We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Buchanan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking a leap of faith in September 2020, amidst a global pandemic and with no prior experience in the fashion industry, I decided to share my artwork with the world through the creation of CB Grey. This decision was not made lightly, considering the dire state of small businesses at that time. Despite the daunting statistics and personal challenges, including becoming a new mom and facing my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis shortly after launching, I was determined to pursue my passion.

Navigating the challenges of the pandemic, I found solace in the unexpected opportunities it presented. With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, scarves became not only a fashion statement but also a versatile accessory for Zoom calls and mask-wearing. This shift in consumer behavior provided a unique avenue for CB Grey to thrive in an otherwise uncertain landscape.

Despite the odds stacked against me as a female entrepreneur, I remained undeterred, fueled by a fierce determination to defy expectations and make a positive impact. While the journey has been riddled with obstacles and uncertainties, I have persevered, drawing strength from the resilience of women like myself who refuse to be held back by circumstances beyond their control.

My experience with CB Grey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the limitless potential of women in business. And though the road may be fraught with challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and inspire others to do the same. As I continue to chart my course in the world of fashion and entrepreneurship, I am reminded of the words that have guided me through it all: “If you want something, just go for it. Don’t let anything stop you – even a pandemic!”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The idea for CB Grey was born from a lifelong passion for art and creativity that has always pulsed through my veins. Since childhood, I’ve been immersed in various forms of artistic expression, from photography to drawing and painting. My journey led me to The School of Visual Arts in NYC, where I studied photography and laid the foundation for my artistic exploration.

After college, I found myself navigating the world of marketing, where I sharpened my skills as a graphic designer and illustrator. But amidst the hustle and bustle of the corporate world, my love for art never waned. I continued to freelance as a photographer and graphic designer, constantly seeking ways to channel my creative energy.

CB Grey emerged as a natural extension of my artistic journey—a culmination of years of professional and personal growth. What sets CB Grey apart is my unique perspective, honed through years of training and exploration. I’ve always had this innate ability to see beyond the surface, infusing my designs with symbolism and intentionality.

But CB Grey is more than just a line of luxury scarves and accessories; it’s a platform for storytelling and empowerment. Each design is hand-drawn by me and serves as a tribute to everyday yet extraordinary women. Through my art, I aim to celebrate the diverse narratives and characteristics of these women, inspiring others to embrace their authenticity.

The logic behind CB Grey was clear to me—it was about merging my artistic talents with my desire to uplift and celebrate women. I saw an opportunity to create something meaningful, something that resonated deeply with me and with others. CB Grey isn’t just about fashion; it’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I refused to let go of my vision. In fact, it was during this time that CB Grey transformed into more than just a brand—it became a beacon of hope and inspiration. I doubled down on our commitment to social responsibility, supporting local communities and championing sustainability.

My journey as a female entrepreneur has been marked by determination, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of empowerment. CB Grey isn’t just a reflection of who I am as an artist—it’s a reflection of my values and my commitment to making a difference in the world.

In essence, CB Grey is my canvas—a canvas through which I tell the stories of extraordinary women and inspire others to embrace their true selves. And as I continue on this journey, I’m reminded that fashion is more than just what you wear—it’s a chance to show the world who you are, to feel beautiful, bold, confident, and fearless. And spoiler alert…YOU ARE!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media for CB Grey has been both a challenging and rewarding journey. When I first embarked on this endeavor, I recognized the importance of authenticity, engagement, and consistency in establishing a meaningful connection with our audience.

One of the key strategies I employed was to leverage the power of storytelling. I shared the inspirations behind each scarf design, delving into the unique traits and experiences of the women they were named after. This personal touch not only humanized the brand but also resonated deeply with our audience, fostering a sense of connection and community.

In addition to storytelling, I valued the importance of working with influencers, especially in the very beginning. I reached out to hundreds of them, asking them to share my new small business with a big soul. Collaborating with influencers allowed us to reach new audiences and establish credibility and trust within the industry.

Furthermore, I relied heavily on reels and video content to engage our audience. Despite initial fears of being in front of the camera, I knew the power of video in capturing attention and conveying our brand message effectively. I pushed myself to put aside my fears and just go for it, striving to be as confident as possible in front of the camera.

As for advice for those just starting to build their social media presence, I would emphasize the importance of authenticity, engagement, and persistence. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through and share the stories and experiences that make your brand unique. Engage with your audience authentically, responding to comments, messages, and feedback in a genuine and timely manner. And above all, be patient and persistent—building a loyal and engaged audience takes time and effort, but the connections you forge along the way will be invaluable in the long run.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Absolutely! Here’s the response incorporating the provided information:

When it comes to manufacturing our products at CB Grey, it’s been quite the journey, especially considering my lack of background in manufacturing. In May of 2020, I found myself sitting down one night, fueled by passion and determination, and Googled “how to start a silk scarf line.” From there, I embarked on a journey of research and discovery, diving into the intricacies of manufacturing and sourcing.

With no prior knowledge of the industry, I began sourcing samples from as many manufacturers as I could find. The timing, fortuitously, worked in my favor, as many factories had slowed down significantly due to the pandemic. This allowed me the opportunity to connect with them more easily and navigate the process with greater flexibility, particularly regarding minimum orders.

Through this process, I found a vendor who not only met my quality standards but also aligned with my values and vision for CB Grey. The decision wasn’t solely based on the product; it was also about the people behind it. I chose the vendor I work with today because they offered the highest quality product and, importantly, because of the exceptional customer service provided by the representative assigned to me.

Despite my lack of expertise in manufacturing, the representative went above and beyond, patiently guiding me through the process and explaining the intricacies of fabrics and production. Their kindness, patience, and communicative nature made all the difference, instilling in me a sense of confidence and trust in our partnership.

Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about manufacturing a product. One of the most important lessons has been the significance of building strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. Communication and trust are paramount in ensuring a smooth and successful manufacturing process.

Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of quality control and attention to detail. From selecting the finest materials to overseeing the production process, every step must be meticulously managed to ensure the integrity of our products.

Overall, the journey of manufacturing our products at CB Grey has been filled with challenges and triumphs. While I may not have had prior experience in this realm, I’ve embraced each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. And as we continue to evolve and expand, I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the relationships forged along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopcbgrey.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shopcbgrey
• Facebook: facebook.com/shopcbgrey
• Other: tiktok.com/@shopcbgrey

Image Credits
KVC Photography and Monica Farber