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

Danielle , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

One of the best marketing method is word of mouth. After graduating fashion school I was concerned how I’d get my first client/ sale. I started wearing my pieces to events, that’s where the motto for Xandra‘s Style came from “Fashioned to Stand Out”. I received attention but no sales, decided I’d have my friends wear my pieces to events to promote my brand. We got creative with different styles and trends, within that time I’ve learnt everyone has different tastes in fashion. Finally! I received my first client.

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

I’m Danielle Clarke, owner of Xandra’s Style. Fashion Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, Fashion Consultant and Seamstress. I believe that every woman is unique and deserves to feel comfortable without being exposed. We create fashionable clothing for women of all shapes and sizes that make them feel confident and stylish. We are dedicated to helping women look and feel their best, and our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality clothing that makes women feel confident and empowered
It’s very pleasing when a client is satisfied and happy.
I’ve always had a love for fashion, being a creative can be challenging at times because you’re dealing with different designs and personalities. But if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

In 2014 after graduating fashion school in Jamaica, I had no idea how I’d make my first sale. What I do know is that I needed money to fund my business. I started working at a shoe store, I wasn’t happy because this wasn’t what I went to school for. I worked there for only “one week”. where I received my first pay check which was $5000 jmd and at the time that was $45 usd. I bought fabrics, got creative with designs and wore them to events. Stayed consistent with promoting my brand, gained sales. It is okay to have a 9-5 while running a business. Do what works for you.

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

I built my social media audience through fashion and photography. I occasionally do modeling and sometimes I’m in-front the lens or behind doing creative directing/ styling. I engage with my followers the best way I can. The most important thing is to be yourself. You’re special and unique. That’s where you attract your customers. Stay consistent with posting good content, keep up with trends and add your twist to it. Don’t be afraid to be creative in your own way. YOUR BRAND STARTS WITH YOU.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @xandrastyle @xandrastyle.co
• Facebook: Xandra’s Style
• Other: Tiktok: xandrastyle and. @xandrastyle.co

Image Credits
@glamkollectionzz @mellarmario @glamklutchesnheelz