Today we’d like to introduce you to Jia Sanders.
Jia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I fell in love with clothes at 14, while watching older cousins get dressed to go out to parties. After high school, I knew I wanted my own store, but how many parents willingly fund a clothing store for an 18 year old. I was always known for being stylish and my sense of style followed me through college. I LOVED the process of getting ready and was always so proud of my end result. I was that girl who was full dressed and accessorized from head to toe every day, every class, rain, sleet, or snow. In my head when I walked into a room, I was walking in my own personal fashion show. My senior project in college at Clark Atlanta University, involved debuting and creating my own collection and I couldn’t have been more proud of myself. My great grandmother taught me how to sew at a young age and I was finally putting those skills to use. I just knew I was going to be the next famous designer but life happened and my parents advised I “learn the business” before jumping head first into a clothing store. Fast forward to 2019 and my dream was still there, so I said let me just give this a try and went for it.
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?
If I said this has been an easy road, I would be lying to myself to make this sound good. On the fourth day of my launch week I cried, it was the first day I had NO sales. I was devastated and felt like a failure. I had to remind myself that a business takes time and there are good days and bad days, as a growing business I still have $0 sale days and it’s tough, but I focus on the traffic on my site and it keeps me motivated.
Please tell us abut your business.
Currently, I run an online clothing boutique, geared towards the woman that wants to be sexy yet sophisticated. I believe in dressing for success and I try to show that through the clothing I carry. I am proud that I overcame my fear and followed my dream. I know there are a million clothing stores people can purchase from, but every item I sell is purchased with an idea, a look, a story from a person who waited 18 years to invest in themselves.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As I grow my client base I plan to get back to designing and offering my designs on my site, but my long term goal is to become a manufacturer for designers to have their designs created in the US so they can present their brand to other retailers to sell. I am really good at operations and I love the thought of watching something grow, I would love to share that with others and help them make their dreams a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.koultureboutique.com
- Email: koultureboutiqueinfo@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koulture_boutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoultureBoutique/
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