Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Thomas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Destiny. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am 21 years old from Columbus, GA. I am currently a senior at South University, majoring in Criminal Justice aspiring to become a Crime Scene Investigator and minoring in Business Administration to enhance my business owner journey. Growing up, I was always into fashion and modeling. I enjoyed watching Americans Next Top Model and RuPaul Drags Race. That’s when I discovered I had a passion for fashion. While becoming a teenager, I began to dress more fashionable and joined different pageants such as National American Miss and participating in the pageants my high school held. Many times, I would wear certain items that people would call weird but I looked at it as a “fashion trend”.
On July 24th, 2018, on my 20th birthday, I decided I wanted to take fashion to another level and make women feel beautiful, confident, and glamorous no matter what style of clothing they are wearing to make them feel more confident in their own skin. I’ve always had low self-esteem about the way I looked but fashion made me feel more beautiful and confident! Months prior to me actually starting my business, when I would get bored I would write ideas down about starting a business, drawing up business plans, how to provide exceptional customer service, business names, logos, how it will be financed, slogans but it was just for fun. On July 24th, 2018, everything I had written into my book, I made it into reality. Even after all the research I had done, I didn’t know how strenuous it was being a business owner until I became one. I love and enjoy what I do! It’s not about how much revenue I obtain with sales. It’s about making women feel more confident, beautiful and glamorous. In March of 2019, I opened my first physical location but soon closed it down! Since I’ve been in business, I have given back to the community in many different ways and well as in 2019, I was nominated for Brand of The Year after only being in business for six months! The items that are sold with my brand are women’s apparel such as clothing, shoes, and handbags. I can say it’s been a long journey and road to success, but it doesn’t stop here! I am proud of the steps I have taking and the challenges I have overcome to get where I am today! A tip for anyone wanting to start a business is if you have a vision turn it into reality!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve encountered many obstacles while in business. It’s more to running a business than just purchasing a product and selling it. You must be dedicated and be ready for any situation that is thrown your way including taking a financial loss. Many people think that starting a business is a smooth sail, but it’s actually a roller coaster ride. Running a business is like trial and error, you’re going to invest in products and you have to see if the product will work for your brand or with your business take a loss with it. Some struggles I have encountered are always providing exceptional customer service to customers and they still aren’t satisfied. I have realized that you have to support yourself even when it seems like your alone in the struggle. While making a profit from your brand, make sure to save those finances and invest it back into your business.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Saphir Experience – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Many people mispronounce my business name “The Saphir Experience”. Saphir is Sapphire in French. I have been in business for 2+ years now. I specialize in women’s apparel and custom designs. I am most proud of my company for the growth and recognition it has it has received from all of my hard work and dedication. What sets my business apart from others is that my business has versatile styles for all women.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Future plans for The Saphir Experience is to become a successful versatile women’s apparel store nationwide. I plan on expanding my online store catalog as well opening a few brick and mortar locations across the nation. I want famous individuals to wear my product. I want to host fashion shows showcasing my pieces. Once my brand expands, I want to be able to give a percentage back to a Women’s and Children Domestic Violence Organizations as well as many other organizations! I also plan on graduating college in the spring of 2021 to receive my Bachelor’s degree.
Pricing:
- Clothing start at $25
- Sandals/Heel start at $15
- Handbags start at $20
- Shades start at $6
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesaphirexperience.com
- Phone: 7063307883
- Email: thesaphirexperience@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaphirexperience/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaphircollection/
Image Credit:
Deon Jackson
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