Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Edmondson.
Hi Fatima, 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?
I’ve known that I wanted to start my own business since 2019, I just wasn’t sure how to go about it or what I wanted to do under the umbrella of sewing and designing. I’ve been making totes since I got my first sewing machine so I naturally leaned into the direction of bag-making. One day I was scrolling on TikTok and I saw pair of bandana shorts and honestly, I thought they were hideous and flamboyant, but I thought to myself “this would look good on a tote though.” I made my first bandana tote in May 2021 and ever since then, things slowly fell into place.
I finally launched my business on October 10th, 2021. It was an impulsive, spur of the moment decision. I had just got out of a relationship and was ready to pour into myself. I was looking for something productive to keep my mind off of my feelings. When I made this decision, October 10th was less than 2 weeks away, so I really threw myself into the entrepreneurship role, which I don’t regret at all because the best way to learn is by doing.
In March 2022, I decided to take a break to focus on my personal life, but I’m finally ready to pour back into my business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey was smooth at first. I was shocked at all the support and opportunities that I was receiving. I wasn’t expecting it so early on. Eventually, life started to happen. I was balancing school, two jobs, my business, two exec board positions while trying to end one relationship and begin another. Not only that, my nephew passed away earlier this year so that added another layer to everything that I was juggling. Outside of those situations, being a small business owner can be time-consuming and mentally straining. You wear so many different hats and all of my items are handmade, so I am the designer, seamstress, creative director, customer service rep, social media manager, photographer, video editor, and anything else you can think of. I was working my sewing machine more than it was used to being worked and it was constantly breaking down, so I was the maintenance man too. Thankfully, now that my vision is more clear on what I want to do and how I want to do it, I’m able to collaborate with my circle of entrepreneur friends.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a designer and seamstress and I create bandana totes. I also do alterations on the side but bag-making is where my passion is. With my business, I enjoy allowing the consumer have their hand in designing their bag. You can create a bag consisting of your favorite colors, a bag that matches your university/college colors or a bag that matches your favorite shoes. There are infinite opportunities to create your own wave. All of my bags are unique or 1 of 1. Even if it’s the same colorway, none of the patches are ever in the same order. I plan to incorporate my other creative ventures into my business and brand which I’m excited for people to see. It’s a whole lot of me intertwined within my brand. Everything in my designs are intentional and tell a story.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My view on risk taking is to just do the damn thing! If you’re like me and overthink things, practice humility and take note of this:
Stop expecting perfection with new endeavors and use it as a learning experience. Learn how to be solidified in yourself and not depend on the validation of others. Everyone isn’t going to understand your vision until you show them. Take the leap and figure it out as you go. All the pieces will come together with time and experience. Find joy and passion in the mundane; there’s beauty in the hustle. You are inspiring somebody.
Contact Info:
- Website: fittedbyfat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fittedbyfat/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/fatimashardae
Image Credits
Incognito Photoshoot: Robert Purchase III (@shotzbyblvck)
