Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Mincey.
Hi Crystal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I originally started my Herstory T-shirt line in 2016, at that time I was using pictures of famous black women like Grace Jones, Dianna Ross and Dorthy Dandridge all while using the word herstory under their pictures. For, some reason I thought people would love to wear these beautiful, talented black women but, nope it was a flop. I barely received any sales for those t-shirts other than my friends at that particular time. I was a little hurt but, was willing to move forward with my line and, didn’t exactly know what my next idea would be. I decided to take a little pause in business because let’s be clear I was still working a full time job. The following year my husband and I had a conversation and he said “Why don’t you just brand yourself” use the word and forget about the pictures. This was literally a (lightbulb moment). At, that very instance Herstory was re- born and it became more about the everyday woman and her story more than those pretty pictures I first started with. My t-shirts have since evolved into skull caps, tote bags, tank tops, sweatshirts, and hoodies. I’m hopeful that I’ll soon be creating sweatsuits and short sets for women. Comforatble liesure attire for women!
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?
There are plenty of obstacles to entrepreneurship. It definitely has not been a smooth road and there’s been plenty of twist and turns. As the CEO, Marketing Director, Accountant, Order Manager, Producer, Model and so on are all the roles I’ve had to play during my journey. There’s been times when I’ve wanted to quit but, something in me just keeps me going. Or, it could be the prayer warriors that I’ve surrounded myself with that allows me keep my faith in my business going and growing. It takes time and patients trying to figure out what colors to to try, deciding items to sell, what vending opportunities are best, and are people going to understand what Herstory is about? I’ve watched and learned so much form my parents who have been entrepreneurs my whole life. I think that’s why this life chose me and I decided to chose it! I’ve taken some great suggestions from my better half and other entrepreneurs who are in the same market. As, I look back on my journey I can say” you have to go with your gut and what brings happiness to your life.” Six months ago, my husband and I made the decision to move. I moved my business from where I started in Maryland to Atlanta, GA. This meant I left my base customers, network of small businesses, connections and now would start all over again in a different place and space. Even through all this change, there is something that I’ve said in a past interview and it always sticks in my head which is “Let your struggle be your testimony.” This means that even through all the ups and downs I’m still standing and I’ll have a story to tell. Even though I may not get the most likes on social media, I may not sale as much as others, I may not even have a famous person wear my Herstory apparel but, what I do have is the every day women that understands and lives her story with purpose. My story, your story, our story, HERSTORY!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a woman who worked for the government for years and decided I didn’t want to do that anymore. I wanted to do something I wanted to do on my time that would make women feel like they are seen and heard. I’ve applied that to my brand which all share the word HERSTORY. Every piece of material is heat pressed, sewn, folded, and packaged with my hands. I want women to wear this word herstory with honor and meaning the same way people take pride in their last name, Alma Mater, or where they’re from. Some of my happiest moments are when women walk up to my vending table and see my product and say I love this, or tell me their stories of how they’ve made it through troubling times, how doctors counted them out and they are still living, being the first in their families to attend college, cancer survivors and so many others stories. What I’ve learned is that you are the holder of your own personal pen! You can write your story and be patient in pursuing who you are and want to be on your journey it’s all about you. What sets me apart from other apparel companies is my niche is for women by a woman, celebrating women.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would be me watching my mother work in her business as a cosmetologist for 30 years. I am what you would call a shop baby. I grew up in my mother’s salon watching her listen to women’s stories 5 days a week. If you don’t know, cosmetologists are full on therapist (good listeners) the best I know in the service industry. See I’ve watched my mother listen, give opinions and pray for women all while making them beautiful. That’s the type of women I came from and I’m blessed beyond measure to have a wonderful mother. I learned so much by being in that very place because I grew up as an only child around adults most of my life. People often tell me I have an old soul and that’s probably because whether my mother or those women knew it they where shaping me. And, now that I think about it I’ve been around women my whole life listening to them tell their stories. This is a full circle moment! Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
The name of my mom’s salon was Gabrielle’s Hair Designs and @Gabrielledesignz is my Instagram name. I know some people are wondering who is Gabrielle? I am Crystal Gabrielle!
Pricing:
- Herstory Tanks $15
- Herstory T-shirts $25
- Herstory Sweatshirts $30
- Herstory Hoodies $40
- Herstory Iron on Patches $14
Contact Info:
- Email: gabriellealexanderllc@gmail.com
- Website: gabrielledesignz.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: @gabrielledesignz
- Facebook: https://gabrielledesignz.bigcartel/?
Image Credits:
Sean Mincey
Aisha Chadwick
