Bryson Sisters Open Azani Couture; Named Women’s Empowerment Fashion Show Sponsors

Durham, NC – Three sisters put their skills and resources together to open a trendy but affordable boutique in Durham in hopes of sharing unique, beautiful clothing apparel that is not produced on a mass scale. They know one way that women like to show their individuality is through clothes and accessories.

Katina Bryson, Jasmine Bryson and A’mia Bryson own and operate Azani Couture Boutique in Durham. The boutique sells high-end, quality clothing for women and children at an affordable price.

Katina said the store offers a variety of unique clothing, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. The business opened Oct. 11, 2016 and is located inside the Aura Salon and Boutique, 3742-D Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

The sisters decided to go into the retail industry to fill a noticeable void in Durham. “We wanted to bring something different to the area,” Katina said, explaining that they wanted to offer items that cannot be found at the mall or department stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s.

In order to satisfy the individuality of each customer, Azani Couture specializes in handpicked quality designs, which are offered in limited quantities. Their intent is not to saturate the market with mass produced fashion, but provide consumers with a feeling of uniqueness when wearing their apparel.

The sisters chose Durham to set up shop not only because they live there, but they knew it was a place the business would be successful.  “As a whole, Durham doesn’t have a lot of boutiques,” she said. “There’s not a lot of choice.”

Jasmine said the boutique has received lots of positive feedback since it opened last October with its clientele steadily growing.

People that come to the shop say there’s no place like it in the area,” she said. “They say it looks more like a shop that you might see in L.A.”

The Brysons are preparing to participate in the annual Radio One Women’s Empowerment event that attracts thousands of women each year. Last year they participated as a vendor, but this year, the Azani Couture Boutique will be the official fashion show sponsor of the event.

Jasmine said the event will further build the store’s client base. “The exposure is going to be great,” she added. For the first time Women’s Empowerment attendees will be able to purchase the fashions seen on the runway at the event.

The Bryson sisters grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Their parents, John & Deborah Bryson, also of Durham, are proud of their three daughters in their new business venture. “They love dressing people,” Deborah said, adding that they even get to dress celebrities like Star Jones.

Deborah said all three of them are extremely talented and very passionate about their work in fashion.

She said Katina has a keen eye for art and has a degree in art from Winston Salem State University. A’Mia, who earned a business marketing degree from NC A&T State University in Greensboro, brings her business expertise to the team.  Finally, Jasmine attended NC Central University in Durham, where she graduated with a degree in Mass Communications and takes care of public relations for the company.

The Brysons welcome new patrons. The store hours are Monday through Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm; Fridays 10 am until 7 pm; and on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. CLICK HERE to visit the Boutique’s website.

A small sample of what you can find in Azani Couture Boutique and what you will see in the Radio One Women’s Empowerment Fashion Show. Photos: Marcus Johnson