired by her daughter Iceland. The boutique provides cute, chic and trendy fashions for young women.
Martha credits her mother, her husband, Elliott Berry, and two daughters, Iceland and England, for their support and for encouraging her to not give up during hard times.
“I am proud of overcoming divorce and being successful. I am proud of being able to break generational curses by helping my daughter by gifting her a boutique, and I am proud of being not just a business owner, but a business owner who gives back to others,” Martha said.
Beginning January 4th, Martha E. will be joining the IMPACT Magazine family through her new column, “Ask MarthaE.” Ask MarthaE is a column that speaks to women who are looking for advice on fashion, running a fashion business, time and family management and readers will be able to submit their questions to Martha to answer in the next column.
For more information on Martha E. Berry and the IMarE brand, go to https://theimare.com/. To shop the IMare Boutique, go to https://shopimareboutique.com/. Photoshoot bookings for the Glam House can be made at theimare.com or email info@shopimareboutique.com. To shop the I’ceE Collection, go to https://shopiceecollection.com/.
Keep up with Martha E.’s latest fashions and new arrivals on social media:
- Boutique Instagram: @imareboutique
- Glam House Instagram: @imareglamhouse
- Personal IG: @ceo_marthae
I’ceE Collection: @iceecollection
