We were lucky to catch up with Antalaya Israel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Antalaya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
Being a business owner brings me unexplainable happiness and freedom. This is definitely my lane and I’m loving the entire journey, good or bad. I grew up seeing my dad as a business owner so it seemed to rub off on me. I saw his good days and his bad days but even through all of it, I loved how he actually enjoyed what he did and was successful at it. That was exactly what I wanted and I knew that one day I would put fear and discouragement to the side or down the street, lol in order to accomplish that goal.
I’ve had a job since I was 14 years old so I have a vivid understanding of how it is to work for someone else, and not only that, but to settle and work somewhere that you dislike. I worked in the mental health field for New York State OPWDD for about 13 years. Although I loved what I did for work especially helping people, I was not fulfilled. I literally had panic attacks due to the stress levels at work. It was unbelievable! I needed a job so I felt that I would need to come up with a plan because my health was more important. I knew that the stresses that came with working a 9-5 would not be conducive to my overall health and in 2021, I made the final decision to leave my job. Was I scared? Yes. But I knew that better was to come and I had my significant other’s support as well. It definitely was a significant amount of relief after quitting and I knew that I made the right decision.
I remember it was around my daughter’s birthday in September when I literally had an epiphany upon waking up one morning. But it was a FEELING so strong that I got out of my bed and began writing down whatever came to mind. I automatically went back to a time where I was very happy and imaginative. I went back to when I was 9 years old and I was creating clothes for my dolls to match mine and vice versa. That was my favorite thing to do when I was alone in my room. I remembered having rappers posters on my wall like Eve. I used to always think about making something for her and if she would wear it. Anyhow, from there I thought of implementing my brand idea for apparel, accessories, etc. I went on a writing spree with ideas. Choosing the name was the most difficult part but not so much actually. The name was literally within me, with me, all of that. I wanted it to be something strong, something people would ask questions about, something that people would take serious…and I thought of my last name – Israel. That is how I came up with Israel Brand and birthed my new baby. I hand drew the logo and created the symbol around my initials – AI. Israel Brand is definitely my happiness.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Antalaya “Yannie” Israel and I am from Brooklyn, NY. I got into entrepreneurship in 2011 when I gave birth to my daughter. Around that time, I was not working and needed a source of income but did not want to put my daughter in daycare, so I ended up starting a small business selling fashion jewelry. I did pretty well and that boosted my confidence in being a business owner.
In 2015, I went back to school to obtain my Master’s in Business and graduated with honors. After graduating, I had no clue what to do with my degree. Every job that I qualified for was paying big bucks but none of them were my passion. I began to do extensive research on what I could use my degree for that would also be something that I loved and wouldn’t feel like WORK. I started several businesses around that time and even published a children’s book. Every time I completed a task or goal that I used to dream about, I knew it was time to keep going and conquer all of my dreams and passions.
In 2021, I had an epiphany about starting my own luxury brand for men and women. This was a dream that my 9 year old self would think of daily. Those memories of creating clothing for my dolls and for myself always brings me so much joy. Anyhow, this epiphany came with great force that felt like the download that I needed. I saw the longevity in it and the feeling was exhilarating; I knew this was it. I got right to work on getting the ideas down and creating steps to get everything done. Within a week, I created my logo and hired someone to create it, I registered my business, reached out to vendors, watched YouTube videos on other brands journey’s for ideas and inspiration, etc. Although this was hard work that took hours to complete, it was fulfilling and I loved to see that I was actually doing it. I was so proud of myself!
When I launched in February 2022, I was super nervous but more so anxious thinking about how much consistency it will take to get the world to notice Israel Brand’s name and how I will come up with capturing content to gain loyal customers. It took much discipline and tenacity with running a start up alone but I kept thinking “If they could do it, so can I”, over and over again. I’ve had several challenges with scaling to a bigger audience but with mentors and friends in the business industry, I’ve been so blessed to have their guidance with any hurdles that I faced.
Israel Brand’s current catalog includes handbags, apparel, and other accessories for men and women of all ages and cultures. My brand represents freedom in expression, respectfully and wearing affordable luxury. At Israel Brand, we create fashions that are not just trendy but also timeless. You can add Israel Brand to any outfit and it isn’t just about the logo; it’s about embracing a statement that exudes confidence. When you slip on that Israel branded piece, you’re not just wearing fabric, a bag, or accessories – you’re owning an identity. I want everyone to have that unmistakably empowering feeling, like wearing a badge of your personal style that boldly declares, “This is me, and I’m not afraid to stand out.” With every step, you radiate assurance, embodying the synergy between fashion and self-assuredness that’s impossible to ignore.
