Today we’d like to introduce you to DaVondra T.
Hi DaVondra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey VoyageATL! Thanks so much for another opportunity to share my story.
There has been a few changes since the last interview. When I first spoke with you guys, I introduced myself, my businesses, and shared my struggles & successes. I also gave some insight on how I started my business and some of my inspirations.
I’m happy to share more of my story, and also refresh on how I got to where I am today.
My name is DaVondra. I am an Entrepreneur & Digital Creator. I do travel agent work & I also run my online accessory shop.
I had a long road with many ups and downs to get where I am at today, but I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a business owner.
I got my first job at Quizno’s at 15 years old. I did this just to keep my hair and nails done lol but that was really important to me back then. Even though I knew I could ask my parents, my dad was very strict with a lot of rules, and only allowed me to get stuff that he deemed appropriate.
Getting a job didn’t change that at all. I still could only get what my parents allowed, but I was able to get my nails done more often since I could pay for them sometimes. My first job taught me the value of earning money.
I lost my father the next year after getting that job, and the healing from his passing has been ongoing. His values were top tier & I carry them on in my life ’til this very day.
I started my business a few years ago with the idea that I want to do this to provide for my children. I love when I have a reason for starting something because it gives me more of a purpose to push through no matter what happens.
I’m so happy I picked my accessories shop as one of my businesses, because I’m passionate about it, and the late summer months were not the best as far as sales. Passion and purpose should definitely be a part of any business venture. It’ll keep you going when things get rough.
Currently, I’m in the middle of expanding my brand Cosmic Star & Co. We have new merch coming soon! I’m really excited for the last few months of this year. This year started off on a great note with this business, and that’s how we’re going to end it.
During the next few months, I’ll start to work on Summer content and merch for the shop, so definitely follow us on social media to stay in touch.
Speaking of social media, I’m also growing my audience for my digital creator work. Some of my content include beauty/hair/nails, diy projects, lifestyle, and I want to start some girl talk content before the year is over.
I’m so ready for all of my wins to come pouring in, I’ll take it in abundance too!
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road in my life. A lot of struggles that I’ve overcome are due to me applying the lessons from previous experiences.
I feel like the road to success is a struggle no matter who you are. Struggle is definitely a part of the process. If I hadn’t faced so many obstacles, I would’ve never been able to grow and become better.
I’ll talk about a common struggle when it comes to business, which is sales. Some are fortunate enough to not have ever faced this obstacle, but many do.
Of course, we know starting a business does not automatically mean you will sell out in a day. Sometimes, it may take months to sell enough inventory to restock or buy new merch.
The process of buying the merch, taking product photos, collecting data for inventory, marketing your business, uploading products to a website, and actually making a sale can be overwhelming.
What I’ve learned is that when sales are low, it must to be one of the following:
– Marketing is not making an impact
– Inventory is not managed properly
– Branding can be improved
– Website is not user-friendly
It can also be a few other things or multiple of the above.
It’s definitely normal for a new business to experience some of these things. I’ve faced these struggles, and my biggest thing is to always find a way to improve the areas that require attention. I don’t care if I spend hours researching how to fix or improve something, it’s very worth it to me. Another thing I’m considering is hiring more help. I manage about 90% of my business, but it gets exhausting when my other businesses need attention as well.
Overall, you just have to be willing to find a way through obstacles and challenges.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Cosmic Star & Co. is all about accessories! I specialize in mainly women’s accessories, but from time to time, I also carry kid’s and men’s accessories as well. Part of my brand’s identity is the “girly but edgy” vibe. Some of the types of accessories that I carry include:
– jewelry
– sunglasses
– hats
– cellphone cases
– self-care journals
I want to expand into carrying more items like shoes & hair full-time. At times, the shop may be stocked with headband wigs and sandals.
The thing that I am most proud about my shop is its authenticity. I connect with a lot of talented & successful women in business, and it’s so easy to get inspired and begin to imitate too much of what everyone else is doing.
I’m working behind the scenes on some upcoming changes to our website. Blogging is definitely in the works now! I’ll be adding more content about styling tips & so much more. Another thing I’ll be adding soon is a loyalty rewards program.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m open to working with others, whether it’s collaborating or mutual support. I’m on all social media platforms
Shop CS & Co.
Facebook: Cosmic Star & Co
Instagram @shopcosmicstar
TikTok @shopcosmicstar
Personal
Facebook: I.E Vondra
Instagram @cosmic5star
TikTok @cosmic5star
Youtube @cosmicstartv
Contact Info:
- Website: shopcsandco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcosmicstar/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shopcosmicstar/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CosmicStarTV
