Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayeshia Thomas.
Hi Ayeshia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Ever since I was a little girl, fashion has ALWAYS ALWAYS…been something I love. After school, I would watch fashion shows during fashion week on PBS. We did not have cable, and PBS always showed Paris and NY fashion week shows. I would have my father take me to the bookstore and read magazines about the latest trends, books, and designers and how they started. My friends would always ask my opinion on outfits for parties or schools dances, even family members. I would always say when people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew, and my answer was always an entrepreneur ahaha my mother said I’ve said it since I was 3 years Ahaha…could not say it correctly, but I knew. My grandfather and father is where I learned about being an entrepreneur. My grandfather, who was born down south him, and 13 brothers and sisters with little to no money, moved to Chicago when they were old enough and started very successful businesses. This is where I began to learn about working for yourself. One thing that has stick with me was a story my late grandfather told me was when he moved to Cleveland, he borrowed $1,000 from his neighbor to open his first gas station. And when I asked him what made him ask him, he said I needed the money, and the only thing he could’ve said was No! So going through my entrepreneurial journey, I always go back to those stories and him saying if, at first, you don’t succeed keep on sucking until you do succeed. Ahaha it’s funny, but it is very valid because we think because something didn’t work one way, it won’t work at all. Being in business 8 years, I’ve found myself wanting to give it up, letting others make me feel guilty for wanting to tunnel vision in on my business, but also realizing that God has put this seed for my business in me since I was child and I NEVER let anyone stop me from living out my purpose which is to help women feel good and confident about themselves through clothing.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, No, and No, and I would be lying if I said oh yes, it’s been all glitter and gold. In today’s society, it appears that entrepreneurship is wonderful with no problems or days that you don’t want to give up. Wrong I’ve had several times where I’ve felt ok, you know what, maybe I need to do something else; I’ve even taken breaks to try to figure out ok, WHAT AM I DOING! My biggest struggle, I’d say, was previously was being consistent and letting others make me feel bad for putting my all into my business.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Sleek Couture?
When Sleek Couture first started in 2015, I started with a partner, and that did not last long. We had different views on how much commitment needed to go into the brand. Since then, I have acquired full ownership of Sleek Couture and have been working to bring more brand awareness and building to build a reputable brand that I can make a legacy to pass down to my daughter. Sleek Couture offers looks for the mom on the go, which include but not limited to looks that provide comfort without jeopardizing style. We are known for our stylish yet versatile and comfortable looks. I believe what sets us apart is that instead of being very trendy in world full of trendy boutiques we stay on trend with looks that can be worn forever. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of being able to be consistent in making our AMAZING customers feel and look amazing throughout the years. I want for anyone new to our brand to know that once you shopped with us, you will not be able to leave us!
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you liked to shop with us, we our online based and can find at www.SleekCouture.com our social media outlets are IG @shopsleek, FB @SleekCouture, and Twitter @CoutureSleek
We always open to collaborations and can contacted by email at info@sleekcouture.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SleekCouture.com
- Instagram: Shopsleek
- Facebook: SleekCouture
- Twitter: CoutureSleek
Image Credits
Photocrednedllc
