Forever Natural Blog : October 2013

I officially started Forever Natural Tees this past July and although we are still very new (about 3 1/2 months old) I’ve learned so much, met some really amazing people and started a journey on something that I’m very passionate about. I really didn't know where to start in the beginning, I just knew that I wanted to create something that would inspire and encourage girls who are rocking their natural curls to have self-love while being stylish.

It all started with the Naturalista Hair Show created by the lovely Angela Walker of N Natural Hair Studio in Silver Spring, MD. I've been designing for her for a while now and even designed everything for the Naturalista Hair Show. While working on the show in the beginning of the year, I realized that this could be a great opportunity/challenge for me to try to become a vendor and sell my shirts for the very first time. Keep in mind that I didn't have any shirts or designs made, just a bunch of ideas. However, since it was the beginning of the year, I had a good amount of time to start planning and designing.

A lot of free time became available for me to start working on my ideas early in the year because I was let go from my job at a design firm. At first, I panicked because I couldn't rely on my steady income anymore and I had to look for another job. That is, until my husband suggested that I pursue my own business ideas. Which was shocking, exciting and scary all at the same time, but I took a leap and went for it.

There were many frustrating days (and there still are) because now that my husband is our main source of income, I was really worried about how I was going to contribute and how we would make it. That’s when I decided to be a freelance graphic designer while simultaneously designing my t-shirt line. I spent a lot of time researching, brainstorming and designing and I finally decided that it was time to reveal my ideas to the world. One day, I had the bright idea to create a contest on Instagram to introduce and engage my audience to get them involved in the design process. The contest turned out very well and I received so much positive feedback that I knew this was the right thing to do.

In-between the contest and the Natrualista Hair Show, I thought it would be a great idea to hire a model and photographer to create advertisement for my shirts. I had very little money so, in order to get what I needed, I used the help of friends and bartering. I traded my design services with my friend Eric Slye, who is a great photographer and was able to pay my model, Raquel, a small fee for her help. They were both very excited to help me and the shoot was so much fun! I then realized how much people are willing to help if you ask and that I really enjoyed being a creative director. With the photos from the shoot, I was able to create postcards and online ads which, helped give the company a more professional look and I had something to pass out to potential customers at the upcoming hair show.

Fast forward to the Naturalista Hair Show on July 28, 2013 and there I was at a booth selling my shirts! I was so nervous and thrilled to expose my designs to the world because I didn't know what was going to happen. Once the doors opened, there was no turning back. Although, I’m usually a reserved and somewhat shy person, I put my game face on and was ready to greet customers. Thankfully I had the help of one of my good friends, Divinity Buggs who was so awesome; I couldn't have done it without her. Everyone had great responses to the shirts and I actually sold out! After the hair show, I made my shirts available for sale online on Etsy and I felt so invigorated.

(MY FIRST CUSTOMER!)

I left the show that day on such a high that I felt unstoppable. That was until I didn't receive any online orders the next day or the day after that or the day after that. I started to crash from my high and spiral into negativity because I wanted to see immediate results. However, life simply doesn't work that way and any good thing takes time. I ended up receiving my first online order after a while and although more orders didn't come in by the truck load (as I imagined), they started happening slowly, but surely.

In August, I felt it would be great to do another photo shoot because the first one was very effective and extremely fun. I asked for help again and used my bartering skills. Thankfully, my brother-in-law Elijah Rashad of One Shot CloserPhotography and sister-in-law Sharde Rashad, who is a fabulous model and fashion blogger were more than happy to pitch in. I am so grateful to have people around to help and support my dreams and love returning the help.

As I said before, Forever Natural Tees is only 3 and a half months old, but in this short amount of time I've realized that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I started this company because of my passion for design, fashion and my natural tendency to encourage people. This company is my heart and I hope that it inspires you to start your own company, or simply love who you are and be comfortable in your own skin.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has helped and supported me along this journey and a special THANK YOU to all of my customers! I couldn't have done this without any of you. Stay tuned because I have so much more in store for Forever Natural Tees.

Love always,

April

Forever Natural Tees' mission is to share genuine and authentic messages that empower women in the natural hair community to celebrate individuality, self-love, and style.

Our hand drawn designs represent the essence of natural hair which, is untamed, distinct, genuine and authentic. We seek to inspire girls who wear their hair natural to love and be who they are because, we are all eclectic, beautiful, bold, brave, passionate, funky, fun, intelligent, sophisticated, edgy, and unique in our own way. Our designs are an illustration of that and we really wanted to captured our brand in this fall look book.

In our look book, we paired our minimalist black and white tees with bright colors and bold patterns emphasizing on the versatility of these shirts which, you can wear with practically everything! From sophisticated to a more laid back look, these shirts are great staple items every natural should have in their closet!

Get your tee or tank here: www.ForeverNaturalTees.com

This shoot was A LOT of fun because I got to collaborate with a few friends of mine including photographer, Shannon Clash, of Clash Productions, Stylist and Model, Imani Rahsad of Fashion Under Radar and Model Ashley Ebanks. I think it's so important to surround yourself with like minded, goal oriented people who are not only driven to accomplish their dreams, but are willing to help you reach yours. I love to support endeavors that I truly believe in and it's so much fun when your friends are involved!