Today we’d like to introduce you to Iahyanna Johnson and Imani Doherty.
Iahyanna and Imani, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My business is a black-owned online clothing boutique that I started with my friend and business partner, Imani. We also sell locally offline to customers located in Atlanta or close by. We have both always been into fashion and putting our own styles together to express ourselves. While in college at Clark Atlanta University, my business partner had her own small clothing business she would sell to students. I went to Georgia State University and received my Bachelor’s in accounting, and three years ago, I created a financial spreadsheet with this exact business in mind. I was so busy with work and school, but I knew that it was meant to be one day. It truly came full circle because years later, I am able to use the spreadsheet and the vision came to life. We launched our website on July 4th of 2020 and got our LLC certified on August 29th, 2020.
Our EIN was received shortly after, on September 6th, 2020. Our business name, “Yinka,” is of Yoruba origin, and represents being surrounded by all that is amazing; love, peace, joy, God, and beyond. We have made a commitment to donate a percentage of our sales to a scholarship fund in our name once our sales goal is reached. We hope to bring both brand awareness and inspiration to others. Between my business partner and I we have three college degrees and both plan to continue our education post-grad and into our respective master’s programs. We want to show people that with hard work, anything is possible. We both have our own great careers and a business as well. It is important to do what you love in life and be optimistic for growth and success.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road of entrepreneurship never seems completely smooth. We have had our share of struggles when initially launching, and some even after. Creating the website and all of the graphics was completely on us. We wanted to learn the ropes, so we are self-taught designers in that sense. Certain aspects of the website and templates were a bit difficult, but we figured it out. We took hundreds of pictures and made sure only the best ones that we both agreed on made the cut. We also use USPS to ship our products and had to ensure that we kept our promise on shipping times, despite COVID-19.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Yinka – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
“YINKA” is of Yoruba origin and represents being surrounded by all that is amazing; Love, peace, joy, God, and beyond. We are a black-owned clothing boutique that currently specializes in beautiful pieces for women to enjoy. We will be branching out into men’s clothing as well in the future. We are known for our name, fun, excitement, and brand commitment. As a company, we are most proud of our resilience and where we have come with two launches in 2 short months. We are unique in our packaging, and small gifts included with every purchase that pleasantly surprises our customers.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, we plan to create a fall launch and include new items for both men and women. We will also revamp our website. There are many exciting changes coming (don’t want to say too much lol)!
Pricing:
- Pieces on the site currently range from $25 – $50
Contact Info:
- Website: shopyinka.com
- Phone: 4044931617
- Email: shopyinka2020@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopyinka/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShopYinka
- Other: linkendin.com/shopyinka
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