Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Baylor.
Imani, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a unique style. Growing up, I was teased for the way I dressed because I didn’t wear labels or dressed to fit in. I love fashion from every era dating back from the 1920s-90s. I implemented styles from various fashion eras into my everyday attire (shoes, pants, jewelry, jackets, etc.) a little something that would set me apart from everyone at school. I never thought I would start a clothing line because fashion was something I admired, now it’s my passion and extra income. In college, the thrift store was my go to for most of my clothing needs. People on campus loved the way I put outfits together so they would ask me to go thrifting with them, ask for advice on how to pick pieces, where to shop, etc. A lightbulb went off for me and I saw this as a business opportunity.
Instead of advising others to try and shop the way I do, I would bring my expertise to them. Not only do I sell vintage clothes but I upcycle kente garments. 90s fashion and black history plays a huge role in my brand and I want to educate through my designs. I want my generation who thought being a descendent from Africa was shameful to take pride in their heritage through what I create. My ultimate goal when I first started was to be a vendor at the Ashby Flea Market in Berkeley, CA. Funny thing is, I never did vend there and instead went on to do some pretty huge events in the Bay Area for the last three years. People request for me to vend at their events and there is no better feeling than that.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I had ups and some downs as a business owner. One major struggle was funding my business with a small income. I chose to keep my inventory small to provide an exclusive shopping experience. As the demand for clothing increased, so did the amount of money I was putting into my business. I didn’t have a job that could help fund my clothing line the way I wanted to. I had to take a step back and assess, rebrand, and wait to find a job that helped bring my vision to life. Although I am making up from that mistake, I am in a better position to run Eccentric Vibes.
Please tell us about Eccentric Vibes.
I am a founder of three businesses. Eccentric Vibes is the most active and the first business to get my name out there. I do pop ups, vend, style, customize, and personal shop for others. My second business is called The I.M.A.N.I. which is an acronym for The Inspiring Mentoring And Nurturing Individuals Project. I am an independent contractor and my mission is to inspire and mentor K-12 urban youth in the Bay Area by providing services, implementing programs, and coordinating activities needed on the spectrum of academics, enrichment, intervention, life, and social skills through facilitating classes and workshops. My third business is a media site called Queen Media Collective. We have a staff of writers who are all people of color writing quality content about their experiences and point of views. My business partner Michaela Shelton and I provide media and business services to entrepreneurs and creatives. Our website and brand has been a successful tool of networking with people from all over. I am very proud to call myself a black businesses owner who started under the age of 30. What sets me apart is the drive I have to connect likeminded people and finding ways to integrate the love I have for working with youth and fashion.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I were to start over, one thing I would do differently is educating myself before becoming an entrepreneur. Taking classes and reading books related to small business owners probably would have saved me a lot of time and money. It’s never too late to learn.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1815 Clemet Ave. #4 Alameda CA, 94501
- Website: Eccentricvibes.bigcartel.com
- Phone: 9095435749
- Email: universoulvibes92@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eccentric_vibes_online ; https://www.instagram.com/queenmediacollective/ ; https://www.instagram.com/the_imani_project/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eccentricvibes/ ; https://www.facebook.com/queenmediacollective/
Image Credit:
Imani Baylor
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