Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Natasha Hunter, owner of Chocolate Chick Apparel, located in Fort Worth, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Chocolate Chick Apparel. Chocolate Chick Apparel as it is today came to be in September of 2014, in Fort Worth, Texas. My first run of t-shirts was under a different name was in 2007. It's primarily an apparel and accessories line that promotes awareness, love, and empowerment within our communities.
Tell us about yourself
I was inspired by coming into my own as a black woman and battling the degradation of the self-esteem of young black girls, especially us of a darker complexion. Navigating adolescence is hard enough but adding in feelings of inferiority and issues with self-love made us want to do something. This was personal. I wanted to do something different.
So I came up with the Chocolate Chick line and logo, borrowing from a nickname. It's about empowerment and feeling good in a lighthearted fun way. It's a little coy, and every shirt is designed to make you feel good about yourself as well as be a casual conversation starter. I just wanted our girls to be confident, smart, and aware that they are beautiful and desired. I wanted to give them a head start on everything I had to learn the hard way. It has since then evolved, as women from varying walks of life fell in love with my logo and would tell me about how much they love my shirts and my message!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, being able to do something I love, taking from my heart and producing a product that resonates with other people.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Resonating with other people...lol It's the truth, though. Of course, you can study and create something your target audience likes and avoid a lot of this stress, but when you put your own heart and soul into things, the hits, as well as the misses, pack a harder punch.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Flesh your idea out, don't throw money at a concept; fund your ideas.
- Creating a business plan will really make things clear.
- Don't be afraid to network!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Know that your dreams are precisely that, your dreams. People can assist you with them and help them come true, but you have to navigate.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://chocolatechicktees.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHOCOLATECHICKAPPAREL/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocolatechicktees/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chocchikapparel
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
