Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Hunt, Founder, and CEO of DAVIN & ADLEY, located in Blackwood, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Davin & Adley is a modern maternity and nursing brand. We specialize in nursing and pumping bras, as well as postpartum recovery underwear. Our customers are modern moms, ages 20-45, that are looking to find beautiful maternity garments to wear throughout their entire motherhood journey.
Tell us about yourself
I am a mom of 3 boys and an Intimates Designer. I have been working in the industry for over 15 years, and I specialize in bra making. I took my knowledge of the product and combined it with my personal experience of breastfeeding my own three kids. I create something extremely different than what is out there on the market. Because I am a young mom myself, I really understand the customer. And we are more like mom-friends! We can relate to each other, and that helps motivate me to create more products for her!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting started and actually bringing a product to market that customers want. That was the biggest challenge, and I was able to do it. I am also very proud of being woman-owned, and I am excited to be in the small percentage of successful women-owned businesses!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Overcoming the challenges that we can't plan for. I launched in the middle of a global pandemic, which was a challenge in itself. But, I received my first order of inventory with damaged hardware. I cried and thought I would lose the entire business. I learned to pivot and be smart about things. I cut off all the hardware on hundreds of bras myself and replaced it. I resold it as a limited edition item until I was able to reorder a new one. A few months after this, I lost an entire shipment of inventory in a hurricane. I had to be honest with my customers, who were patiently waiting. It all worked out in the end, but it sure felt like the end each time!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be prepared to sink yourself into all parts of the business in order to make it successful. I do it all. No task is beneath me as the CEO. I am fortunate to now have a team, but I still step in as needed and pack orders, send samples, and reply to customers. Whatever needs to happen, get it done. This makes me a better business owner if I actually understand the process. I also work a lot. 6-7 days a week. Start-up life is a lot. But it's rewarding. And I feel like I am making a difference in the world, and you can't put a price on that!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.davinandadley.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davinandadley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davinandadley/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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