Category: Small Business

Small Business Spotlight Feature: MaroonDawta

Ladies you know how I feel about earrings/eargear…Accessory Junkie peeps!!! This next feature is special to me. I stumbled across MaroonDawta on YouTube. When I saw her body of work I was like WHOA!!! I reached out to the owner, Tremaine Rennis, who is a awesome young lady…and the rest is history. 


MaroonDawta is different, edgy, trendy, meaningful and some may say political. But whatever style you choose, I know we all can agree that it is a “MUST HAVE”!!! The quality is grade A…I’ve had her work for sometime now and MaroonDawta is definitely in my Top 3 accessory picks!!! Please take a moment to read the Q&A on MaroonDawta to find out more about Tremaine and her business. Then take advantage of the discount code “wherehaveyoubeen” to save 15% the entire month of June!!!! Thanks Tremaine!!!!

 

 

Q. What is your name and where are you from?
Hello Jackie, first of all, thank you so much for deciding to showcase MaroonDawta®. My name is Tremaine – the founder and sole designer of MaroonDawta.com. I was born and grew up on the beautiful island of Jamaica but I currently reside in the UK.

Q. Can you tell us a little about your company (name, what you offer, when established, etc)?
The name of the brand is ‘MaroonDawta’; this name was chosen as a homage to my heritage as a Jamaican Maroon (which I’m extremely passionate about) and ‘Dawta’ is just ‘daughter’ spelt with a Jamaican twist. MaroonDawta initially started in 2009 selling beaded jewellery online but unfortunately I decided to close shop in 2010 due to personal circumstances and feeling creatively ‘stuck’. I’ve always known the direction I wanted MaroonDawta to take. I wanted to build a brand of pride and confidence about African (and African Diasporan) culture mixed with heavy doses of rebel and pure niceness! In 2012 I finally developed the emotional and financial courage to put my all into creating a brand that reflects just that – and so MaroonDawta was resurrected. 
MaroonDawta offers wearable art in the forms of hand-painted earrings and gemstone bracelets – with tons more in line for 2013! Our earrings are heavily influence by Africa – from simply the map of Africa, to honouring the timeless Queen Nefertiti, to showcasing the beautiful Adinkra symbols. Again, we have new things in store for 2013 – watch this space!

Q.What was your inspiration behind starting the brand and for each design?
A. My inspiration comes from Africa history & culture – from the Kings and Queens of ancient Africa to the modern everyday girl around the corner. I am also vociferously passionate yet humbled by our history as a people – wherever the ship landed. My country (Jamaica) inspires me, my children paintings’ inspires me; my surroundings inspires me – from the driest of woods to the vibrancy of freshly bloomed flowers, as corny as it sounds – I’m inspired by life. 


 

 

Q. What distinguishes MaroonDawta from other brands?

Let me first say that there are a lot of talented sisters out there doing their thing, some I have purchased from and still continue purchase from. What I think separates MaroonDawta from other brand firstly is the rich history behind our brand (read more about the Maroons here). Our story, our fabulous designs of course but also our plans for 2013 (we have to keep shush for now though). We are not just talking about making fabulous earrings, MaroonDawta is a movement – a movement of unity, a movement of confidence, a movement of cultural pride. We will also be doing workshops for young girls focusing of confidence and self-lov and cannot wait to start.
 
Q. What challenges have you faced with starting the line?

I was going dilly dally around this question and keep it all fairy tales and daisies but honestly, the biggest challenge I’ve faced has been myself. I had this compulsion to negatively criticise myself, I lacked confidence and because of that, I delayed MaroonDawta for about two years. Uncle Marcus Garvey said it best: “..If you have no confidence in self you are twice defeated in the race of life…”. 
Sometime we wake up on our own and find our own inner confidence to start again but sometime it takes someone else recognising your abilities before you do. Whichever route you take, be sure that confidence is your destination – get there. My other obstacle was probably finance. I had to wait until I was financially able to start the business properly, for example, getting my trademark and other legal icing to get things going. 
 
Q. What personal goals would you like to accomplish with your business?

I want people to enjoy wearing MaroonDawta’s creations. Not just wear them, but tell a story with them. Be proud. Be stylish. Be yourselves! I want people to put on our jewellery and step out feeling like “dem boasy!”(translation: feeling confident lol). We have several things for the brand that should come into fruition in 2013. We want to be the ‘go to’ brand to accessorise your lives! From head to toe to home – literally. We’re talking clothing, home décor etc. I’m both excited and scared about MaroonDawta’s future. I’m ready. 
 
