Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicqueva Haughton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I consider the point where I started, I have to be honest and say that I didn’t even imagine that I would be where I am today. I didn’t even set out to start a business but once I realized that all of my ideas were heading in that direction, I decided to go full speed ahead and give it my all. I simply started by decorating and bedazzling my old shoes in hopes to give them new life so I didn’t have to discard of them immediately. I was inspired by so many of my amazing family members but I decided to name my business after my grandmother, Gertrude “Elsada” Chandersingh.
Her poise and grace was simply unmatched and I adored her spirit of excellence. I was designing and selling shoes when I began in 2020 and today a year later I have added formal socks and handbags to the mix. I have so much to be proud of and I am extremely grateful to God to be in a position to be doing something that I absolutely love. I have by no means “Made It” but I take comfort in the fact that I am constantly becoming, I am literally developing a legacy for my kids and their kids. With prayer and diligence, I know that my company will flourish.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No matter what route you decide to take, there will be some bumps. For the most part, things have gone extremely well. I base that on the fact that I really don’t put too many pressures or timelines on myself. I do what I can when I can and if something doesn’t go as planned, it’s because God is working things out in a different way and I embrace that. When I started this business, I decided that, to start, I was going to put seven pairs of shoes out. One style but only seven pairs. Every single pair came in damaged. I was mortified but at the same time encouraged. I realize that when you are on the right path, adversity comes to distract you, but you can’t allow anything to keep you from your destiny so don’t quit!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of my foundation. My family structure and the faith that I have built my business on has given me guaranteed success. Not that everything will go right, but things will always be well with me mentally and spiritually. I really enjoy interacting and engaging with my customers. I love to speak motivationally and offer encouragement so having the opportunity to meet new people and speak into their lives just makes my business different. I think selling shoes, accessories, and handbags is great but touching lives through the magic of fashion and an encouraging word is priceless.
How do you define success?
Success is living in your purpose. Have you ever been in the right place at the right time to help someone? Have you ever decided to turn left when you normally would have turned right, only to turn into a situation that you had the solution to? Living in your purpose is success. Teaching the generations that are coming after you perseverance and resilience in their craft is success. Being a person of integrity and holding on to your morals is success. Having the ability to love others in spite of what life brings you, is success. Bob Marley said it best, “Possessions don’t make you rich, my richness is life, forever!”
Contact Info:
- Email: shopelsada@gmail.com
- Website: www.shopelsada.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopelsada/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopElsada
Image Credits:
@TH5Media
@_mg.photo_
