Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharonda Lewis.
Hi Sharonda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my business in the projects in a small, three-red light town called Alma, Georgia. With most of the clothing stores closing over the years, I figured I could start my own, so in January of 2019 that’s exactly what I did. I named it Twice As Fly Beauty Supply. I didn’t get the support that I expected, so after a few months I shut down. I refused to give up, so at the beginning of 2020 I did what I hadn’t done in 2019, I prayed over my business, and Shop On 12th was born. This time things were great. I was getting lots of support from my hometown and even started to reach people in the surrounding counties. I wanted to turn things up a notch, try my luck, so I started sending out pieces to influencers and celebs from Instagram. In January of 2021, to my surprise, Jerrika Karlae wore one of my dresses, which got Shop On 12th some exposure. I was elated.
As the months passed, my mama’s cancer started to take over all of her organs. This caused a slow down in business. She needed more care, and appointments were coming back to back. Again, I had to shut down, and on the 21 of August of 2021, colon cancer took my mama. I needed some time to myself.
It’s said that the third time’s a charm, and although I wasn’t in the best of spirits, I planned to start my clothing boutique once again. As a birthday gift to myself, I relaunched Shop On 12th on April 26, 2022. This time offering black womenswear for those that love wearing black, attending an all-black event, or just want a Friday night ‘fit.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and if there’s anyone that says running a business has been smooth for them, I’d like to have a conversation. The second time I opened my business and started getting orders from different states, I would have to walk to the post office to mail my packages because I didn’t have a car. Since the town is so small, most places are in walking distance. The only skills I had were those of a customer service associate plus I was a braider for many years, so I know how to get along with people and resolve issues in a professional manner. I didn’t come from wealth, so I’m trying to build it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m actually more known for being a braider. I started braiding hair around the year 2000. I eventually went on to braid only for kids. There wasn’t anyone in the area that only catered to children, and I wanted to be that person that parents could bring their babies to for hair care.
From my hair care clients is where I looked to build my customer base for my boutique.
I’m always looking for ways to set myself apart from others. It’s not easy to do something that hasn’t already been done, but I’m proud of the fact that I even took a chance on myself; that people are starting to catch on to this boutique, owned by a small town girl.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me is showing my three daughters that they can most definitely be/do anything in this world that they want as long as they work hard for it; be persistent, and keep showing up. No one can tell me that my small business won’t, one day, be as big as FN. We come from hardly anything, and I want to try and change that for my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: 12thstboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopon12th/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopon12th/
Image Credits:
Images shot by Tamera Wilcox, owner and operator of Mera Images Photography