Q. Do you have any advice that you would offer to an aspiring entrepreneur?
My biggest advice to all is to first be confident in your aspirations. Be weary though that confidence will attract a few doubters; you will need to be able to distinguish genuine concerns/advice from negative discouragement. 
You will need to have a clear goal of what you want to do and know why you want to do it. You will need to have a plan – a S.M.A.R.T plan. 
Get yourself a business plan, if the thought of a business plan sounds daunting, then do yourself a spider diagram; this is where it becomes a plan-in-action rather than an ‘idea’.
Research, research, research! Become very familiar with Uncle Google – he is the absolute best! You can get useful information from blogs and forums etc but don’t take it as fact. Consult official 
journals and/or government websites for factual information.
Know your support team. That person (or people) must be someone you trust enough to honestly express your fears, plans, goals and ‘failures’ to. That person for me is my cousin Asanya; we grew up together so she knows me very well. She is the most beautiful and honest soul out there. If I need a kick up my backside she’s there – if it wasn’t for her BRUTAL honesty, I probably wouldn’t have started MaroonDawta again. If you don’t have that support system close to you in real life, business forums are your next best thing. Join up and immerse yourself in the community.
Lastly, I don’t know everything but if you want to chat to someone who is going through the process and learning as I go along, send me an email tremaine@maroondawta.com. 
 
Q. And finally, how do we get our hands on MaroonDawta Jewelry?

I thought you would never ask! 😀 You can find our goodies at www.MaroonDawta.com. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter (@MaroonDawta). Again, thank you Jackie for choosing to feature MaroonDawta. Take care.

Small Business Spotlight Feature: Gritt

Kinks & Curlies I’m absolutely please to present to you SeanMarie presents Gritt!!! You all know I’m an accessory junkie.  So anytime I get to share with you an accessory based business, it’s just a win win all the way around.  I was lucky enough to come across Gritt by chance on YouTube.  I saw her work and fell in love.  Thank you for participating in my small business segment Sean.  Take a moment to view the video and read the feature Q&A to see why I think Gritt is alllllllll that!!! If you love it, take advantage of the 15%  discount using Justjackie  the entire month of June!!!
 
Q.  What is your name and where are you from?

Hi Guys! My name is Séan Marie.  Séan is not pronounced like Shaun, but like Saun. I am from Baltimore, MD and currently reside in the DMV area. 

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Q.  Can you tell us a little about your company (name, what you offer, when established, etc)?

My company is GRITT. GRITT sells affordable cutting edge jewelry and accessories and will hopefully branch out into clothing in the near future.  I’ve sold jewelry and accessories for over a year, but didn’t start selling my own creations until October 2012.
Q.  What was your inspiration behind starting the brand and for each design?
GRITT started very humbly. I am a HUGE accessory freak and one of my many shopping sprees I stumbled on button stud earrings. The earrings were “cute” but my personal style is a bit more edgy and I love patterns. So instead of purchasing earrings that I thought were only so-so, I decided to make my own. I had no idea that they would take so fast! I’m extremely thankful and humbled by the support I have received. 
Q.  What distinguishes SÉAN MARIE presents Gritt from other brands
Edge. I’m not a conventional person when it comes to personal style so I really try to push the envelope when it comes to the accessories I create. I love love love patterns and I truly enjoy mixing pattern ideas. The Queen Bee GRITT studs I created were so different and while they are 2 different pattern ideas they went perfectly together. That was when I knew I was on to something! 
Q.  What challenges have you faced with starting the line?
My biggest challenge was getting exposure. While I can’t share my “secrets”, I will say this: Don’t be afraid to hear no” and “Every opportunity should be explored, small and large.” Often times we find ourselves saying we are too good to do this or that and when it comes to creating a brand, you in my opinion are never to good. Know what lines you wont cross and be selective of who markets your brand, but never box yourself in and never be afraid to expose yourself.
 
Q.  What personal goals would you like to accomplish with your business?
Personally, I would like to expand my brand. I love tee shirts and have been exploring different tee ideas. I hope to have a few in the line up by the end of the year… I’m saying it out loud so that I back it up!
 
Q.  Do you have any advice that you would offer to an aspiring entrepreneur?

Know your worth!  Not every boutique is worthy of carrying your brand. Success only comes from hardwork. If your sleep by 10p, then my guess is you aren’t grinding hard enough!
 
