Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dolly Hope. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Dolly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Overall, I am happier as a business owner because I get to live my life on my own terms. I can literally come and go as I please. However, often I do think about continuing to work for someone else because not every day I would have a customer. There are times I’ve gone weeks without getting one order. I had to learn and understand that low moments and certain struggles comes with entrepreneurship. Being in business for yourself is not for the weak! I literally went out on a limb to become my own boss. Sales are never guaranteed. But I have A LOT of faith in my business(es).
Dolly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
So, for those that don’t know, I go by the name Dolly. I’m from The Bronx, New York and I am a boy mom of 1.
The name of my brand is TheDollyyCollection. The reason I went with that name is because of my name Dolly of course!
It’s also simple and not too hard for people to remember. The products my brand currently consist of, is lashes and waist trainers. Right now, I am working on expanding my brand. I will be adding athleisure wear, beauty products and gym essentials for my fit girls. In addition to the products I’ll be adding, I will also be incorporate services in the near future because I have been dipping into a couple other aspects of beauty.
The purpose of my brand is to build confidence and enhance beauty from a real aspect. I do not promote unrealistic agendas. I let women know, if you’re wearing a waist trainer, you must also do the work in order to slim down the way you want. There’s just no way you can eat junk food and drink juice/soda all day every day while wearing a waist trainer thinking that you can lose inches in the waist area. The bad foods/drinks do quite the opposite actually. That is what I feel sets me apart from other huge brands.
I’m most proud of the direction my brand is heading in. As long as I stay diligent and consistent, I cannot lose.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
The way I build my social media presence is by being transparent and just 100% myself. On and off the internet. I feel like I am super authentic, and people can really relate to me. But that also comes with a true understanding of who I am. Once I was able to fully learn myself, I was able to show that to the world unapologetically.
The only advice I can give to anyone who’s just starting to build their social media is, just be yourself. People are more likely to gravitate toward that genuineness and will stick with you rather than finding out you’re trying to mimic or be someone else online. I feel like you would lose more fans, followers and loyal customers trying to be someone you’re not. People can see right through the mask, so it’s just best not to wear one.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Actually, I’ve never had any experience with manufacturing and vendors. I had to do a lot, A LOT of research to find the current vendors that I have. It was so tedious, but once I found a few that I feel are honest and actually pays attention to all of my needs as a buyer, it definitely takes a bit of the stress off.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dollyscollection.com
- Instagram: thedollyycollection
- Facebook: thedollyycollection
- Twitter: TheDolllyy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAYAGrocEbuvovvG6BZ8-HA