Today we’d like to introduce you to Royleisha Keys.
Hi Royleisha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Sometimes you need a little push from someone else to get you started. I started my entrepreneurial journey at the end of 2019. It all started with just some table talk in Frederick, MD with me, my boyfriend Troy, and his family sitting at his mother’s table. I graduated from Bowie State in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration; and two months after graduating, I had our daughter. While trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my degree, my boyfriend’s mom suggested that I start my own boutique. I always knew that I wanted my own business when I was younger, but I never knew what I wanted my business to be our look like. But I always had that gut feeling that I was going to own a business. If anyone knows me, they know that I love clothes and putting together an outfit was easy for me. I was always that one that loved to dress up no matter what the occasion was or where it was located. Also, I get excited when someone asks me about an outfit. I express myself through my clothes. So that day when Troy’s mother suggested I start a boutique, I thought that was the perfect idea. That same day me and my boyfriend’s brother came up with my business name Infinite Collections. That idea soon became a vision and later turned into a dream. I give thanks to Troy’s family because they helped me to discover what I wanted my business to be.
To get where I am today, I put in a lot of energy and work to develop Infinite Collections. Also, the support from my family and friends. At first, it was just about me selling what I loved but now Infinite Collections is about empowering women to step out of their comfort zone through fashion and courage. I started with little to no information about starting a business. But I did my research and read books and registered my business Jan. 2020. I was doing my own photoshoots in my parents’ garage also in my living room. I had a few of my friends model what I was going to be selling. I went to pop-up shops and networked. When you have a great support system behind you, it makes it easier for you to focus on what you believe in.
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?
This has been a rocky road for sure. After I registered my business in Jan 2020, I thought everything was going to fall into place but soon I realized that that’s not how building a business works. I launched my business June 2020 while we were in the midst of the pandemic. Even though the world took a turn, I never stopped believing in my dream. Around August 2020, I found out that I was expecting another child. While working as a pharmacy technician, dealing with the pandemic, raising my daughter, and trying to run a business while pregnant with my second child, it started to become a struggle for me. I completely shut down my business in 2021 because I was becoming overwhelmed and stressed. I was turning into someone that I didn’t know. Troy noticed and told me what he was seeing. After I had my second child, I was going through postpartum.
So, I decided to put my business on pause while I get my life back in order. I am thankful for every struggle that I had because not only did I find myself again, but I have a greater meaning for Infinite Collections. Many women go through postpartum or a stage where they lose themselves trying to take care of everything and everybody before they take care of themselves. My main struggle was finding work-life balance, I was so determined to be the best mom that I could be that I forgot about everything else including my business. I relaunched my business in April 2022 with a greater purpose for Infinite Collections. There are still struggles along the way but none that will ever make me throw in the towel and give up.
As you know, we’re big fans of Infinite Collections. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Infinite Collections is an online boutique that sells women’s clothing ranging from dresses to tops and two-piece sets. Our sizes range from a small to a 3XL. I want to help empower women through fashion and courage. I am building a community where women can remember their dreams and do it in fashion. I had the courage to pick myself up and continue with my business, so I hope to shine that light on someone else. Through the extension of Infinite Collections, I created Infinite Women & Co a community where women can have a support group and a safe place to discuss life, goals, accomplishments, and become the best version of themselves. I am proud of how far Infinite Collections online presence has come. I am making a difference in other people’s life. I want readers to know that yes Infinite Collections is an online boutique, but we offer so much more than an outfit. Put that outfit on but also have the courage to go do what you love.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, I learned that as a business owner, you must be ready to pivot at any moment. The Covid-19 Crisis was an eye opener. Staying at least five steps ahead or just changing to the demand will prepare you for unfortunate events. Some businesses still thrived during the crisis which I thought was very interesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theinfinitecollections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinfinitecollections
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/theinfinitecollections
