Today we’d like to introduce you to Ife’ Nelson.
Hi Ife’, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi everyone. My name is Ife’ (pronounced efay) & it’s a Nigerian name that means love. I’m not Nigerian, I’m half Jamaican and proud of my name & culture.
I started doing hair in the 4th grade due to me not liking the hairstyles my mother gave me. From there I started doing my friend’s & family members’ hair. By the time I reached high school, I started to develop a clientele. I took cosmetology for three years in high school. After graduating high school, I went to Dudley Beauty College for a program that was supposed to be for 18 months but I completed it in six months. I was literally teaching the teachers how to do certain styles.
After obtaining my Cosmetology license, I knew the sky was the limit for me. I’ve owned multiple salons with business partners and by myself. When I realized that everyone doesn’t have the same vision I made the decision to never go into business with anyone again.
I gave almost 30 years to the beauty industry & I’ve met some great people. I’ve done work for a couple of tv show, fashion shows, hair shows & other special events. I am now a traveling stylist and I’m also a reseller. In 2017, I opened a brick & mortar clothing store in Buford, GA not far from the Mall of GA. The overhead costs were ridiculous & I brought my business right home. Literally, my home is where I work my business from.
I sell new & preloved clothing on Poshmark, Mercari & now Whatnot. Reselling clothes has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Something I thought I’d never do which is have live shows I now do on the daily. I love meeting people whether in person or virtually. I also love to give makeovers such as hair & makeup & revamping someone’s wardrobe.
I plan on continuing to work from home & setting more goals for myself to achieve. My ultimate goal is to make sales in my sleep & build generational wealth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road to where I am now as a reseller. In fact, the road is still bumpy. In the clothing business, you have to build a customer base (following), stay on top of trends, purchase inventory on a regular basis, and pay your taxes amongst other things.
As far as the beauty industry goes, I can write a book that would turn into a movie because the slithering snakes that I encountered – whew! From shady business practices from salon owners to clients who always want discounted prices. I’m serious, I can write a best selling tell all book.
As you know, we’re big fans of I.F.E. Boutique aka Fashion Bae. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My clothing business is called I.F.E (Independent Female Entrepreneur) Boutique. However on Poshmark, Mercari & Whatnot my name is Fashion Bae.
I’m your go to person for all things beauty. I am a multicultural hair stylist and I sell fashion for women, men & kids. I specialize in making people look good and feel good. Don’t you feel good when you know your looking good? You get an extra pep in your step. That confidence will have you turning heads. And that is what I’m here for.
I’m most proud of my versatility. Again, I’m able to makeover anyone. From kids to grandparents everyone will feel good after getting styled by Fashion Bae.
I want everyone to know that I’m a humble & down to earth business woman who doesn’t mind giving advice on how to elevate in life. And to always keep the faith because trouble doesn’t last always.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to own a warehouse that will hold all of my inventory, create a space in that dwelling for all things beauty & to hire people who get my vision and love what they do.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
-Ife’ Nelson
