Meet Meme Bee of Pretty Imports Hair Co & Passion Swim Co in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meme Bee.

Meme, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From when I was a teenager, I’ve always had a hustler mentality. I started braiding hair when I was 13 and working in an African braiding shop by the time I was 15. Fast forward to college, I attended Georgia Southern University and worked part-time at Footlocker. I started selling Jordan’s every time a new pair released. My senior year though, virgin hair started to become very popular. So, me being a hustler and already having so many female friends, I decided to sell virgin hair extensions. I searched around the web and went to local beauty supply stores to see who my vendor was going to be. After I found a reliable, affordable source, I started to spread the word. I was making nearly $500 a week in profit, just from selling hair. I continued to sell Jordan’s as well, so life was great! Lol. After I left college, I came home to get a “real job” and kind of stopped all of my “side hustles” to focus on my new career.

A few years later, I decided to get back into selling hair since I had so many people still wanting to buy hair from me. Plus, they continuously spread the word about my hair bundles and how good of a quality it was. I came up with a brand name, IG page, and website. Now the business is doing great!

As I continued to grow this business though, I had another opportunity come where I could sell swimsuits & exotic dancer clothing. This business is still brand new, and only about three months old, but I have had a good number of orders since starting. At this point, I’ve started to consider myself as a serial entrepreneur!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road. I’ve dealt with losing friends, boyfriends, and business partners along the way of being an entrepreneur. I’ve had business bank accounts that were closed due to me not keeping the required minimum amount in them. I have had to take monetary loses from people trying to scam, by paying with fraudulent credit cards. As well as people placing orders through my DM, then canceling once I tell them their order is ready. I have received constructive criticism as well as non-constructive criticism/hate. Although I am sure many other obstacles will come, I have tough skin, and I am ready to deal with whatever gets thrown at my business life!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pretty Imports Hair Co & Passion Swim Co – what should we know?
Pretty Imports is a hair company selling premium virgin hair extensions and mink lashes. Passion Swim is a swimsuit company selling bikini’s, monokini’s, exotic dancer clothing, and sunglasses.

What I do in the business is literally everything! I have help from family and close friends, but I mainly do all planning, promoting, shipping, & customer interactions on my own— for both companies.

I am known for being a hustler, literally. Anyone who knows me will always say “Meme stay hustling”.. and that’s because I feel that there is no amount of money that is “too much.” I thrive to make as much as I can until I reach financial freedom.

With both companies, I am actually most proud of the websites! These websites were designed by my college classmate Tiffany Alvaran (@bossbabebranding on IG), and she did an awesome job on both! The reason the websites are what I’m most proud of is because I never thought I would actually have my OWN websites! I always take orders through DM’s, text messages & calls, and that’s what worked for me. But once I got a website, I felt very accomplished as a business owner!

What sets me apart from others is that I make customer service my top priority. I have a strict return policy with both companies, but if I have a customer who is truly unhappy, I will do what it takes to satisfy them. Losing a potential lifelong customer is not worth keeping a small profit.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
OMG! I have sooo many people that I can give credit too! All of them are mostly supporters more than anything, but I will name them all… Mecca B, Madison B, Karen B, Jessica W, Kievonna D, Keenos D, Jason A, Robyn R, Amy W, Amanda F, Chanel E, Carmen V, Cynaira C, and Eno E.

There is a special group out of these people, though— the Black Mermaids! We are a group of 4 like-minded women that tackle life’s obstacles together, daily. My sister, Mecca B, created this group. The members include herself as the PR & Professional Development Coach, myself as the Serial Entrepreneur, and two others I named above— Jessica W (Business Financial Advisor) & Kievonna D (Creative Director & Graphic Designer). We are actually starting a podcast soon, that will help young women & millennial entrepreneurs on how to get through whatever life throws at them! (Stay tuned. lol)

Anyway, all of these people have either pushed me through continuing my businesses when I’ve felt like giving up, or they have helped financially by investing or simply just buying from me consistently.

These people I named also have a very special role in my life personally and business-wise, and I will always remember them once I reach the top!

Pricing:

• My prices for hair is always under $100 per bundle!
• My swimsuits are very sexy and range from $20-$30

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/flygirl.meme
• Phone: 404-454-6398
• Email: memebutler@icloud.com
• Instagram: Meme.millz

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.