What sets my brand apart from some other brands is that I’m actually interested in making the customers have a great experience from the moment they receive their item in the mail to when they are unboxing or opening their Israel Brand package. Each product has a unique name that represents things, places and slangs that are related to my hometown of Brooklyn, NY. While other brands may focus solely on status, we prioritize the fusion of creativity and exclusivity. We redefine luxury by embracing fashion and not the dollar spent. Our brand stands out because we celebrate authenticity, offering not just products, but a canvas for self-expression, making each creation a timeless embodiment of personal distinction.
I am most proud to have relocated to Atlanta, GA and to have the opportunity to connect with so many people; business owners and customers who love my brand. The support out here has been incredible! I am also proud that I have stepped out of my comfort zone with talking to others confidently about my brand, not stressing what the outcome would be. As long as they remembered me, I was okay with that. Since being in Atlanta for a year, I have met some incredible friends who are like-minded and are business owners as well. If anyone is ever apprehensive about starting fresh, don’t be. I always wanted to be that person who wasn’t afraid to try something or go somewhere completely new and I did it. Anyone can do it and no it isn’t easier said than done; I used to say that all the time as a means to have an excuse not to do something and it set me back mentally. I got tired of my excuses and fears and decided to be uncomfortable with a new normal. My life has elevated tremendously so use me as a testimony if you need to but you can do it too, Trust!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The cornerstone of Israel Brand’s unparalleled growth lies in our commitment to personalized connection. By cultivating authentic relationships with our clients, we’ve created a loyal community that resonates with our brand’s ethos. Through bespoke experiences, tailored recommendations, and genuine engagement, we’ve fostered a sense of exclusivity that transcends traditional marketing tactics. Our clients don’t just purchase products; they invest in a relationship, becoming brand advocates who passionately share their experiences, resulting in a powerful organic growth that resonates far beyond the transaction.
I have friends who I regularly schedule content days with for all of our brands. Collaboration is a great way to gain clientele because their followers or clients already trust them, so they will feel a sense of comfort when choosing to follow your business page or even purchase from you. From there, it’s on you to maintain that professional relationship and gain loyal clientele. Being consistent with intriguing content is imperative in this generation. Making sure that you stay in the loop with all the new tactics and tricks to creating social media ads or content helps with pushing your content to your actual audience. You can also reach out to influencers or celebrities to have them promote your brand. They will charge a fee of anywhere between $100-$400 depending on who you reach out to but it is worth it if you can afford it.
Whenever I go out to an event, I’m networking! I make sure that I am introducing myself to people, exchanging social media handles, business cards, etc. Make connections and do not be afraid to reach out to them casually. The important thing is that they remember you and eventually a conversation will spark about who you are and what you do, etc. Don’t have them follow you and you never post so now they don’t know who you are after time and will unfollow you. Speaking of social media, I should have mentioned this first but make sure that your page is clean, clear and concise to what your brand is (brand colors, logo, well-structured, etc.) . I revamped my page in the beginning of this year and became consistent with making sure that every post was clear, had great image quality and had something to do with Israel Brand, if even it was a TikTok.
Aside from social media, I am a walking advertisement for my brand. I always have someone compliment me on my Israel Brand merchandise and I engage, naturally, in conversation about whatever it is that I am wearing and immediately give them my business card and/or social media handle. I’m never forceful and remain confident within your conversation, meaning that you should know what you are wearing, your website url, etc. I use each outing, big or small, to take lifestyle photos and I always tag the establishment in my posts and stories on social media. I have not had one establishment that did not repost or share my post and sometimes, if they like your page, they will even follow you. I was super geeked when some would follow my page. I knew that I was doing something right and that I needed to keep going!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Israel Brand’s reputation has been meticulously built on the foundation of uncompromising quality and creative innovation. Our reputation is an outcome of our unwavering dedication to being genuine. From day one, authenticity has been our guiding principle. By staying true to our values, transparently sourcing materials, and sharing the stories behind our designs, we’ve established a deep connection with our audience. This genuine approach resonates with customers seeking more than just clothing, a bag or accessories – they want a meaningful overall experience.
By consistently delivering exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs, we’ve forged a distinct identity that resonates with our audience. Our commitment to staying ahead of trends and embracing authenticity has enabled us to create pieces that not only capture attention but leave an indelible mark on the fashion landscape. Through word-of-mouth praise, social media buzz, and the unwavering loyalty of our customers, we’ve established a reputation synonymous with fashionable excellence, setting us apart, no doubt as a trailblazer in the industry. Additionally, Israel Brand’s commitment to honesty and integrity has not only built trust but has also transformed our brand into a beam of authenticity, attracting like-minded individuals who value transparency in an industry where it’s often elusive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theisraelbrand.com
- Instagram: www.theisraelbrand.com/israelbrandworldwide
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/israelbrandworldwide
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antalaya-israel-mba-b7553723
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@israelbrandworldwide