Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Destiny Rhéa . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Destiny, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I could start over as an online business, I would put more effort into social media and creating brand awareness. The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on my company because I did not build the relationships with my customers that I wanted to. I was vending in person but wasn’t creating a lasting impression after being in the Goldman Sachs: One Million Black Woman program helped me see what I was doing wrong. I realized that I couldn’t do everything alone; as someone who enjoys controlling situations, I have control over. I can’t if I want to see my company grow. I try to limit the hands that are in my business. The program helped me realize that I don’t have to do everything alone. This has led me to obtain a Social Media Manager – Visionary Design Lab. My Social Media Manager is assisting me in meeting my social media goals while creating brand awareness, which I have been trying to do in 2022. I also have worked with an influencer on Instagram; her name is Raven Breeding. She helped me reach customers closer to my audience through her post.

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?

My name is Destiny Rhéa. I am originally from Jersey City, New Jersey. I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management. I also hold a Certified Associate of Project Management or CAPM. Before opening my company, I was in retail for 5-plus years, working for large companies and myself as a reseller. I am the owner of Eclipse Shades, LLC, an affordable luxury handbag and sunglasses brand founded in 2018. I noticed on many social media sites that people wanted luxury items that were affordable and of good quality, and I wanted to be the answer. In the Fall of 2022, my company was a part of the Goldman Sachs: One Billion Black Women program, which assisted a group of Black women throughout the country on how to scale their businesses.

In my free time, I volunteer with the Project Management Institute – New Jersey chapter in the Member Services office a week out of each month. I also assist small with getting funding by assisting with writing grant proposals and finding funding for them.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Outside of vending in person. We use email marketing and our social media accounts. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now TikTok. Follow us to keep up with us. We also offer reward programs for our customers. As they buy online, they increase their points which can go towards their orders.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

We are mainly on our website, but you can also purchase through Instagram. We prefer our website because it keeps pricing low, and we can handle customer concerns properly.

We have an Etsy store for handmade goods, and you can find us under DRCrocheted Dreams. Etsy fees continue to go, which makes it so that goods have to be marked up. A lot of merchants on Etsy aren’t making the money they should be since it is so expensive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myeclipseshades.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eclipse_shades
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/myeclipseshades
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/EShades_

Image Credits
Her Studios