We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donnett Mitchell . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donnett below.
Donnett, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
As I reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve often pondered whether I should have taken the leap into business earlier, perhaps in my twenties when life seemed more flexible and responsibilities were fewer. However, I’ve come to appreciate the unique advantages that my current stage in life offers. At the age of 38, I decided to dive into entrepreneurship while maintaining a senior corporate position. My extensive 15-year career in finance and insurance has endowed me with invaluable real-world experiences, providing me with the maturity and depth of understanding that have become essential assets in facing the challenges of creative entrepreneurship.
Throughout my personal journey, I’ve had countless moments of introspection, considering the possibility of starting my own business earlier in life. I embraced this exciting venture at the age of 38 while still maintaining a senior corporate position. At times, I wondered if my twenties would have been a more suitable time, given the greater flexibility and fewer responsibilities.
But as I look back on my experiences, I’ve come to realize the unique advantages that my current stage in life brings to my entrepreneurial endeavors. The maturity and depth of understanding I’ve gained have proven to be invaluable assets in tackling the challenges of creative entrepreneurship. My 15-year career in finance and insurance has equipped me with a wealth of real-world experiences and skills, giving me the confidence and determination needed to navigate the complexities of business.
As I embark on this entrepreneurial journey, I am filled with gratitude for the life lessons learned, the professional networks and connections established, and the invaluable knowledge gained throughout my corporate career. These foundations provide me with the assurance and conviction to pursue my dreams while aligning with my passions and aspirations.
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?
Greetings, I’m Donnett Mitchell, the visionary behind F&R – a brand that embodies my journey from the vibrant beaches of Jamaica to the inspiring world of fashion and self-discovery.
My Roots and Inspiration: Born on the sunny island of Jamaica, I developed an enduring love for its beautiful beaches that has stayed with me throughout my life. My roots in a close-knit family, surrounded by strong women like my mother, aunt, and grandmother, instilled in me the values of determination and passion.
A Transformative Experience: After moving to the US at the age of 20, my life was a mix of fortunate events, thrilling adventures, and unexpected challenges. It was the loss of a loved one that reshaped my perspective, pushing me to question my identity, life direction, and how I wanted to make my mark in the world.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: In 2020, I took a leap of faith, leaving behind a successful 15+ year career in the insurance industry to pursue a more creative path. This decision gave me the freedom to spend time with my family and delve into my lifelong passion for fashion. It was a chance to create a legacy, build generational wealth, and shape my own future.
Infusing Heritage into Fashion: My childhood passion for fashion, influenced by my Aunt Maxine, inspired me to rediscover this creative path. I’m committed to infusing my Afro-Caribbean identity and personal experiences into every creation, honoring my culture and ancestral stories.
The Essence of F&R: F&R is more than a brand; it’s my journey of self-discovery. It embodies my love for self, the beach, and a life filled with curiosity and purpose. Each design reflects my personal style, cultural heritage, and the wisdom I’ve gained over the years. My goal is to create designs that evoke ease, captivate with colors and prints, and transport you to a place of bliss.
The Power of Dressing: Inspired by my entrepreneurial aunt, Maxine, I’ve learned that clothing can transform us, evoking a spectrum of emotions from sensuality to joy and personal fulfillment. F&R empowers me as a business owner, and I’m proud to persist on this journey despite its challenges.
Our Vision: We envision F&R becoming a globally renowned lifestyle brand deeply committed to sustainability. We curate versatile collections of apparel and accessories that elevate special occasions and celebrate everyday life. We want to inspire individuals to embrace their authentic selves, believe in their capabilities, chase their dreams, and take charge of their journeys.
BRAND STATEMENT Our Passion: Drawing inspiration from our cultural heritage and the allure of idyllic oases, we create resortwear that empowers women to feel confident, beautiful, and at ease, no matter where their adventures take them.
Our Debut Collection – SANKOFA: Our debut collection, Sankofa, encapsulates the essence of reclaiming and preserving our heritage. It combines African-inspired prints, Adinkra symbols, captivating animal motifs, and wisdom-enriched designs. Sankofa is more than fashion; it’s a celebration of self-expression, self-love, and self-discovery.
BRAND MANTRA: YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL. OWN IT. At the heart of our mantra is the belief that every individual possesses boundless beauty and strength. We aim to inspire you to pursue your dreams fearlessly, embrace your unique beauty, and unapologetically be the extraordinary individual that you are.
F&R celebrates the multifaceted nature of each person and offers a space for you to be your true, whole self. Be bold, be beautiful, be you.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My entrepreneurial journey has been a thrilling rollercoaster of challenges, but I’ve conquered every twist and turn.
The Pandemic Pivot: Our brand launch faced an unexpected hurdle – the pandemic. Our original swimwear collection plans were in shambles as travel restrictions loomed. However, I wasn’t ready to give up. I took a moment to reassess, and I made the bold decision to switch our focus to producing face masks, which were in high demand during that time.
Adapting to a Changing World: As the world grappled with confinement and remote work, I saw a paradigm shift in how people lived and worked. To seize this opportunity, I devised a strategic plan to create a versatile resortwear collection. Our carefully crafted pieces seamlessly blend comfort and style, offering individuals a transition between their virtual professional pursuits and cozy relaxation in their personal spaces.
A Journey of Resilience: My entrepreneurial journey has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Every twist and turn has shaped not only the trajectory of my brand but has also imparted profound lessons. I’ve learned the importance of agility, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of my dreams. The key is to keep going, to never stop, no matter what challenges come your way.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
I’ve discovered that hosting pop-up shop events and showcasing our products in physical locations is an amazing way to connect with our customers on a deep, genuine level. It’s like inviting them into our world, allowing them to experience the luxurious feel and top-notch quality of our sustainable fabrics firsthand. When they can touch, see, and try on our garments, they truly grasp what makes our brand special.
Meeting our customers face-to-face has been a game-changer. It’s not just about making sales; it’s about diving into their needs, preferences, and pain points when it comes to shopping for resort wear. This direct interaction has been a goldmine, not only for my personal growth but also for improving our products and customer service. The insights we’ve gained from these personal encounters have helped us fine-tune our offerings to match what our customers want. It’s about building relationships that last and ensuring they’re delighted with every purchase.
But that’s not all. Leveraging the power of word of mouth has proven to be a super effective strategy for finding new customers. When someone has a personal experience with our products and sees their exceptional value, they can’t help but share their positive experiences with friends and family. It’s the ultimate compliment, a genuine reflection of their satisfaction, and it spreads the word about our brand like wildfire.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.furkatandrobbie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furkatandrobbie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/furkatandrobbie/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkatandrobbie/
Image Credits
@adabednarzphoto, @daron_bandeira, @cworx18, @psyllas_photography