Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Michele Liles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Michele, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My mission is to create a platform for local fashion enthusiasts of all ages to showcase their talent while also learning and growing in the industry as a whole. The story behind this mission began with my daughter, Aminah Rose, who was BORN with a desire to contribute to the fashion industry. From dressing up, posing, and learning to sew and designing, she knew that she wanted to be a part of this industry. At age 5, Aminah requested a sewing machine for Christmas and began taking sewing lessons with her grandmother. At age 7, her Dad and I gifted her a clothing boutique and began preparing her for the runway. It was then that I realized 2 things: People don’t take kid models seriously, unless you make them, and the opportunity to showcase talent in this industry was missing, locally. That was the drive behind the mission.
Dr. Michele, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Dr. Michele Liles. I have been an accomplished Human Resources professional for the past decade, leveraging my expertise to empower organizations and individuals alike. Alongside my professional pursuits, I wear many hats as a dedicated Wife, Mother and the Manager of Aminah Rose, a flourishing kid model and owner of Aminah Rose Boutique. Driven by my passion for fashion and youth empowerment, I orchestrate the POSE by Aminah Rose Biannual Kid’s Fashion Show and also created POSE Fashion Magazine where my daughter, Aminah Rose, serves as the Editor-in-Chief to give exposure to young fashion enthusiasts and contributing writers all over the Pee Dee. Recently, I expanded my entrepreneurial portfolio as the Founder and CEO of Pee Dee Fashion Week. My commitment to community extends to my role as a Youth Choir Director at New Ebenezer Baptist Church, where I share my love for music. Additionally, I serve my community alongside my beloved Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and advocate for the professional development of Female Entrepreneurs as a Charter Member of the American Business Women’s Association – Women on the R.I.S.E. Chapter! Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a Masters in Human Resource Management, and an earned Doctorate in Business with a focus on Human Resource Management, I balance my professional endeavors with pride as a devoted Wife and Mother of 2.
My oldest, Aminah Rose, gave birth to the vision that pushed me into the fashion industry. Through her ambition and drive to make a name for herself in the industry with the support of her parents, we started hosting local fashion shows for Kid Models called, “POSE by Aminah Rose,” giving Kid Models the opportunity to travel to Model the Aminah Rose collection in runway shows around the East Coast. We founded POSE Model Group, which gives Kid Models consistent runway training and portfolio development, and as we began developing professional Kid Models, I decided to extend the opportunity to local adult influencers in the area by founding Pee Dee Fashion Week. Through Pee Dee Fashion Week, which received a proclamation by the Mayor of Florence, we were able to spotlight local Models, Designers, Stylists, Beauty Experts, Photographers, and name our 1st ever Designer of the Year – Tricka Hicks, Owner of Eighty8Boutique, Stylist of Year- Jessica Douglas, and Pee Dee’s Top Model of the Year – Blair Thomas! I am most proud of the doors that I have opened for others, including my daughter, by deep-diving into the industry, networking, studying and creating our own lane.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson that I had to unlearn is being a “YES” person. When growing your business and building your brand, you have to be mindful of how you conduct business and what and who you associate your brand with. You must always remember that it is no one’s job but your own to protect your brand. I was so excited in the beginning that I just wanted to please everyone, share the vision with everyone and wanted everyone to be happy. I always act with integrity so, I often expect others to do the same. But I quickly learned that people are just people and it’s so important to protect what you’ve built. It’s even more important to remember your why. Every person does not match with your why. Every person, every production, every affiliate is not good for your brand. Every opportunity isn’t beneficial. Sometimes you have to sit back and give firm, hard No’s. I quickly realized the need to use a strong business sense above anything else, regardless of the relationship.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Funding a business initially is hard. It’s a matter of stepping out on faith. My Husband and I started the Aminah Rose business with our paychecks. Of course, it put us in a hole. It is also a constant investment. Managing money when it comes to balancing your business and household needs can be very hard. I had to pray on it long and hard, and then take a giant leap of faith while God fulfilled his promise to consistently provide for our family. Even after the initial investment, it takes time before you begin to see a return. It’s been 2 years and I can say that we are just now seeing a small return with the strong potential to continue growing financially. You have to strategize and re-strategize and just keep trusting God. Don’t give up. It’s truly a hands-on learning experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aminahrose.com
- Instagram: @poseaminahrose
- Facebook: @poseaminahrose
