Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Naima Melonson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Naima, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

As Naima Melonson, I have always strived to leave a lasting impact on the world. I want to be remembered as a self-taught entrepreneur who fearlessly built businesses from the ground up, making a name for myself in the competitive fashion world. However, my aspirations extended far beyond personal success.

Throughout my journey, I always made it a priority to mentor and support others in achieving their dreams and goals. I firmly believe that success is best shared, and I wanted to empower individuals in my community to pursue their passions. Whether it was through workshops, speaking engagements, or one-on-one guidance, I dedicated my time and energy to helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality.

I took immense pride in establishing a successful kid’s clothing brand on a global scale, as it not only showcased my talent but also paved the way for others to follow. I wanted to be a shining example of what was possible, proving that with determination and perseverance, anyone could achieve their ambitions.

One of my other proudest achievements was creating the first and only kids’ fashion magazine out of Detroit Michigan for my company, Young Socialites. This platform provided a creative outlet for young talent to express themselves, while also showcasing the brand’s designs to a broader audience. I saw it as a way to nurture talent, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of fashion enthusiasts. It brought me immense joy to witness the growth and success of young talent as they found their voices in the industry.

Above all, I consistently expressed my ultimate goal: to go down in the history books. A desire for fame or recognition didn’t drive it, but rather a deep-seated passion to make a significant and lasting impact. I wanted to leave a legacy that would inspire generations to come, showing them that ordinary individuals, like myself, could achieve extraordinary things through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to help others along the way.

In the end, I hope people will remember me not only for my entrepreneurial achievements but also for the positive influence I had on others. I hope they remember me as a mentor, a guide, and someone who genuinely cared about the dreams and goals of those around me. May my story continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their greatness and leave their mark on the world.

Naima, 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?

Since my tween years, I’ve had a passion for fashion, entrepreneurship, and creativity. It all started with founding a neighborhood business girl group, organizing events, and even creating my first fashion show at the age of 12. Over the years, I developed my sales and customer service skills while working for renowned retail chains and eventually owned several women’s boutiques. Now, I’m pursuing my dream through freelance fashion design and creative directing, fully committed to my path of creativity and entrepreneurship.

I am a Detroit-based entrepreneur dedicated to continuously expanding my knowledge and skills. I have actively participated in business accelerator programs to enhance my expertise, obtaining certifications in digital marketing and industrial sewing. Despite my years of entrepreneurial experience, I felt the need to broaden my horizons and decided to return to college to pursue a degree in business. Additionally, I have graduated from esteemed programs like the Tory Burch Foundation and partnered with the Fearless Fund Foundation business cohort, which has further enriched my understanding of business practices. Currently, I am excited to embark on the IBM customer success management certification program, further solidifying my commitment to professional growth and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

As a self-taught individual in the fashion industry, I have learned the ins and outs of the business over the years without guidance from others. This journey led me to create my own clothing brand, Young Socialites, offering a carefully curated selection of exclusive styles, including custom textile prints and trendy products, for the fashion-forward youth. Our diverse clothing line features tops, bottoms, dresses, and more, all reflecting the latest trends. We also provide personalized styling services, offering fashion advice and outfit recommendations to help young individuals express their unique style. In addition, Young Socialites organizes exciting fashion events and workshops where young people can explore trends, learn styling techniques, and immerse themselves in the world of fashion. Through our in-person and online platforms, we aim to build a vibrant fashion community.

Young Socialites Clothier solves the problem of limited and uninspiring fashion options for the style-conscious youth. It addresses the need for trendy and fashionable clothing that allows young individuals to express their unique personalities and make a statement with their style. By providing a curated selection of fashionable products, personalized styling services, and engaging fashion events,

YS distinguishes itself from other brands by going beyond just offering apparel; it provides a dynamic platform and unique opportunities within the fashion realm. Through our platform, we offer fashion events, workshops, and collaborations that allow aspiring fashion enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the industry, gain valuable insights, and build connections. Young Socialites isn’t just about clothing, but about providing a gateway to a world of fashion possibilities, empowering the youth to unleash their full fashion potential.

What I am most proud of as the owner of Young Socialites is building this company from the ground up and forming valuable partnerships with both local and global companies. This past winter we were able to set up shop in our hometown at Downtown Detroit Holiday Market through Bedrock. It has been an incredible journey to witness our growth and accomplishments, from launching our own Fall/Winter 2023 line in collaboration with renowned brand Shein to showcasing our designs in prestigious Fashion Weeks, spanning from New York to Milan. Through hard work and dedication, we have not only achieved our goals but have also become an inspiration to aspiring clothing designers, showing them that anything is possible with perseverance. Growing the company each day by working with some top celebrity kid influencers such as the McClure twins and True Blue Twins Another source of pride is the recognition we receive when participating in local and out-of-state events, where people instantly recognize our brand by the distinctive designs and logo. This demonstrates the impact and brand recognition we have built, and it motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and creating fashion that leaves a lasting impression.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of my favorite marketing stories to share is how I navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic when all event venues were forced to shut down, significantly impacting Young Socialites’ sales. With a surplus of inventory and a missing opportunity to engage our talented clientele in shows and shoots, I devised a campaign called YS “AT Home” shoot. I encouraged clients to purchase surprise outfits from our website and conduct a photoshoot at home using their cell phones or professional cameras, urging them to get as creative as possible. We showcased these photos on our website, featured them in our fashion magazine, and promoted them on our social media platforms. Surprisingly, we managed to sell 300 units during the beginning of the pandemic. The clients trusted me to curate their purchases, and the element of surprise added to their excitement when they opened their packages. It was a remarkable success and demonstrated the level of trust and engagement we had built with our customers.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Yes, I took on the responsibility of manufacturing our products and gained knowledge through extensive research and learning from trial and error. As the brand initially focused on fashion events, I personally sourced fabrics from various locations worldwide. Gradually, I built a team of skilled sewing professionals and learned how to effectively source fabric from prominent places such as New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, and China. As the brand expanded into retail and wholesale, I ventured into partnerships with national and international manufacturers, with some of them discovering our brand through social media. Nowadays, there are numerous routes to connect with suppliers and manufacturers, making that process relatively easier. However, the true challenges lie in planning, securing funding, and effectively marketing the finished product. Through firsthand experience, I learned valuable lessons such as avoiding over-purchasing textiles, managing the production of too many styles simultaneously, and thoroughly researching the cost per item.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ysclothier.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysclothier/

Image Credits
Image Credits Getty Images Lisa Brown Valerie Torstenton Paul Rodgers Alvin Toro Zach Blackman Ricardo Thornton