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

Novel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I consider myself to be a curvy woman, and finding clothes to fit my style and shape became very challenging. While on break from teaching in 2011 I decided to try my hand at sewing. I went to the local fabric store, bought fabric, and a pattern, and borrowed my mother’s sewing machine. WELL… that was an epic FAILURE. But, I decided I didn’t want to quit. So, I went on youtube university, and tried it again. I continued to work at it, practice, and learn my fabrics. In the Winter of 2012, God said it’s time for you to Sew for other women, initially, I rejected that thought but it stayed in my spirit. In February 2012 I created 5 gathered African print skirts, went to a friend’s house, took a few pictures, gathered my nerves, and posted them to Facebook. From there, Novel Unique was born, I initially didn’t see it as a business, but as a hobby, a craft, but it has grown into more than I EVER expected.

Novel, 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?

Novel Unique started as a need, for me. I never set out to be a designer, never knew I had the gift. However, It has turned into my purpose and my brand which, meets the needs of women who desire unique clothing designed to fit their curves and/or style.

Novel Unique was initially designed for the curvy, tall woman. However, over the years, Novel Unique caters to ALL women who desire custom, creative, garments designed specifically for them. What sets me apart is that Novel Unique caters to plus size, I have learned the curves of women, and I work to ensure comfort yet sexy, different yet trendy. I also, spend hours looking for quality and specific fabrics that compliment my audience.

I LOVE working with colors, prints, and Sequin. My goal is for my clients to stand out NOT Blend in.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Being a creative/business person can be very challenging. As a creative, I focus on my craft, which means I tend to spend A LOT of time on the sewing machine, looking for fabrics, prepping fabrics (pre-washing), cutting patterns, etc… BUT the downside is that the business part can sometimes become challenging because there is returning phone calls, business maintenance, family, friends, and just self-care that tends to fall by the waist side. I am still learning every day how to balance my Love for creating and being the best Brand I can be. A few things I have learned and been taught is to:

1). Put systems in place and make EVERYONE follow them, as you grow there has to be a system to keep up with orders,
2. Apologize if you mess up, no one is perfect and mistakes happen. Learn from them
3. Take time for self and Family and stand firm to it… Though we need and love our clients, if we are not good for ourselves we can’t be good creatively
4. Be Flexible to change
4. Enjoy the journey.. Being an entrepreneur is rewarding BUT HARD… Long hours, missed fun, but the reward is sharing your GOD gift with others.

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

My best source for building my brand has been word of mouth. I am now getting into expanding into the IG, tik toc world but I am very careful not to loose the personality that comes with my purposed brand and the personalized experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.novelunique.com
• Instagram: novelunique
• Facebook: novelunique

Image Credits
@thetotalicon