Today we’d like to introduce you to Cliche Williams.
Hi Cliche, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I worked in hospitality for 10 years as a waitress/bartender. I love meeting new people and providing them with quality service. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in my life at the time, but I knew I had a bigger purpose. I began to get overwhelmed of the late nights and daily routine schedule. One day, I started to think of things I am good at that could potentially make an extra profit. I did have a passion for fashion; I love to dress up in different styles and garments. I would always get compliments on my unique style and vibrant colors. Every time I went out, I tend to stand out like a soar thumb in the crowd. I was definitely the outcast. I started to do some research on vendors for selling clothes. After trying multiple vendors and testing different fabrics, I came across a trustworthy vendor. I ordered a couple of items and started to sale them at my job to friends and family. They loved the quality of the clothing. I started to make more money in two days than what I would have made in a week at work. This really motivated me. I cut some hours of waitressing and focused more on selling my clothing. I then bought a mannequin and dressed it up in my living room. I began posting pictures of my products on my Instagram / Facebook. I would load the trunk of my car and drop off orders to my customers. Something that started off as a hobby quickly grew into a business. I named my business Outkass. As I began to build my clientele I could no longer service everyone in one day. I had decided the best solution would be to shipped the items. I remained consistent and had my first pop-up shop on Campcreek marketplace SW of Atlanta. My friends and family helped me set up my table and clothing racks. It was a hot and windy day. My clothing racks kept falling to the ground. I didn’t get discouraged; customers started to pull over and see what items I had to offer. As the line grew longer a man in a trailer pulled up next to me. I couldn’t help but notice how nice it was; he was selling men’s clothes. At that moment, It hit me! I could run my own mobile boutique. I kept the momentum by doing giveaways, selling out of my trunk, and posting online. Here we are 5 years later; I own a mobile boutique bus.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In many ways launching a boutique on a bus was emblematic of the challenges that continue to shape my own growth as a person and an entrepreneur. As I initially looked out over that vast bus yard littered with both good and bad buses, I had to discover the assurance of value and have the conviction to see untapped potential. I also had to dig deep when I turned the keys on the bus that I picked to be my instant golden ticket, only to find out that it didn’t start. Instead of turning back on my dream, I allowed the challenge to teach me everything the bus needed to become what it was destined to be. I had to re-tool everything under the hood, identify and shore up its core power sources, make sure the inside could stay cool when it’s hot outside, carefully smooth out the past dents and bruises, sand off the rust, and wrap it all with clear messaging and love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
OutKass Fashion Boutique is a luxury brand specializing in Women’s clothing. We offer something for women from all walks of life, catering to all shapes and sizes. We are literally a moving fashion billboard. We come to cities near you, although we are based in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. I am most proud of the sacrifice it took to get here. I gave up so much for my idea that became my dream and now is a reality. I have positioned myself to inspire so many young entrepreneurs. For that, I am forever grateful. OutKass started out as a hobby, I was selling clothes out of the trunk of my car and to see my dream become a huge success is only a message to other entrepreneurs that you too can be a success! With hard work, consistency, and dedication, anything is possible! I mean ANYTHING! We are currently hosting private events, pop-up shops, and festivals! Our mission is to provide the best shopping experience at your convenience! We hope to see you soon in a city near you!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I encourage everyone who is on their journey to get mentorship. Look for someone who has experience in your field of work. This will help you stay focused, motivated and, most of all, give you more knowledge. I was blessed enough to have family members mentor me along the way on my journey. They gave me all the tools necessary to expand and execute my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.outkassfashion.com
- Instagram: Outkass_fashion_boutique
- Facebook: OutkassFashionboutique
- Twitter: Outkass_Fashion
