Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Jones.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
B. Culture was birthed from a hobby initially. I was given a sewing machine in 2015 from my sister and didn’t unbox it until the following year out of fear of the unknown, I know, crazy right?! After unboxing my sewing machine I enrolled myself on YouTube University to figure out to use it and how to make… skirts. Long story short, I ended up watching a Mimi G tutorial on a fold-over clutch and thus history was made and I dubbed myself a handbag designer and called my “hobbypreneurship” Candi Bags. Fast forward past inconsistency, poor planning, and Corporate America burn out, I decided I wanted to do more with my sewing, I wanted it to mean something, I wanted it to be a help in some way, however big or small. I decided to change the name to B. Culture because I wanted a brand that would encompass a lot like being a confidence advocate for women to “be” authentic and to “be” comfortable with who they were created to be! I also wanted to incorporate my love of faith and fashion and the ability to inspire through creativity. I go hard for B. Culture because over the years I have experienced a lot of mistreatment in the workplace and have had challenges with employment, so today, I push to create a lasting freedom, to do things differently and become independent of corporations who discard you without warning and sometimes reason… so with B. Culture I will… Be Free.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smoooooth! I have been coming upon the rough side of the mountain! The main challenge has been lack of planning and discipline which are ESSENTIAL to being successful, OHHH and lack of finances (a part of planning). When starting, I encourage you to first take your time and know that you don’t have to keep up with anyone. Lasting success takes time and strategic planning. I want you to know that you will get overwhelmed and to find a good journal and support system (which will not always be family and close friends). Find free resources first PERIODTTTT! Stylist Sherice Nicole of The Style Avenue Agency puts it this “Pray, Plan, Prepare, Plant and Prosper!
Please tell us about B.Culture – what should we know?
I create and sew BOLD statement handbags for the Extraordinary Woman and Fearless Fashionista! I specialize in clutch handbags and I am known for bold and vibrant colors and prints! I am most proud of… (hmmm, never thought about this one!)… my new-found resilience to keep pushing and producing no matter and my custom bags are fire! What sets me apart is that there is only one me but seriously, I like to create custom bags that have different designs on each side, like a 2 for 1, so to get another look you just flip your bag over!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Plan. Automate your social media and anything else that can be automated. And learn about basic accounting upfront, there are free services available. Oh, and plan… did I say the plan, yeah, plan and then execute the plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopbculture.com
- Email: info@shopbculture.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shopbculture
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bcultureshop
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/shopbculture
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