Today we’d like to introduce you to Chyann Hawk owner of You Cute Couture.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a 27 years old Detorit native. I own an online clothing boutique called You Cute Couture. I’m also a wardrobe stylist and I created a lifestyle brand called GlamGirl Lifestyle. I have an extreme passion for fashion and enjoy working in both the fashion and media industry. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Broadcast and cinematic arts. Back then, I really loved the idea of working in the media but I also loved fashion as well. My goal after college was to work towards a career where I could help people all over the world. Unfortunately, I did not want to be a news reporter. Leading up to my senior year in college, I constantly communicated with my professors in hopes of finding my space and purpose in the media industry. I was told to sit down and write out the things that I absolutely loved and felt passionate about. Winter of 2014, I was told by a friend of mines about this women’s empowerment brunch that featured prominent successful black entrepreneur women from Detorit. I instantly purchased my ticket.
At that time, I wasn’t exactly sure that I wanted to be my own boss but I knew I wanted to make a lot of money and enjoy working every single day. I drove from school attended the brunch and met entrepreneur women such as Mia Ray, Karen Civil and Mng Lee. I was so captivated by these women stories and left feeling motivated and empowered. I later drove back to school and referred to that list I wrote down. It dawn on me then ” I should start my own fashion blog”. November 12, 2014 I created my blog called GlamGirl Fashion State of mind. I built the GlamGirl Lifestyle brand within weeks following that. I remembered what those women on the panel talked about. I remember asking myself what is GlamGirl Lifestyle, what is a GlamGirl and what should she represent? How old is she? I wanted my brand to represent three important things which is love, fashion and inspiration. I chose love because I genuinely wanted my readers to feel a sense of love while reading my blog. I wanted my readers to understand how important it is to love yourself first before anything. I chose fashion because that is my area of expertise.
My blog was considered a fashion blog so I wanted it to be the one stop shop for every girl fashion needs. I then chose inspiration because I want to inspire the next woman to go chase her dreams with no regrets. I also come from a big family and have a lot of younger cousins that look up to me on the daily. I wanted to show them how important it is to have a mind of your own and to commit to whatever they are passionate about. I blogged and worked in the radio industry for about three years. Along with devolving my lifestyle brand. My older cousin helped me come up with a logo and for me thats when GlamGirl Lifestyle became real. I wanted to capitalized on GlamGirl Lifestyle. I got it registered with the state of Michigan and created merchandise both my readers and followers could buy and wear proudly. My brand has been one accomplished that I’m truly proud of and grateful for. It has paved the way for me in so many ways. I’ve spoke at different speaking engagements and I’ve created and sold my own GlamGirl merchandise.
With me graduating from Central Michigan I had my mind made up I would work in both media and fashion and my blog would help me connect the dots. Since graduating, I’ve worked in the radio industry, high-end retail and the auto industry. I’ve always loved the idea of helping others. The last full-time job I had was at Audi Financial Services. I liked my job because it gave me a sense of structure and came with a lot of perks. I was on the job for about a year in a half and in the back of my mind, I wanted to continue to invest in my brand. I wanted to expand my brand further. I wanted to invest in becoming a fashion buyer. I really don’t enjoy designing however I can pick out a bomb outfit with my eyes closed. I later got a little confused while working for Audi because I was torn between pursuing a full-time career with the company and finishing what I started back in college my brand. Around February of 2019, I quit my full-time job with Audi financial and decided that I would be a full-time entrepreneur. I thought about the passion I had with helping the community at work. I could put that same passion and leg work into my own business. I had already built an audience for my brand and everyone was wondering what was next. Both me and my partner came up with You Cute Couture. An urban chic clothing brand that would stand out look cute and help every girl feel good from the inside out. You Cute Couture is based out of metro Detroit, Michigan. It is available online and I have plans on finding a storefront fall of 2021.
Growing up, I have also loved styling myself, my friends and family. Starting this business has helped me expand GlamGirl lifestyle in so many ways and it has helped me market my wardrobe styling services. I wanted the clothes I sold to be affordable, cute and multi-purposed. I enjoy now being a full-time fashion buyer and boutique owner. I love networking and sharing my fashion knowledge to the word. I also enjoy marketing my brands which is where my degree comes in. A lot of things some people would pay for I can actually do myself. Knowing the importance of social media marketing, YouTube, video editing and email digital marketing has helped me grow my following for You Cute Couture and has increased my sales online. Technically this is just the start of my journey I’m still learning, still growing and still blossoming into a better entrepreneur. Thank you for letting me share my story with your readers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been the smoothest road. However, thats what makes it all so rewarding. Since deciding to become my own boss I’ve ran into so many obstacles and challenges. Money being at the top of the list. Within the first three months, I hit rock bottom and was behind on all my bills. By the grace of God, I live at home with my parents so I was never homeless. I had to then search for a new job. This time around I just wanted something part-time low maintenance. I wanted a job where I could get paid every week, pay my bills and invest in my business. That was a challenge that set me back mentally because I had my mind made up that I didn’t want to work for anyone other than myself. I later ran into the other obstacles with my distributors overseas. Being able to order my products and have it back in a timely matter meant everything to me especially just starting out. I never want my customers to order an item and have to wait more than 7-10 business days for their package to arrive.
