Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Harper.
Hi Christie, 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?
For starters, this has been a six-year journey in the making. What first started off as me being a self-taught designer/seamstress creating bowties for men & boys, eventually evolved into me making my own bridesmaids dresses for my own wedding. I could not find the style of dresses that I wanted for my bridesmaids at a reasonable cost for them, so I took matters into my own hands, and decided to make the dresses myself. From there, a few friends began requesting custom pieces here and there; I began studying more and further developing my craft; And the next thing you know, I got a request for my first prom gown for one of my line sister’s daughter, and the rest is history. It was at that time when I decided to focus specialty on prom and bridal wear. I absolutely enjoy creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If there is a smooth road in business, please point me in that direction! Lol…But seriously, after I took my hobby of sewing to the next level of entrepreneurship, business began to pick up with prom orders and other bookings. I went from 1 custom prom dress my first season, to 5 prom dresses my second season, to 13 prom dresses my third season. Needless to say, it was in the third season, when custom orders were going great, and the best year to date for Purple Orchids Collections was here, and then boom! Covid happened…who knows how well we could have done last year in our third season, and this year for that matter. As for other custom orders, thankfully, we are still getting those in. I had to do a big reality check about the future of Purple Orchids Collections and our new direction to follow. This by far has been the challenge of all challenges to have to navigate the next steps for Purple Orchids Collections. I don’t think anyone was prepared for the actual shut down of the economy. So, the plan now is to assess, adapt, and act to keep Purple Orchids Collections growing. When life gives you lemons, you make some delicious and sweet lemonade! And I plan to get full!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am so glad you asked! In this 21st century, so many people are making money from the luxury of their cell phones. What this means is that more people need superior quality photos to share on their social media and marketing materials as they reach new audiences. Thanks to this pandemic, we all have been challenged to think differently about our businesses. With these thoughts in mind, we have been able to incorporate photography into our list of services provided to our clients as of January 2021. Our clients not only get to strike a pose for the camera, but they also are granted access to our exclusive designs samples to model in their photography sessions as well. This makes for the perfect opportunity for those looking to build their portfolios for any occasion.
We offer photography services for individual and family portraits, weddings, home goings, senior pictures, engagement photos, corporate events, private parties, product photography and more. If you have not already checked out our new photography site, make sure you do so now!
What makes you happy?
Seeing people trying new things to achieve their goals and do what they never thought possible for themselves all while looking beautiful in exclusive Purple Orchids Collections designs is what makes me happy. I love seeing people look good while kicking a** and taking names!! Lol… I guess one may say that is the designer, coach, or former athlete in me to want to pull all that goodness from out of a person. That is just what we do. If you mess around and tell me your hopes and dreams, I will hold you to it and push you through it. There is no quitting on my team and being delayed certainly does not mean being denied! I love it when people succeed! When one of us makes it, we all can make it as long as everyone is putting forth that same energy! So, if just one of our exclusive custom designs, coupled with our personalized photography sessions can provide our clients with those key tools for success to help drive more business their way, then our work here is done. And that, is when I am happy.
Contact Info:
- Email: purpleorchidscollections@gmail.com
- Website: Purpleorchidscollections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpleorchidscollections/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purpleorchidscollections/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQfxKK-PL-qj9L5w7rObTRg
- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/PurpleOrchidsCollections
Image Credits:
Kemi Griffin Photography
Photography By Purple Orchids
