Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Harding-Bunton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a love for business professional attire. When I was a student at Clark Atlanta University, I worked for the campus news station, CAU TV, as a reporter. I also interned for CNN for two years. I always wore blazers, business dresses, and pearls. That was my uniform.
Fast forward to me moving to Washington, DC in 2013 for my career in Pharmaceutical Sales, I still had to carry that same professional look. I was presenting 6-8 times a day in front of doctors giving my pitch about life saving medicine and sometimes I would be a nervous wreck! Like a lot of people, when I’m nervous, I sweat. Even though I knew my information in and out, I still get the jitters before speaking.
My idea for Lizzmore Womenswear stemmed from me having these sweaty instances. That’s the reason why I design several dresses from my collection with moisture wicked fabric. Having sweat stains can bring down your confidence. The idea is to not let something you can’t control, like sweating, mess up your train of thought or confidence. It obviously won’t stop you from sweating but my hope is to bring some comfort in the most uncomfortable situation.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I started the business in 2016 with just the idea of making beautiful professional dresses. The most challenging aspect is that I cannot sketch, draw or sew! My great-grandmother and mother are both seamstress. I am familiar with threading a machine, picking certain fabric and sewing basic pieces, but I am no pro.
Since my skills weren’t the greatest in these areas, I have had to outsource these jobs. It has been extremely expensive, but necessary, if I wanted to get my business off the ground. In addition, I live in Washington, DC. The fashion scene is growing here but the access to vendors is very slim, so I spend most of my weekends taking the bus, train or driving to New York City, which is about 5 hours away. Its been time consuming and expensive to travel as well.
My advice to younger women who want to have a business in fashion is to develop a skill that can help you in the process of building your business. I am not a naturally gifted artist when it comes to designing, but I do have an eye for how I want the brand to be. If I could draw and sew, I would be 10 steps ahead. I’ve decided to use my gift of writing to create content for my brand in addition, I’ve committed to becoming very good with staying on budget. One thing a lot of creatives forget, is that fashion is business. If it cannot turn a profit then the success will not be long lived.
We’d love to hear more about Lizzmore Womenswear.
Right now I do everything for the business. I do not have a team. I definitely want to develop a team, but I am still learning how to just get things done. I work with a factory in NYC that produces my pieces and I buy all my supplies from vendors in the USA.
I have found a true interest in specializing in womenswear, specifically professional attire. It has been so fulfilling to design with technical fabrics at the forefront. Women sweat too, yet there are more products on the market for men. So, I am excited to see how women take to the brand and how I may expand the business.
I am most proud of just taking the leap of faith and starting the business. I do not have any formal training in fashion, design or business, but it has been amazing to see an idea come to fruition. One thing that has always set me apart is that I have a go getter attitude. If I focus in on a goal it will get done.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
There are many opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for. I’d say, you should find a woman in every facet of a business. Our attention to detail, drive to succeed since we’ve been left out of many opportunities, compassion for life and just overall worldview, will always set us apart.
Women have always been the backbone of society, and now more women are being unapologetic about making sure we are heard. That will only inspire young girls to be their best and shine.
Pricing:
- Dresses range from $160-$190
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lizzmore.com
- Email: info@lizzmore.com
- Instagram: @ShopLizzmore
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizzmoreBrand/
Image Credit:
Sunchase Media
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
