Today we’d like to introduce you to Toyonnie Smith.
Hi Toyonnie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I felt inspired by peers commenting on my everyday attire to open a boutique! Like many other young adults, I never wanted to work or be “on someone else time,” so this was all the motivation I ever needed to start my own business. I already had it in my mind that a boutique style business would be perfect for me since fashion was my thing. However, I wanted my products to be different I knew I couldn’t come with the same pieces other boutiques were selling.
I began researching everything from vendors & manufacturers, different clothing materials and even studying fashion blogs. The insight for my pieces came directly from my own wardrobe and personality, producing Closet Queen. As business was progressing, I learned to advance with it. At one point, I felt like my vendors weren’t fulfilling all of my requirements, so I decided that I needed to become the vendor. I had no idea what I was doing I just knew I wanted to offer small business owners what I was looking for myself. I went back to the drawing board and revamped a little. This was the best decision for the Closet Queen. I am glad I trusted the process.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running Closet Queen isn’t always peaches and cream, I had no idea about the sacrifices that it takes to operate a successful business. My biggest struggle has probably been figuring out how to narrow down my shipping prices. Since Closet Queen is an online business and everything is shipped, I have had to learn the ins & outs of shipping. Sometimes I feel like I could work for the postal company. Shipping is constantly changing. My product weights vary often based of what you order so I have to be prepared for that. However I just go with the flow and adjust to the changes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Closet Queen?
Closet queen is solely an online-based business. We offer retail and wholesale clothing. I do not have any employees so, I am responsible for doing it all, marketing, emails, processing, and shipping. My business day consists of constant work and commitment daily. I offer same-day shipping on all orders placed before 3 pm EST Monday- Thursday. All packages are shipped through USPS priority mail, which only takes 2-3 days to be delivered. I would say that’s one of the biggest things that separate me apart from others, my rapid processing and shipping time. I’m most proud to be able to see how far my brand has come and how much it has grown in the last three years. I would like the readers to know that I move mountains to make sure that they’re happy no matter what. I strive to make sure that my customers are happy and receive the best experience when shopping with me. I serve every customer the same respect and I treat every package like it’s the first one!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite book of all time is the secret by Rhonda Byrne. This book has to be one of the most life-changing books I have read. It is based on the belief of the law of attraction. In this book, you’ll learn how to use the Secret in every aspect of your life-money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: shopclosetqueen@gmail.com
- Website: www.closetqueenboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closetqueenbabe/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Closetqueenllc/
