Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanice Person.
Shanice, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Unlike many entrepreneurs, I had no deep-rooted desire to become one. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 and Oakland University in 2017. I currently work as a Traveling Registered Nurse. My inspiration to start my Lingerie brand, Wild Card Intimates, stemmed from my own connections to my self-confidence and sensuality. Growing up in a society that is so obsessed with unrealistic standards of beauty and a non-existent “perfect body” caused me to internalize messages that disrupted my confidence. As I got older, I had to intentionally unpack those unrealistic beauty standards and body-shaming messages. It was then when I was able to appreciate the true beauty of my dark complexion, coarse hair, and natural curves that my self-confidence flourished and I felt empowered.
I bought my first lingerie piece, a black Teddy with lace detail, for my friend’s lingerie themed birthday party, back in 2016. That night, when I looked in the mirror, I felt sexy, I felt sensual, I felt confident. From then on, I developed a deeper connection to my natural beauty and body. Though lingerie is visually pleasing to men, it is not something I choose to wear for that purpose. Instead, it is my opportunity to reveal my hidden imperfections, celebrate my body, and embrace my own sexy. Last year I chose to step completely out of my comfort zone and become the proud Boss of Wild Card Intimates. I hope those of you reading will check it out, join the movement, and spread the word.
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?
There is no guidebook to entrepreneurship, and as a growing entrepreneur, I have faced many obstacles. I started Wild Card Intimates with just $1000 of my personal money and little knowledge on obtaining additional financial resources. My ideas are often bigger than my budget, and it can be challenging to minimize my visions.
I’m always working to improve the quality of my brand and the creativity behind marketing and advertisements. I’ve struggled with learning to navigate social media as a business, as well as with building my own website. I want people to see and learn more about my brand, but gaining an audience has not been easy. I’m working daily to expand my social media following and continue to build an audience, even when I feel discouraged. I have used both free and paid marketing platforms, such as social media and vendor events, to build upon the audience of people that I hope to join the Wild Card Movement and patronize the brand. It has been difficult at times because nearly every advertisement gets denied for being too sexy or not adhering to social media advertising policies.
Overall, becoming a Boss has challenged me in many ways, but I often have to take a step back and remind myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. I understand that I have a long road ahead and that it will not be easy or straight and narrow. With that being said, I’m going to continue to let Wild Card Intimates grow organically, and I look forward to the day that I can reflect back on the beginning and admire the company’s growth.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Wild Card Intimates is an online boutique featuring a lingerie collection that includes a variety of pieces, carefully selected so that every woman can find something to fit the experience that she is searching for or aiming to create. Products are captivating, sophisticated, and thoughtfully designed to be enticing and unforgettable. The name “Wild Card” represents the multifaceted levels of sexy that all women possess. Each level of sexy is symbolized by one of the playing card suits, as follows: Suggestive (Clubs), Sensual (Hearts), Provocative (Diamonds), and Risque (Spades).
I like to think of the Wild Card brand as a movement. A movement to encourage and empower more women to let go of those body-shaming messages, connect or reconnect with their true selves, awaken their sensuality, embrace their natural beauty, and release their Wild inner side. The #WildCardWoman defined is one aspect that makes the brand unique, as it describes an attitude that can be attributed to all women of all shapes, sizes, and shades.
My team of models are selected to curate the Wild Card Experience through photoshoots and branding. My goal is that every woman who visits the website and social media pages will be able to see a visual representation of themselves in that lingerie piece. When you visit the site you may notice that there is often no editing done to the pictures, purposefully to remain consistent with the realness and rawness of the brand.
I’m most proud when I read customer reviews like: “Thanks for helping me find my sexy again” and “It’s nice seeing curvy black women represented, everyone likes to portray perfection and your lingerie embodies what’s real.” And when I read personal stories like, “I can be very shy and uncomfortable in my skin, feeling like I’m too skinny, and that I look childish. But I have never felt more like a cold piece than on the day I wore your piece… Thank you.” As a company, I take great pride in customer reviews and personal stories.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very shy and quiet. I was also an overachiever and I’ve always been a perfectionist. My parents have always pushed me to do and be my very best. As a kid, I loved learning and school. I worked hard, I got exceptional grades, and I received numerous certificates and awards. I participated in extracurricular activities, including volleyball, cheerleading, and academic games. Outside of school, I loved shopping on the weekends with my mom or visiting and playing with friends. I used to have dreams of becoming a lawyer or judge but as I got older, I developed a deeper interest in becoming a healthcare provider. I’m an introvert, but I like to be around people and help others. Growing up, as the reserved, quiet girl who likes to be around people but gets anxious in social situations, definitely has its challenges. But, as I reflect back on my younger self, I can truly say that I’m proud of the woman I’m becoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildcardintimates.com
- Email: info@wildcardintimates.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildcardintimates?igshid=qm0sa8jrj8sx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildCardIntimates/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCIntimates
Image Credit:
Q11 Photography
Whitney Kiovanni
Valencia Mercer
DaShuane Hawkins
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