We recently connected with Anika Simmons and have shared our conversation below.
Anika, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The journey to becoming an entrepreneur was an unexpected twist in my career path. Initially, I had envisioned myself climbing the corporate ladder, thriving in a traditional professional environment. However, God had other plans in store for me.
The idea for my business was not a deliberate creation but rather a realization of something I had been naturally doing for years: providing styling advice and empowerment to friends and family. What I didn’t realize was that my passion for fashion, grooming, and empowering others held the potential for a viable business venture.
I’ve always been meticulous about my appearance, enjoying the process of dressing well and engaging in personal grooming. Equally, I’ve found joy in listening to others, offering counsel, and empowering them to embrace their best selves.
The catalyst for launching my business came unexpectedly. I began to receive an increasing amount of attention for my personal style, with coworkers and acquaintances seeking out my fashion advice. This attention reached a turning point during a faith-based conference when a breakout session on personal image was announced, and my friends looked to me with the stare of fright.
Following that moment, the demand for my expertise grew, with individuals expressing interest in becoming my clients. It was then that I realized the untapped potential of my skills and passion. With a newfound clarity and conviction, I embarked on the journey of starting my own business, driven by the desire to formalize what had been a natural extension of myself for years.”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Anika Simmons, and I am delighted to share a bit about myself with you today. Above all else, I am a proud mother to my daughter, Arieanna Lanae, whom I affectionately refer to as our next famous Chef – she truly has a passion for culinary artistry that inspires me every day.
Originally hailing from the city of Philadelphia, I recently made the exciting transition to South Carolina, where I’ve wholeheartedly embraced the charm and hospitality of the South. In terms of my academic pursuits, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration and am currently pursuing my Masters in Business Administration, a journey that fuels my passion for learning and personal growth.
Professionally, I wear multiple hats with pride. As the Owner and CEO of The Colou’r Experience, I serve as an Image, Style, and Wardrobe Consultant, helping individuals cultivate their personal and professional image with confidence and flair. Additionally, I also manage the cost containment unit for a workers’ compensation insurance company, where I leverage my expertise in business administration to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Can you tell us about more about The Colou’r Experience?
Beyond my professional endeavors, I find immense fulfillment in serving as a Minister, where my love for the Lord and His people shines through in everything I do. Whether it’s guiding clients towards their style goals, managing administrative operations, or ministering to those in need, I am deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
The Colou’r Experience, is a journey of passion, purpose, and resilience. Raised by a fashion-forward grandmother and beautician, my early training in the world of fashion cultivated a trendsetting fashionista. However, life threw unexpected challenges my way – from early traumas and loss to homelessness as a teenager. These experiences led to a loss of self-worth. It was only through a rededication to Christ and a rebuilding of my identity that I found my way back.
Discovering my creative gifts and a deeper understanding of my purpose, I founded The Colou’r Experience in 2021. Our motto, ‘You’re Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Hello Beautiful!’ encapsulates our belief in the inherent beauty of every individual. We go beyond fashion, aiming to help people redefine and modernize their image, whether for personal or professional endeavors.
Our journey is about transforming lives from the inside out. The Colou’r team dresses clients in head-to-toe looks, not just for appearances but as a reflection of newfound confidence. The belief that looking good leads to feeling good drives our mission. We are committed to maximizing the best assets of our corporate clients and making fashionably intelligent decisions for our individual clients.
Our story is not just about fashion; it’s about passion and purpose. Through The Colou’r Experience, we strive to help individuals embrace their uniqueness and walk in the beauty they were created with. As we continue this journey, we celebrate the truth of Psalm 139:14 – that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
From the earliest moments of my life, adversity seemed to be a constant companion. Challenges and setbacks followed me into adulthood, each one seemingly intent on breaking me down. Yet, amidst the turmoil, I held onto a steadfast belief that there was a greater purpose guiding my journey.
As I navigated life’s traumas and trials, one thing remained constant: my unwavering determination to not only survive but thrive. Balancing the weight of personal struggles with the responsibility of raising my baby girl, I often found myself echoing the sentiment of Celie from ‘The Color Purple’: ‘All my life, I had to fight.’
In my late 30s, a close friend illuminated a new perspective on my journey. Through her eyes, I began to see my resilience not as a mere survival tactic, but as a testament to my strength and fortitude. Her words, ‘Nika, you are a BAD Girl,’ resonated deeply, shifting my perception of myself and my experiences.
For the first time, I saw my life not as a series of defeats, but as a triumph of resilience over adversity. Every obstacle I faced, every trauma I endured, became a testament to my ability to overcome. With this newfound clarity, I felt empowered to step into my purpose with renewed vigor and determination.
My journey has instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and compassion for others facing their own battles. I am driven by a mission to share my story of hope, to extend a hand of love to those in need, and to be a source of encouragement and empowerment for anyone who crosses my path.
Through my life’s trials and triumphs, I have discovered my calling: to stand as a beacon of resilience and resilience, inspiring others to embrace their own inner strength and persevere in the face of adversity.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I had to unlearn was the saying, ‘When someone shows you who they are, believe them.’ Initially, I embraced this wisdom, taking people’s actions at face value without considering the complexities of their experiences. However, as I journeyed through life, I began to understand that each individual carries a unique story, shaped by both triumphs and traumas.
I realized that our past experiences profoundly influence our present behavior. Unresolved pain and trauma can cloud one’s true essence, distorting their actions and interactions with others. Instead of hastily accepting surface-level impressions, I learned to delve deeper, acknowledging the layers of hurt and resilience that shape each individual.
Through this realization, I embarked on a journey of empathy and understanding, choosing to see beyond the surface and recognize the inherent worth and potential in every person. Rather than passively accepting outward appearances, I strive to see individuals as God sees them – as overcomers, worthy of love, compassion, and redemption.
This lesson continues to evolve as I navigate relationships and encounters with others, reminding me of the power of empathy and the transformative potential of seeing beyond the surface to recognize the beauty and strength within each person.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thecolourexperience.com
- Instagram: @The_colour_experience_
- Facebook: The_colour_experience_
- Linkedin: Anika Simmons