We recently connected with Melodie Stewart and have shared our conversation below.

Melodie, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My business started based on the fact that I don’t wear makeup. But even before I even knew what blogging was, I was a huge fan of eyewear. I thought they made people look so cool and smart. So fast forward to when I jumped on the blogging bandwagon back in 2014. I knew my niche was style and with style makeup is typically in the mix. Well I didn’t wear makeup and I wasn’t about to start so to hide the fact that I wasn’t wearing makeup, I would wear sunglasses and I’d throw on some lip gloss to make myself look cooler. To add to my look, I’d always include a unique handbag. Over the years I’d get suggestions to start my own eyewear shop and of course I thought those suggestions were crazy. It wasn’t until about 3-ish years ago that a very good friend of mine mentioned starting my own accessory shop. Again, I downplayed the idea, but she hyped me up so much so that I really gave it a thought. A few months of googling, youtubing and reaching out to my other business owner friends for advice, I started Expressory.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

While working in Corp America, I also worked as a free lance personal stylist. Looking to create another stream of income I figured starting another business was the way. Expressory was created to be the spot for unique, statement making, dope accessory items for the style icon in all of us! We’ve all heard the saying when you look good you feed good and that’s true, but accessories just make everything better.

I’m proud that I didn’t let fear of the unknown keep me from moving forward with this business.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

As a part-time influencer/content creator I work with brands from time to time. Early 2021 I’d gotten paid from a brand campaign and was sitting on the check. Once I decided I would move forward with Expressory, I used that money to purchase my LLC, get my domain, buy product and supplies and other what-not’s.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The majority of my customers come from social media. However, I’m not totally reliant on that. I have a growing email list which I use to connect with my customer outside of social. Plus I never miss an opportunity to promote myself and my business when I’m outside!!

Contact Info:

• Website: shopexpressory.com
• Instagram: @shopexpressory / @themelodiestewart
• Facebook: @shopexpressory

Image Credits
Kaylin James

Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.