We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Kristen Barnes-Holiday a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Kristen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

In 2011, I was heading to a probate show for my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. (For readers who might be unaware, a probate show is typically held when members of Black Greek letter organizations are being presented/introduced as new members on their college campuses.) I didn’t have anything to wear to the event so I headed to a custom t-shirt shop at a local mall. When asked what I wanted on my T-shirt, I remarked, “Mirror Checking Is A Must.” Once I arrived at the probate show, everyone loved the shirt and of course wanted the deets. Ten years later, these words became a U.S. trademarked mantra for the brand that is now recognized as Clearly Female.

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 Kristen Barnes-Holiday, Ph.D. and I’m the face behind the brand Clearly Female. Clearly Female is a women’s clothing brand where fashion, women’s empowerment and self-reflection intersect. Our mantra is “Mirror Checking Is A Must, and through this mantra we encourage women to look in the mirror daily and actively work towards becoming a better version of self. It is our sincere hope that whenever anyone wears our apparel that they’re reminded about the importance of women’s empowerment and self-reflection while looking fashionable (on a budget).

We currently sell hats, socks, jackets, sweatshirts and t-shirts, with our signature and best-selling item being our PEARLfect Denim Jacket.

As the founder of this brand, though it started as an online clothing boutique, daily I see it morphing into a brand that sells fashion while simultaneously believing in the beauty of women coming together in powerful yet fruitful ways and feeling whole and well. All of this can be done fashionably :) There’s SO much more to come. Please follow our journey: Instagram: @clearlyfemale
Facebook: ClearlyFemale

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn this concept of being “superwoman.” She simply does not exist SO with that being said, I ask for help as needed. As a business owner, I find that I’m a my best (and consequently my brand is at its best) when I delegate and get insight, feedback and support from others.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth has been EVERYTHING! And I must say that social media has also been helpful. I’ve sold my merchandise to people in over 15 different states and most people have found me from either a customer OR on my social media account. I’m always grateful for customers no matter how they’ve heard about my brand. Thank YOU!

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTPS://clearlyfemale.com
• Instagram: @clearlyfemale
• Facebook: Clearly Female

Image Credits
Photographer: Davide