So always doing the backend work with your brand is important. Always communicate with your distributors maintain and build a relationship with them. Think of your distributors as your silent partners always check in with them. Another challenge was being discipline with my finances and sticking to the plan. Once I entered the workforce again it was bittersweet. I was happy the bill collectors stop calling but I’m always reminded of the goal. On days when I don’t feel like going to work, I pray and ask God to always remind me of my goals and where I’m headed. My 9-5 is an end to a means, I give it 110 percent of my effort when I’m there because I know it will help me grow my own personal business. Alone with being disciplined about going to work, I had to practice using my money for the right things.
When having a business, I learned quickly if you don’t fuel it, it won’t work much like a car. What you put in it is what you get out of it. I had to start making smarter decisions with my spending habits. My bestfriend created me a budget that I now use monthly to help calculate my monthly expenses. My advice for young women starting their journey would be to have thick skin. Some people are going to love your ideas, products and services others may not. I’m telling you to keep going despite it all. Another piece of advice is to always be teachable. To this day, I’m still researching different marketing techniques, different vendors and playing with different ideas regarding my business. Lastly, I once read your 9-5 is not a dream killer, it’s a dream supporter. It’s the only thing you have that can financially fund your dreams. Your own dreams cant even fund your dreams! Stop whining, get resourceful, and watch things work. Perspective is everything!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about You Cute Couture – what should we know?
I like to consider myself a fashion entrepreneur. I run my online clothing boutique throughout the day, I’m a wardrobe stylist. I currently am with Advance magazine as their lead wardrobe stylist. Alone side with that part of my business is my brand GlamGirl Lifestyle. Based off love, fashion and inspiration my brand is based on helping women love/find themselves from the inside out. I specialize in fashion because I believe when you look good you feel good. Fashion is so expressive and it changes often much like people. I enjoy helping women represent themselves while looking and feeling empowered, confident and beautiful. With my business, I value giving excellent customer service. I interact with customers online making sure I answer any and all possible questions about the merchandise I’m selling. I enjoy styling clients while encouraging them to own whatever room they walk in and make their presence known.
My brand tagline is “First impressions may last long but your last impressions create your legacy”. I’m known for being a sociable fashionista. I love collaborating with local entrepreneurs to create brand awareness within the local Detroit area. I take pride in my marketing strategies also being creative and consistent with my content I post on social media while staying on trend. I provide my customers with options, I like taking key pieces off my rack and show how it can be worn multiple ways. I’m proud of my brands GlamGirl Lifestyle and You Cute Couture because it all was just a thought at one point and I put the work behind them to bring them to life and to share my passion with others. My brands represent discipline, hard work and dedication. My faith planted the seed and my love for fashion made them grow.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I just started listening to podcast. I enjoy listening to self-reflecting and self-motivated recordings. One of them is “Girl CEO” which is a podcast that gives resources and advice to local female entrepreneurs. Another one is “Slay Girl Slay” this podcast helps you develop everyday strategies in order to reach your goals daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Lastly, I enjoy listening to the “What up doe” podcast, this is a laid back show that keeps it real, makes me laugh and is fun to listen too. I also like to read books as well. Right now I’m reading “Woman to Woman straight to the point” written by Dr. Cierrah Perrin. Much of my business resources I use are for motivating and uplifting purposes which helps because it’s good taking a break and learning from others. I try to always stay teachable, since starting my business, I feel like I learn something new everyday.
Pricing:
- Virtual styling service $50.00 for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Closet revamp $60.00 for 2 hours
- Personal shopping $25 hourly
Contact Info:
- Website: www.YouCuteCouture.com
- Email: Chyannhawk@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/youcutecouture_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youcutecouture01?modal=admin_todo_tour
Image Credit:
Reggie B IG: @Visualsbyreggieb; Jasmine D IG: @Rareproductionsstudio; Kevin Randolph IG: @Kev_randolph
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