Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nedra A. Raye.
Hi Dr. Raye, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Delighted to speak on this journey, where do I start? Being from New Orleans, LA and traveling the world seeing all types of places and fashion, I became obsessed for fashion at a young age. I lived in California roughly about five years and shopped places on Melrose, vintage shops, downtown, swap meets for the latest women heels.
Upon separating from the US Navy in 2013, I obtained a business license and started a small online boutique called On Demand Essentials as well as selling clothing from my home and even riding to meet people to pick up clothing. In March 2018, I decided to take a step out on faith and open a small storefront. By October, my clientele grew so rapidly by advertising and word of mouth I expanded to a larger location with the assistance of my husband. My husband designed the store and we fully stocked it with all the fashion needs for women. I still maintained my accounting job at a local plant here from 8-5 then I would open my store 6- until and all day on weekends. I decided to quit my job and solely focus on my business and other business ideas because I don’t want to go back to working for corporate America. I hired a reliable and trustworthy team to assist me with the store. We expanded the store for a second time due to increased sales. I’m pleased with the service and customer service my team and I provide to our clients. I take pride in anything I set in my mind to do because half done isn’t done!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road As an entrepreneur is never easy. I run into people all the time and they say how did you do it I’ll tell them state focuses and never give up. You will have months where business is fast-paced, busy, and extremely profitable and you will have times of the opposite but never throw in the towel you just have to strategize and make it work for you and your business needs.
We’ve been impressed with On Demand Essentials LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in women essentials like clothing, shoes, accessories, weight loss products, self-care needs, and post op needs for our women after surgery.
I feel that having my doctorate in business administration has set me apart because I want people to be able to ask a question about my products and I’m well knowledgeable about them.
I also assist people with obtaining business start up business credit and to reach their goals of being entrepreneurs.
I can see the most proud brand-wise is that People always ask how did I come up with the name On Demand Essentials, I tell them I sell everything that’s In high demand for ladies. All of their essentials I’m pretty much the one stop shop per my clients and that makes me smile. My slogan is even where are your needs are in high demand!
I want people to know that I take pride in everything that I do and I’ll make sure they have an excellent shopping experience each time they enter my store or shop online.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My mother has always called me a risk taker, as the middle child she said she never had to really worry about I adapt really well. The risk of leaving a great paying full-time job with excellent health benefits to experience life as an entrepreneur and not knowing is it would succeed is a major risk in itself. I can say I’ve overcame any fears I’ve had about being an entrepreneur. Only God is in lead control of my life I just follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopondemand.net
- Instagram: ondemandessentials
- Facebook: On Demand Essentials Boutique
Image Credits:
Professional PHOTOSHOOT by/ Brandy Calloway @ BC PHOTOGRAPHY Montgomery, AL
