We recently connected with Tanisha Green and have shared our conversation below.

Tanisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Asking friends and family for support seems to be a major part of business starting out. I think we all have been in that space of just think that family and friends will be out first and biggest supporters. For me, that wasn’t the case. My biggest supports are complete strangers, and I am very thankful for them. Although family and friends are not my biggest supporters, that is not a factor that I take personal. Business is business, and sometimes your business may not be for everyone, that does not affect your likely hood to be successful. Your friends and and family is a small crowd , aim to be bigger and stay focused on your business goals.

Tanisha, 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?

I was born and raised in the heart of Chicago where I graduated from UIC College Prep high school. I am the owner of a women’s online boutique by the name of ENVIOUS EGO. I’ve been in business for almost two years now.

As I’ve grown older, fashion naturally grew on me and spiked my interest. It’s a good outlet to express individuality and a creative outlet overall. My boutique allows me to do just that. It took for me to realize that I was unhappy at my 9-5 to take the needed steps to start my business and work towards something thats a passion of mines. It was not easy to start , it took me a little over a year to actually launch to the public. Plenty of planning and overthinking through the process. By far, one of the best decisions I’ve made. Envious Ego will continue to grow to be bigger than just a small business- Envious Ego will be an Empire one day. I cater to those who enjoy bright & loud colors and statements pieces that will have you the center of attention.

When shopping, majority of shoppers don’t aim for looks that are on the brighter side or possibly more complex when it comes to design. First thought, these pieces are a one time wear being that they are so unique. Also, hard to style at times. Which isn’t true. You can push the envelope with bold patterns and designs, as well as bold color combos on a day to day.

Without a doubt, I’m proud to say that I’ve continued to be my authentic self no matter how much or fast fashion seems to change. Envious Ego will be your go to for bold patterns, bright colors, and statement pieces with that extra flare.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

As Envious Ego has grown over the time I’ve noticed the best source of new clientele has been Pop Up Shops and markets. At the time of launching, I had no knowledge of what a pop up shop was or how to be apart of one. Eventually while on social media, I seen the advertisement of a pop up shop event that I wanted to attend. If you didn’t know a pop up shop or market is a place for small business to gather and set up their business and have the opportunity to shop with customers in the area and from loyal costumers who may have came to the event due to personal business advertisement.
The events are fun and great grounds for networking beyond clientele. I’ve met a handful of like minded business owners that have helped me along my entrepreneurship journey. Although one has to pay to attend a pop up , with good food traffic it is always worth the investment . I would advise to double check the area of the pop up, as well as the person who may be throwing the event. Sometimes there could be an event with less foot traffic and possibly may not be worth the investment to some.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

There will be plenty of opportunities for help to start your business journey. At the time of me starting my business, I in fact worked your typical 9-5 job and seen that to be the best way fit. After finalizing the fact that I wanted to own I business I started to plan on how to make it possible financially. How much funds were needed to be put aside to reach my goal.
I was sure to make a financial saving plan that would help me to start purchasing the needed materials. My goal was to save $5K and that is the starting amount Envious Ego launched with. Looking back, I strongly disagree with the starting amount. After purchasing my clothing and launching I realized that I put too much pressure on myself and it is definitely possible to start with a much lower amount and learn your business as you grow with it. Even though I took this route, there are business grants as well as angel investors that could be the start of your next business venture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://enviousego.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shop_enviousego?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopenviousego?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Not Applicable