Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Akosua.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in the Bronx, New York but raised in New Jersey so I am a forever Jersey girl. Ever since I was younger I have loved clothes and just dressing up. My motto has always been, “you can never be too overdressed for anything!” I would say I definitely dress for the mood I am in. You can catch me in a ballgown to a jumpsuit to a body-hugging midi dress to a casual white T and some jeans. I am also a fan of animal print, stripes, bold statement pieces and of course Ankara print (to represent my Ghanaian roots). I dress in what makes me comfortable and happy.
Although fashion is my passion I also love being a teacher. I am able to bring my love of fashion into the classroom with me. I started my lifestyle blog late last year, and through the blog, I will be sharing my teaching style, travel adventures, and just any events and information that I think my readers will be interested in.
I also started my online boutique in April 2013. I decided to turn my passion into something that would also generate some income for me. With $100 and a vision, I was able to execute my business idea with the help of books about business, some online webinars, a drive to create something for myself, and my faith in God to lead the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having a business definitely comes with many highs and lows. When I received my first order, I was elated that I had my first customer! From there, any free time I had was dedicated to my business, being consistent, and growing my brand. I begin reaching out to reality stars and those who had a social media presence to wear my clothes and promote my brand. At times, I would send clothes to those I wanted to promote my brand but sometimes, they would wear my clothes and not tag my business or just not wear my clothes at all. I was grateful to those who did wear my clothes and tag my business so that it could grow. At times, it became overwhelming when I would provide multiple clothing pieces to social media influencers, just for them to not wear my clothes. I would be disappointed by the money lost and the time spent but knew it was a hurdle I would just have to leap over to continue to grow my business and my brand.
In 2016, I began grad school so it was hard to be a full-time teacher, full-time graduate student, and have the time to run my online business. Sadly, I had to close my store in order to focus on school. Once I graduated in 2018, I knew I wanted to get back to having my business again. This time I didn’t want to just order wholesale and sell the same styles as the other social media stores we all know. I wanted to bring something unique but still reflect my fashion sense. It’s taken many months and a lot of trial and errors but I am happy to say that Chic Vintage is born! I have gone through many struggles but one piece of advice is to keep going. Like in the movie Finding Nemo when Dori says, “Just keep swimming,” it reminds me that the only person stopping me from being great is ME!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chic Vintage – what should we know?
Besides being a kindergarten teacher, I also have my online store Chic Vintage (ChicVintage.bigcartel.com) and my blog, TiffanyAkosua.com. I am most proud of how far I have come. I know that there is still so much more work for me to do. I am just grateful for the support of my family, friends, strangers, and other entrepreneurs.
Chic Vintage is an online woman’s boutique that has one of the kind pieces. Although the clothes are vintage, these pieces can be worn with many clothes we wear today! I want women to feel amazing in clothes while still standing out.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I believe women are well positioned for ANY opportunity. There are many women who have paved the way for women today to be successful in all areas. As a woman, I can proudly say we are just AMAZING! Whatever we put our mind to, we can achieve it. We have to create our own paths if there isn’t one created already and just Do it (with style and grace, of course)!
Contact Info:
- Website: ChicVintage.bigcartel.com
- Email: shopChicVintage@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/tiffanyakosua
- Other: Instagram.com/ChicVintage_
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