Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cammie Howard, Founder and Owner of Fit For A Monarch, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Fit For A Monarch. I make headwraps and serve a diverse community of mostly women, but anyone can wear them. Monarch means Queen or King.
Tell us about yourself
I am the founder of Fit For A Monarch. I've always had this love for colors, prints, and fashion. I have been wearing headwraps and turbans for over ten years. My love of headwraps started with a sister and friend from Uganda who wore these beautiful headwraps, and I was so intrigued I had to know how she wrapped this beautiful piece of fabric around her head. I would wear and style them and add a piece of my personality. I was attracted to African prints and textiles, so I searched for headwrap companies and bought them, and eventually became a brand ambassador for a couple of companies.
Headwraps/ Turbans have been worn by women in men for centuries, but they started to become more popular and noticed in the mainstream. They were even worn by some of my favorite singers and artist. So I started my own headwrap company in 2020. I'm so happy I did, and even in my most challenging moments, I absolutely love what I do. My community of beautiful women and men is my motivation. The emails and private messages from them thanking me for showing tutorials or for someone who may have an illness and losing hair now having options to wear a beautiful headwrap and still be stylish really confirms that this is my purpose.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Learning to sew and use a sewing machine. I'm so happy to have learned to sew, and I look forward to learning more. Also, staying in business and not quitting.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being consistent even when you don't feel like it. It gets challenging and shows up when no one else will if you are doing everything by yourself. Having the resources (capital) and tools to market your brand and finances for the cost of your company. It gets challenging to compete for grants for small start-up businesses. Also, creating content for the social media world.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes or fail. Just show up for your audience.
- Enjoy and be authentic in every gift or talent. Be honest about your product and business.
- Ask questions (a lot of questions)!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fitforamonarch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitforamonarch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitforamonarch/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
