The following article on Bonita Bramante appeared on Anthead Syndrome


Courage, Creativity and Clearance Savvy


Bonita Bramante should be sitting on the sidelines.

With a Fine Arts Degree from ULL in Lafayette, Louisiana, a life-changing neck injury almost prevented her from pursuing the career she had worked so hard to achieve. Although injuries to her spinal cord were minor and a special plate supported her neck, she was having seizures so badly, she had begun to be a prisoner in her own home.

For the sake of my sanity, I started a hobby just cleaning out my closet and selling online, she remembers. It didn't take me long to realize the hobby had potential in becoming a career.

She thought up a company name and had the legal documents drawn up. From that point she began to grow as a real business. Seven years later, she is still growing. Though constant medical challenges have made life more difficult, she has learned to struggle through and persevere. Splitting her time between art and retail, Bonita is taking life one day at a time.

Bonita's retail operation is different from the average online store. Most companies think of profit first and customers and employees second. For her, however, people come first.

I've lived a life of turmoil so I know what it is to struggle with life itself. Whether it's online or in person, I treat people with courtesy and respect, the same as I would want them to treat me, considering my needs and not taking advantage of me. I would rather lose a little profit on a sale and have a satisfied customer than have a dissatisfied customer. I never forget they are a person.

As for her workers are concerned, their life is a high priority. If they have school, family, or doctors appointments, those things come first. In fact, they have complete control over their work schedules and pay schedules. Fortunately, with the internet at the core of her retail business, she has the opportunity to be flexible and build a strong team.

In 2012, Bonitia's goal is to continue to grow her company and become debt free. Also she hopes to create a stand alone website and not just an Ebay store. Finally, she would like to move her company out of her home and reclaim her own personal space. With all of the growth, Your Clearance Shopper LLC has completely taken over.