Today we’d like to introduce you to JA’Lesa Oliver.
JA’Lesa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was introduced into the fashion industry at the age of 16, I gain my experience in the fashion industry by modeling and also graduating from Barbizon modeling school (Lenox ATL location) in 2009. Once I completed modeling and doing some editorial shoots, fashion shows, and other modeling shoots to further my career within the fashion industry, I then took myself on another path of entering the fashion industry with my fashion collection and accessories. I started making cell phone cases as a hobby when I was attending college in 2010. I then started a Big-cartel store from scratch to help other peers on campus at college at the time along with family members and other clients to purchase and decide what type of phone cases they want, doing custom phone cases gave me a spark to create my designs, not just with accessories but to further my designs with apparel and other crafts. I then created my boutique called “She Slay Boutique.” She Slay Boutique is a woman clothing and accessories boutique that was established in 2016 specializing in custom apparel and accessories for women of all sizing my brand also specializes in custom handmade accessories to give women a finished style when wearing our apparel and accessories, She Slay Boutique is also a trademarked Brand/Boutique that is currently online based but in the future, we will hope to have an online storefront present or warehouse soon or in the near future as we continue to grow. We will also be offering styling consultation coming in late fall of 2020, Today She Slay Boutique has been in business for almost four years and continuing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having my brand has been a challenge when I first started there were some challenges, I started my brand when I was pregnant with my son at the time 2015-2016, I was working at the Marriott in Hapeville near the Atlanta Airport as a Front desk agent II training specialist when I started my clothing brand and boutique I knew I had the experience but not that much experience on where to start there was a time where I didn’t know where to start when it came to inventory, licensing and trademarking and more, I went with my gut feeling with being my boss no matter what because honestly, I was tired of working a 9-5 that was not seeing my growth or potential. The challenges I experience with my brand was starting with little to no funding, I started my brand with investing my savings to make sure I start my career from scratch, I didn’t have the funding as other major online start up boutiques but working my 9-5 helped me get to where I am now with my business with making sure I have the correct licensing and able to purchase my ads and licensing each deadline and more, there was a point I experience infringement with my brand, I went through so much with infringement as my business name is very popular “SHE SLAY BOUTIQUE” *SHE SLAY* there was time I didn’t know what to do because of other brands trying to use my name without permission making money off my brand and not respecting the name of a legal business, It took me a quick year to get my brand name trademarked to get protected to make sure I will not go through this my whole life cycle of being a business owner, this was one of the most crucial challenges I faced as well which caused me to re think my strategy, there was a point when I wanted to give up because the battle was to much to handle as I never experienced this but keeping faith in GOD and hoping for the best made things possible and I WON my trademark battled and all infringement was cease and disest. These were a few challenges I witness along the way with my brand.
She Slay Boutique – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
She Slay Boutique is a women clothing brand and boutique that specialize in women styling consultation and clothing and accessories for women. We specialize in custom clothing and apparel for women to feel confident in no matter what SIZE she is, what set us apart from other boutique is that we have unique and trendy apparel, high fashion/high quality and custom made & affordable. Our apparel is one of a kind to give you that high-end fashion quality of true authentic fashion. we always make sure our clients feel great in what SHE wear no matter what type of garment or style it is, SHE SLAY BOUTIQUE is that perfect brand for you.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is looking back at your past and elevating from where you came from, everyone has a starting point and where I came from was not always the best. Still, I grew up in a good home with both parents. I was taught to go out there and get it no matter what, no one is going to give you a handout. Still, if you stay true to what makes you happy and follow your heart of your passion, success is bound to come. I was always told that success takes hard work and when you do not try or give it your all, success is just a dream. I feel like with my consistency I worked hard to get where I am at and success in some areas has come but there is always room to grow and improve, I feel like I am at the starting point of my success when I reach to my peak of success I will be where I need to be in due time.
Pricing:
- Styling Consultation $100-$375
- Custom Clothing Consultation $50-$500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sheslayboutique.net
- Email: support@sheslayboutique.net
Image Credit:
CAMIL REIGN MEDIA GROUP & SHE SLAY BOUTIQUE & tdvisualarts
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