Today we’d like to introduce you to Alina Wilson.
Hi Alina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For the last couple of years, I’ve been going back and forth on starting up my very own business. I felt Inadequate due to me having my Master’s Degree and not doing anything with it. I’ve been in the banking industry for the last nine years and when COVID hit I seen just how easily my job could have been affected. However, God’s timing is everything, I’m a firm believer in that. I had a vision but needed help with this vision because If you’re an over achiever like myself – you can find yourself talking yourself out of starting something before you even start and on 09/01/2020, Byou Boriginal LLC (an online boutique for all women who want to be stylish in their own way) was introduced to the world. I said you know what I’m just going to hit the gas and see where it gets me and here I am.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Before launching, I found different vendors that I wanted to work with but my first vendor was a flop. The clothes were cheaply made, I couldn’t sell them and just like that, I was out of $500.00. However, I’ve since learned what to look for and also to review purchasing agreements. Of course, there will be those hiccups but I’m truly thankful for all the resources out there, like YouTube and other small business owners that wanted to help when I had questions.
We’ve been impressed with Byou Boriginal, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are an online boutique that sells all the trendiest cute little pieces that you can find. We carry sizes small up to 3x and all of our clothes are made with every woman in mind. If you’re in the area, we even offer curbside pick-up. I created Byou (Boriginal) with the intention of wanting all women to feel valued, empowered, and just beautiful. As women, we take on so much and I wanted to create a space where you can just let your hair down, kick your feet up, and shop online. One thing that sets me apart from others is that I’m going to interact with you… there are no robots here, lol. I answer all messages, emails, Instagram, and Facebook comments. My motto is if I can’t wear it, then I’m not selling it. I stand behind the quality of my clothes. I promise you that if you do not find something today that in the near future, you will find that special piece tailored to you.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Definitely have to give a big shout-out to Martez Wilson. He was my in-house photographer and also the one to help me bag and price over 200 items of inventory. He let me bounce all my ideas off of him and I’m sure he got tired of me talking, lol but it helped! To my first two models Laura and Angel, I’m forever grateful for the willingness they showed to help me execute my dream and they did it free! (That’s a lot when you’re starting out). To my cousin Sharhonda who gave me the extra push and the missing puzzle pieces I needed to give me that extra push, I thank you. Oh, I can’t forget my sorority sister Trenise who designed my logo!! Definitely a game-changer!
Contact Info:
- Email: byouboriginal@gmail.com
- Website: www.byouboriginal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byouboriginal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ByouBoriginal/
