We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.

Christina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The funny part to me is that I wanted something to be outside of the box and not trap me in one genre. I wanted to make sure it represented me and didn’t make me sound crafty or as though this business wasn’t something I wanted to grow outside my home and friends.

I came up with OXTEXVIDA because these are things that I love.
Ox- Oxford,MS – my husband and I met at Ole Miss and we are die hard rebel fans! I still have the best of friends I went to school with and I hope everyone had the college experience that we did! Hotty Toddy!
Tex- Born and raised Texan and truly came back as soon as it was right for our family!
Vida- Life! These past few years have been anything but, easy. However, I’m on a mission to live my life to the fullest. To do the things in life that bring joy and to surround myself with others that lift you up in this lifetime.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I created OXTEXVIDA for myself. Ha I kept the instagram a secret and didn’t share with anyone for a while. I had one friend that is a beautiful artist that I let in on my secret. She encouraged me to just go for it and so I did. Thank you, Lucy White!

I’ve always been a creative. I love dressing others, pushing the envelope and design in general. I started to make hats for friends and then kept getting more and more requests so I launched OXTEXVIDA thinking it wouldn’t be such a hit. But, man I was wrong!

I think what sets me apart is that I truly see this as an art. The layering, the choices in color, the design aspect. I’m very peticular about each design and where everything is placed. I also don’t get bogged down in the mess of others creating as well. I truly think there is a space for all of us. I’ve focused on marketing to clients all over the US and outside our community. I think that has helped me launch to where this little business is today and has the potential to grow.

When a client places an order it’s just the best feeling. I pick every patch, stitches color and design with my whole heart. Even if it’s something simple like a mom supporting her son’s baseball team or for someone signing on stage. I want to make sure I do my best and they will be proud to wear it! I feel so grateful to be a small piece of clients memories.

It’s not just a hat. It’s something that can express personality, support, love and most clients come back to create with me multiple times and that sets my heart on fire!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media is tricky! My biggest advice is get over yourself! I was too worried that my friends and followers would get annoyed with me. That the neighborhood Debbie downer would make fun of me. I had another amazing friend , Brenda Merritt, that’s said put your art out there !! Who cares. My best friend from college , Melinda White created my logo with so much excitement for me and then I was off!

That encouraged me to rip off the bandaid! I’ve ran social media in the past so I have some insight but, I’ve dove into the world of reels and videos. Posting as much content as I can! It’s been amazing to see how far social media can reach! I was shipping to Oregon and Wisconsin last week and almost in tears. It’s just incredible when you out yourself out there on social media that amazing reach it has when you forget the naysayers and go for it!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I love this question! I truly have the opportunity to get to know most of my clients. We connect on design and what they want it to represent! I’m invested! I want to know how the 40th birthday to Jamaica went, the World Series Baseball tourney, how clients were so excited to give an OxtexVida to one of their real estate clients.

I think this creates natural loyalty and my clients are so excited to share with others who made their hat! I just adore my clients. They champion my business and push me onwards to do bigger and better things!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: OxtexVida

Image Credits

Wild Sparrow Photo Co.