We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alisha Hayter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Just like a lot of little girls growing up, I loved dressing up, clothes, wearing the plastic heels that clunked when you walked. Except my love for dressing up and playing with clothes just continued as I got older. The only difference was when I entered junior high, I become obsessive over magazines with models in them and clothes no longer lit a light within me but instead became my competitor of what size I was in. After years of therapy and working through my eating disorder, I knew that in order for my dream of having a boutique to come true – I had to first learn to love myself because I would never want to be someone’s “magazine with a model” that gave off what a “normal” body should look like and fed into someone’s intrusive thoughts instead of helping them. Now as a mom of a daughter, I know that there is so much more to life than the size of your clothes and the number on the scale. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that her body will change and her weight will fluctuate but her worth will not. At Nevaeh Grace, there’s room for everyone at our table, no matter your size, age, height – you deserve to have clothes that make you feel like your best self.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Alisha! I’ve worked in the retail industry at all levels from sales associate to store manager to corporate stores to small businesses. During it all, my goal was always to make my mark in the world and have something of my own. Nevaeh Grace Boutique launched online in 2020 and we had one goal in mind – normalize normal bodies. My mission is to bring size inclusive pieces to ensure we don’t exclude anyone. I’m someone who strives to make sure you love yourself and understand the struggle to get there. From shoes, accessories, Bamboo clothes and more – you’ll also be able to shop in person at our first store located in Salem, Ohio in 2024.
How did you build your audience on social media?
The story? Be you. The best version you can be is your true authentic self. Stay true to who you are and your people will follow.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Oh goodness. This one is actually personal and business. Summer of 2021, I found out I was pregnant. We were heading into the busiest season of the year and I went into preterm labor and was put on strict bedrest. Unfortunately, with a business it still goes on. When I tell you my family and friends stepped out, they truly are heaven sent. I had to stay and bed and was a scared mom to be so my husband who had never packaged an order a day in his life, packaged orders, friends modeled and took pictures, and I was able to focus on my sweet baby who is now a healthy one and a half year old. So pivot, accept the change, and know that every obstacle is a path being paved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nevaehgraceboutique.com/
- Instagram: @thenevaehgraceboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nevaehgraceboutique?mibextid=LQQJ4d