Today we’d like to introduce you to Tresena Bowe.
Hi Tresena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Brown Butter Shoppe began as more than just a business idea—it was a calling. I wanted to create a place where community and creativity could meet, where dreams had room to grow, and where culture could be celebrated in everyday life.
What started as a simple vision for a boutique became a retail incubator and cultural hub. Tresena saw local makers, artisans, and dreamers who had so much talent but no real space to showcase it. Brown Butter Shoppe became that stage—a place where new brands could take their first steps, where heritage and innovation live side by side, and where community feels both seen and valued.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Like so many entrepreneurs, Tresena has carried the weight of sacrifice, setbacks, and reinvention. But through it all, her belief never wavered: that a single shop could spark something greater. With every vendor given a chance, every event held, and every story told, Brown Butter Shoppe has grown into more than a store—it’s become a symbol of resilience, creativity, and hope for Brunswick.
For Tresena, building Brown Butter is about more than business. It’s about legacy, opportunity, and proving that when one person dares to dream, they give others permission to dream too. Brown Butter Shoppe stands as a beacon for those who believe in community, culture, and the courage to create.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The struggles of being a visionary are real. When you see something so clearly in your heart, but the world takes a little longer to catch up—it can feel lonely. For me, that looked like slow sales in the beginning and a lack of foot traffic that made me question if I was in the right place at all. I had to make the hard choice to relocate Brown Butter Shoppe to a new location, and at first, that felt like starting over.
But what I’ve learned is that vision requires patience. Every setback has taught me resilience and every slow season has reminded me that growth isn’t always immediate—it’s steady. What gives me hope is knowing that Brown Butter is more than a shop. It’s a seed planted in this community, and seeds don’t bloom overnight. Relocating to Social Butterfly gave me the chance to water that seed in better soil, and I truly believe that the best is still ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At its heart, my work is about building community through creativity and commerce. I am the founder of Brown Butter Shoppe, a retail incubator where local makers, artisans, and dreamers can launch their ideas and grow into sustainable businesses. We provide more than shelf space—we provide visibility, mentorship, and the belief that small brands matter.
I specialize in creating spaces where culture, heritage, and entrepreneurship intersect. Brown Butter has become known as a shop that feels like a community gathering place—where you don’t just buy a product, you learn the story behind it and feel connected to the person who made it.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the spark in someone’s eyes when they realize their dream is possible. Whether it’s a vendor selling their very first item or a customer discovering something that reminds them of home, those moments keep me going.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just sell products—I build platforms. Brown Butter is rooted in legacy and impact. My vision has always been bigger than one storefront; it’s about showing that when we invest in people, we grow stronger together. I carry the weight of both being a dreamer and a doer, and I think that’s what makes this journey so powerful.My personal brand is The Brookwick Collection and we are excited to launch our online store in the coming weeks. Brookwick is a lifestyle and streetwear brand founded by Tresena Bowe, blending the bold creativity of Brooklyn, New York with the soulful resilience of Brunswick, Georgia.
At its core, Brookwick stands for bridging worlds—urban and coastal, past and future, individuality and community. It’s more than fashion; it’s a movement rooted in unity, diversity, and self-expression.
The name itself is a fusion:
Brook — representing Brooklyn’s edge, ambition, and creative pulse.
Wick — symbolizing Brunswick’s warmth, heritage, and deep community roots.
Together, Brookwick represents the bridge between where you come from and where you’re going.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe risk is at the core of any dream worth chasing. To me, risk isn’t about recklessness—it’s about faith. It’s choosing to move forward even when you don’t have all the answers, but you know in your heart the vision is bigger than the fear.
One of my biggest risks was opening Brown Butter Shoppe in the first place. I invested in a retail incubator concept in a downtown that didn’t yet have the foot traffic to guarantee success. There were days of slow sales, long hours, and moments where I wondered if I had made a mistake. Relocating the shop was another huge risk—essentially starting over—but I knew I had to position Brown Butter where it could truly thrive.
What I’ve learned is that risk and growth are partners. Every time I’ve taken a risk, I’ve gained wisdom, resilience, and proof that even if things don’t go exactly as planned, they move you closer to where you’re meant to be. I see risk as the price of building something that lasts. Without it, there’s no reward, no impact, and no story to tell.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebrookwickcollection.com and www.brownbuttershoppe.com
- Instagram: @brownbuttershoppe @thebrookwickcollection
- Facebook: Brown Butter Shoppe
