Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanette Sellers.
Jeanette, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Towards the end of graduate school, while working towards a PhD in chemistry, I began to see a new vision for myself. I got bit by the entrepreneurial bug through my political activism. My involvement in the Uhuru movement led me to many fellow members who were actively practicing their craft as entrepreneurs. Little did I know, my days of grueling science related research and lab work were numbered. When I wasn’t in the lab brewing up endless concoctions, my spare time went to learning new arts, such as crocheting, and creating jewelry, garments, and natural body products. I would sell my crafts to stores and at local events to bring in extra money. Once I finished graduate school in 2001, I took the plunge to full time self-employment…gasp. I have never turned back since.
I was sold on Atlanta as the perfect place to be, so south bound I went. I opened my first brick and mortar store in 2003, Majestic Heights, only to close its doors a year later (after suffering from several break-ins). I also had my first child during this time. With an unsuccessful relationship, new baby, and a failed business, I packed up and went home to PA….
Thankfully, I had started an online store, allthingsrasta.com, which started with one product, knitted head wraps, and grew to include a larger variety of Rasta craft. I decided it was best to hone in on this business and build my client base for head wrap distribution. Soon, I had many accounts as a contract knitter, thus the manufacturing part of my business got its wings.
Eventually I relocated my business to Brooklyn to expand into new markets. I continued my website, manufacturing and traveling the east coast with my store now on the road. However, as my family grew, the constant hustle and high living expense of New York became less attractive as a permanent home for my business.
My heart never left Atlanta and soon I returned. I wanted to open another store, but ONLY if the location was just right. I had my eyes on the historic West End for several years, where the heart of black culture seemed to thrive. Then it happened, I found the perfect place at 1065 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd and my 2nd brick and mortar store, Axum Culture was born.
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?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road, but my lioness spirit is always in full effect…lol. There have been MANY challenges over the years, but two stand out. The first is juggling a family while building and maintaining a business. As a single mother of 4, my children have grown up alongside my business pursuits and the management of the two has been quite a feat, if I must say so myself.
The second is getting funding to expand. My businesses were all bootstrapped. But eventually I realized that with my own resources, no matter how hard I worked, my business growth would always be limited. I needed to get access to more funds to take my business to another level. This has proved to be a significant challenge.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Axum Culture is a cultural lifestyle boutique that offers the signature elements of African culture: art, fashion, style, wellness and good vibes. It is a sacred place designed to shed light on the beauty and rich culture of Africa through artistic expression of her children in the diaspora and from the continent.
We bring a holistic worldview that intertwines modern African fashion with health awareness and knowledge of culture. Our offerings include, unique clothing and accessories, imported jewelry, natural hair and skin products, health and wellness products, books and more…Axum Culture brings her (Africa) efforts to you with style and LOVE.
What were you like growing up?
Simply put, success to me is creating a business that outlives me. Building a legacy…one that will continue to enrich my family and community long beyond my days on this earth.
Contact Info:
- Address: Axum Culture
1065 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30310 - Website:www.axumculture.com
- Phone:470-225-7235
- Email:info@axumculture.com
- Instagram:@axumculture
- Facebook:Fb/axumculture
- Twitter:Axumculture
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