Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Ahima.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The idea of this shop started a few years ago actually. I’m Ghanaian and have always been very close to my culture. My family in Ghana would always sew us traditional outfits for different events and occasions and as we got older, we started getting some cute, not-so-traditional pieces like African print bathing suits and accessories.
I wanted to learn how to sew hand-made African items like these to sell on Etsy but soon learned sewing was just not my thing. I started playing with the idea of working with my family in Ghana to create my designs but I never really acted on it until late 2018. Fast-forward to July 2019 and I’m creating my LLC and applying for my business license! I decided I not only wanted to do African clothes and accessories but wanted to also provide modern and chic clothing for the everyday gal! From there, my shop was born!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Luckily it has been pretty smooth! I’m super detail-oriented and love digging into every aspect of something before I commit to it. So, I had a good idea of the things that could be problematic in starting a business and tried to be proactive about them.
Citrus Husk Boutique – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I think what’s important to know about my business is that (for the time being), it is a true one-woman show. Every social media post, every item description on the website, every hand written note – was created by me. I take pride in small details and aim to give every customer a personalized, carefully thought out shopping experience to thank them for supporting an actual person, and not just a business.
What I’m most proud of as a company and what sets me apart at the same time is probably West African Shop within my brand. It honors the style of Ghanaian women with authentic prints/fabrics and handmade pieces that are all created in Ghana. The pieces for the West African shop are styled by me and hand-sewn by seamstresses in Ghana, some even in my family! These pieces are a true reflection of my culture and heritage and I believe that definitely sets me apart from other boutiques.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is happiness. I also think success isn’t just this one, giant light at the end of a tunnel. I have successes daily in my business. From receiving an order to getting a positive review, finding the perfect shipping materials and everything in between – those are all small successes the feed into the overall joy and happiness in what I am doing with my business and that, to me, is the ultimate success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://citrushusk.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcitrushusk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citrushusk
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CitrusHuskBoutique
Image Credit:
Olivia Ahima
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