Q.  And finally, how do we get our hands on SÉAN MARIE presents Gritt?
Check out www.seanmarie.bigcartel.com be sure to also follow me on Instagram @_seanmarie_ and like my page on FaceBook, Facebook.com/accessoriesbyseanmarie
 
*For your loyal followers please use this code to get 15% off your total purchase. This code will be good for the entire month of June!!! 
Justjackie*

Q.  Also I know you are also a fellow Naturlista! Why did you decide to go  natural? 

Wow! I’ve been natural for about 9 years! To be honest, I didn’t decide to go natural for any one particular reason. I just decided that my hair was good enough for me and that perms weren’t necessary. Sticking to team natural has not been easy! But I wouldn’t trade the experience, tears and all!

Q.  Did you transition or did you big chop?
I transitioned until I couldn’t anymore. I had decided on a protective style of micro braids and made the mistake (depending on how you look at it) of going back to the braid shop to have them taken out. My hair at the time was a little pass my shoulders and by the time I left the shop I could barely get my hair into a ponytail because they cut so much of my hair out. So that decided what my next step would be. I went to a local natural shop in Baltimore and the stylist cut out all of the hair that was still permed and gave me comb twists! I was shocked at how much I actually loved my shorter natural hair and never looked back. 
 
Q.  What has been the most rewarding part of your natural hair journey? 
People. For some reason, people think I have this magic secret when it comes to natural hair maintenance and while I don’t, I always answer any questions. I recently went to an Oyin bottling party and met some of the coolest natural hair women! I’ve actually kept in contact with one of the women and we are partnering on a Natural Lifestyle event that will be held in Baltimore on June 22nd. If you are in the area and want some additional information check out the site http://naturalconceptions.wix.com/natconcept
 
Q.  Has anything been a challenge on your journey?
Learning my hair texture and what products actually work well for me. I think every Naturalista has this challenge. But once you overcome the challenge, the options are endless! 

 

Small Business Spotlight Feature: Gemini FlyII

Small Business Spotlight Feature: Gemini FlyII

Alright now Fam it’s time to introduce some FLYNESS in your life!!!  Im Just Jackie presents to you all Gemini FlyII!!!     The owner, Ginger, was so kind to take time out for a Q&A. So take a moment and read about Ginger and Gemini FlyII and take advantage of the discount code BADDIEGEMINI, to save 25% on your order!!!  Thank you Ginger, much continued success to you!!!

Q.  What is your name and where are you from?

A.  My name is Ginger and I’m from Birmingham, Alabama

Q.  Can you tell us a little about your company (name, what you offer, when established, etc)?

A.  The name of my company is Gemini FlyII and I create fly and unique jewelry. I specialize in Avant Garde Style Earrings that are sometimes big in size yet very easy on the ear lobes. I’ve been in the jewelry game a little shy of 3 years and creating right along 2 year. Found my passion!

Q.  What was your inspiration behind starting the brand and for each design?

A.  My inspiration is my daughter, Zoey. I decided to start a business that would bring in income from home, so that I could stay home with her for the beginning of her life. I’m a product of corporate america and my soul needed to show my child that working for others is great but creating your own is even better.  Gemini FlyII represents the two sides of style that live in us all. The conservative and the Fly that coexist in all of my designs to provide a unique flavor of wearable art. No two pair of anything I make is alike, so everyone gets a signature pair.

Q.  What distinguishes Gemini FlyII from other brands?

A.  Gemini FlyII is a brand that is not limited to anything. I don’t want to limit myself by only providing accessories for women, but I want everyone to be able to wear Gemini FlyII. I also, have a t-shirt and accessory line on geminifly.spreadshirt.com

Q. What challenges have you faced with starting the line?
A. I am from the south and even though fashion has moved forward by milestones, sometimes anything that is different has a slow response. It may take seeing my pieces on me or someone else and how they rock ’em before it is received in my hometown. However, I now have a regional clientale that absouletly get me and my work. I plan to broaden my home base to make it an even playing feel. Everyone should wear Gemini FlyII. It’s dope!
Q. What personal goals would you like to accomplish with your business?
A. I would like to expand my business and reach the celebrity clientale. I feel my platform is not just limited to the audience that I currently have.
Q. Do you have any advice that you would offer to an aspiring entrepreneur?
A. Write out a plan for your business and don’t be afraid to try. I meet talented people everyday that don’t believe in themselves. If you don’t believe in yourself and your product no one will believe in you.
Q. And finally, how do we get our hands on Gemini FlyII
A. I have an etsy shop: etsy.com/shop/geminiflyii. I’m on Instagram @itsgeminifly. geminifly.tumblr.com and Gemini FlyII on Facebook.