Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Carter.
Hi Danielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At a young age, I was blessed with many skills that were artistic and creative, and I also had a passion for fashion and design. These aspects of who I am and the interest that I had in fashion led to my desire to use those skills that would lead me to being a business owner. I’ve always had an idea of what I wanted to do in life, but there is always an unexpected detour in your journey, and my detour was joining the Air Force after I obtained an Accounting degree. While in the service, I created a hair business in my living room and quickly realized that was not my purpose. I still had a passion for fashion, so I began planning to launch an online boutique in 2015, as well as coming up with an exit plan from the military. In 2017, I honorably separated from the Air Force, then launched my ecommerce site Tailored Sophistication Boutique in 2019. Today, my online store is also a brick and mortar in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to get here had some challenges. When I initially wanted to start my business in 2015, the easy part was filing all the legal documents to do business, but the obstacle was searching for a supplier that offered quality products. In addition to finding the right supplier to represent my brand, I was getting in my own way to create a successful business. I began to feel discouraged about moving forward, so I put a halt on launching my boutique at that time. This challenge has taught me to never doubt myself and continue to move forward despite feeling discouraged of the process to run a business, as well as being scared of not knowing the outcome of how successful my business would be. Today, what I offer is great quality and timeless pieces that will last beyond the trends, as well as a service to my customers that makes them feel confident with their purchase.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Tailored Sophistication is a clothing boutique that embodies “The Tailored Woman”. A woman that’s empowered, confident, have individuality, and style. When women purchase from my boutique, the goal is for her to feel good and empowered when she walks into a room. When I started TS, I wanted my brand to provide pieces that are different, transitional, versatile, and timeless for the everyday working woman who can wear our clothes to the office, then transition to happy hour or date night. I’m most proud of how we set ourselves apart from other boutiques; our customers love that they can find something different when shopping with us, and they’re also pleased with our high level of customer service and fast shipping. Lastly, I’m proud that we have caught the eyes of men who are shopping with us to purchase items for their significant other.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned that the show must go on by any means, and consistency is key. I’m thankful that my boutique was not severely impacted by the pandemic. Our brick-and-mortar location started during the pandemic, and the doors opened as the restrictions were slowly lifted. We’re grateful that our online sales continued throughout the crisis, and we were able to maintain the business by staying true to the brand and being consistent online.
Contact Info:
- Email: shoptscollection@gmail.com
- Website: https://tailoredsophistication.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailoredsophistication/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailoredsophistication/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/TailoredSophistication/_shop/
