We recently connected with Mariah McDowell and have shared our conversation below.

Mariah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

During the two years that I have been in business, I always make sure to show appreciation to my customers. I allow exchanges if the item is the wrong size or defected, because I want every customer to get their money’s worth of purchasing. Along with that I have a various of sales according to the season, holiday, and sometimes just because. I have had a couple of free giveaways and raffles. And to give the loyal customers a bit more gratitude, I may slip in something extra with their order.

To add to the top-quality materials of my products, I provide customers with a browser friendly website and great quality packaging. I want my shoppers to enjoy the experience of shopping with us from beginning to end. Klarna will soon be added to the website, giving old and new traffic more flexibility while paying.

Mariah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Fashion styling and design have always been a passion of mine so I decided to establish my love for fashion into a business. Once I felt that I put enough thought and creation behind the purpose of my brand, I launched Made Millionaire Apparel on February 29, 2020. Now in 2022, I have built and grown my business on my own by continuing to teach myself new skills and how to use different machines to produce merchandise. With the love and support from family, friends, and my manufacturer, I have been able to stay motivated and ambitious towards pursuing the growth of Made Millionaire Apparel.

As well as a business owner, I am an artist/creative and critical thinker. The mission of my brand is to express that becoming a millionaire is not for money but for the mindset that will develop. If one wants to change their current situation, they must change their actions and thoughts. To change the noticeable, you must change the unnoticeable. What makes me proud about building the brand is never forgetting that God has gotten me where I am today.

Made Millionaire Apparel provides stylish and affordable streetwear apparel for everyone. All merchandise to date ranges from $15-$80. Please visit the site to further view products and pricing.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

When I first started the business I ordered inventory from wholesale websites. The brands I mainly used were Gildan and Independent Trading Co. As I progressed, I started to research and reach out too many manufactures. I learned many advantages and disadvantages based on quality, country, and pricing. One important thing I learned to do before ordering samples from a manufacturer is to be very precise about the detail of the product I want created. I make sure that I have exact measurements, stitching type, materials, fabric type and color, and whatever else is needed for the detail of the item. Once the item is created to my liking I order as many as I need at time. Another important tip when finding a manufacturer is to try to find one that doesn’t require minimum order quantity (moq). Without having to worry about a moq it gives more opportunity to order different products and keep versatility within the brand.

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

I started off my business working a job to fund all expenses. I put aside enough money to purchase materials and equipment for heat press and sewing machine. To heat press t-shirts/hoodies you need a heat press machine, vinyl cutter, vinyl cutting mat, heat transfer vinyl, weeding tool, and scissors. Along with that I purchased fabric and thread for the sewing machine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mademillionaireapparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mademillionaireapparel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mademillionaireapparel/