Today we’d like to introduce you to Trá Rose Harriott.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had an entrepreneurial mind since childhood (thanks to my mother) and had my sights on doing so as a pre-teen. My mother had taught me hand-sewing techniques as a child and at thirteen or so, I began hand-sewing garments for my dolls, piecing together and constructing fabrics or making alterations to ready-made garments. The summer of my sophomore year of high school, I began designing different clothing lines for women including formal wear, sportwear separates, and casualwear; eventually creating a nice fashion portfolio and solidifying my decision to own a clothing boutique.
After high school, I enrolled into Brenau University where I double majored in fashion design and fashion merchandising and minored in psychology. I had it all planned out; a traditional boutique location, target audience, vendor list, etc. However, my junior year, I was faced with major mental health concerns, that became physical and was more than just the “sophomore/junior blues”. In fact, my “blues” was a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The constant internal battles prevented me from being in-tuned with myself, what I wanted, where I was going, and even became disinterested in continuing to pursue fashion as a career. I got in my own head and way and after the school year ended, I did not return.
In 2013, I temporarily changed career paths to funeral service and after obtaining a degree in funeral service (2014) and another in psychology (2018), I revisited my original entrepreneurial plans and created my first business with my sister and mother, Impowered Aesthetics, LLC that same year. However, I was rocked with another mental health crisis in 2019. After a long war with chronic depression, a series of health concerns, plus enrollment into grad school, I received a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BPD) II. While the news initially gave me relief because I had finally gotten answers to my concerns, self-doubt and self-judgement affected my motivation to continue being in business and also took an academic toll and I became disengaged from my studies. After reaching out to a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I began and maintained weekly therapy sessions, began to rebuild my self-esteem, create a health and wellness plan, and receive mental health services from my school which aided GREATLY in maintaining grades (which thankfully, did not suffer). That same year (2019) I celebrated my 28th birthday by proving to myself that I am more than what happened to me and I am certainly more than my illness and launched Boss Babe Boutique, LLC. Celebratory, because that was once a dream deferred, a once unreachable, a part of my life that I was once embarrassed and ashamed to speak about, is now a testimony. No longer a dream deferred, but a destiny fulfilled.
I expanded my brand and launched Boss T’s Apparel, a conscious-wear t-shirt brand, in 2020. Yes, I started off rocky, but I am now the owner of three successful businesses, a full-time graduate student, happily married to my high school sweetheart, and while having a mental disorder is a part of me, it does not define me. It does not mean I cannot achieve my goals. It means I get to be a true artist and get creative as I want to be with my executions. Currently, I am in the process of erecting more businesses, as well as, helping others start theirs. My message to everyone is this; “You can absolutely do what you put your mind to, as long as you just start.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. Just to name a few of mine: I’ve had my school close while attending (Argosy), I’ve had to transfer schools mid-program multiple times, I’ve been unsure about my future, I’ve experienced betrayal, loss, grief, and homelessness, I have anxiety often, I’ve done myself disservice, I’ve been unkind to myself and others, I’ve had slow business days, missed out on opportunities because of self-sabotage, felt unworthy, etc. yes! Absolutely! Life happens and when it does, I remind myself of who I am and what I can do………and I go do it. That was the attitude I had when I made the decision to become a business owner without doing it “the right way”, although I intended to do so. It is said, you shouldn’t quit your job to become a business owner, I had to place my health first. My previous employment workplace took such a major toll on my mental health, it was damaging to myself and home life. So, I left a job that I was unhappy at and wasn’t treating me well and decided to create my own job where I fit the qualification, have the skills and experience necessary, determine my hours, enjoy where I work, and what I do. Looking back, I do not regret that decision, however I would definitely encourage others to do it the right way and maintaining income while pursuing entrepreneurship.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Boss Babe Boutique & Boss T’s Apparel – what should we know?
My company Boss Babe Boutique, LLC is an online clothing boutique with a large selection of quality, elegantly risqué clothing. Perfect for the glamour girl that walks a daring fine line with her fashions! We love our customers feeling empowered about themselves through their clothing and allows for self-expression. We’ve just added new updates and items including expanding the brand to Boss T’s Apparel. Boss T’s Apparel is an extension of Boss Babe and it is a conscious-wear t-shirt brand that speaks up for those who can’t and speaks out for those that do speak up. Currently, I am the face of both brands, however I am open to brand ambassadors!
What I am most proud of, is the fact that the boutique was once a question and now it is an answer. I am also proud of the company for being black owned, woman-owned, and a first in my family. It’s an absolute jewel. What sets me apart from others is my resiliency and creativity. It’s not easy to maneuver with daily operations with an often-disabling mental disorder, but I manage well. In fact, I use my disorder as an artistic reference point. Example being, Bipolar Disorder can be a spectrum of extremes. I used this concept for an overall mood/theme of my business. Boss Babe Boutique showcases a feminine, dainty, pretty side, whereas Boss T’s is the total opposite and showcases boldness, darkness, fierceness, outspokenness, and a little rebellion. I ty to incorporate some part of myself in my business to truly make it my and personal.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My list of thanks, credit, and praise goes to: My mom Naajila-drilling and nailing into my head the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and overall financial freedom. My husband Trevaughn-my rock, my best friend, my boo, my everything! My husband is freaking AWESOME. He has stepped up tremendously to allow me to execute my dreams without limitation, rush, complaints, or any negative energy. He consistently assists in the promotion of my products (Boss T’s) and can usually be found dropping OUR name to someone (we have the same nickname). A couple of notable shoutouts: Breea Mitchell-inspiring me to keep going and go bigger, even when I don’t feel like it or may not have the head-space to continue. Also, who has assisted in promoting me probably the most via social media. Mia Edwards-emphasizing the importance and need for mental health in the Black community, and sis takes DOPE pictures and took great shots of some pieces from my boutique. Darrius Moseley and Sedrick Goolsby-giving me laughs and the positivity needed to start my day off in a good mood, which is not easy when having a mood disorder! My therapist for keeping my mental health up to par and holding me accountable. And lastly, my customers and followers on social media. I absolutely adore them and of course, I wouldn’t be successful without them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bossbabeboutiquestore.com
- Phone: 678-368-9740
- Email: info@bossbabeboutiquestore.com
- Instagram: @bossbabeboutiquellc
- Facebook: @bossbabeboutiquellc
- Other: Boss T’s Apparel www.bosstapparel.com
Image Credit:
Mia Edwards, APC
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