We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patika Richmond. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patika below.

Patika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

A risk I’ve taken that I’d say was life changing for me was taking the risk to be different. At the age of 17, I decided I was going step out of my comfort zone and discover my own path in life. I was tired of conforming to others expectations and living a life that wasn’t truly fulfilling to me. So, I started exploring my interests and passions, trying new things, and meeting new people. I had never considered what I wanted for myself, I always did what everyone else said was “best for me”. My senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to go to a technical college and turn my side hustle into a small business. The people closest to me thought I was crazy, the plan and dream I was creating for myself didn’t make sense to them; and I didn’t need it to. For once in my life, I was choosing me and my interests over those I so desperately wished to please. It wasn’t easy stepping out of my comfort zone, but it was worth it. I discovered new talents and interests, met amazing people who inspire me, and found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had never experienced before. I may not have everything figured out yet, but I know that I’m on the right path. And I’m excited to continue exploring, learning, and growing as I navigate this journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. Fast toward today, I am successfully running a small business while furthering my journey in content creation, expanding my various platforms; as well as being a full time mom and dental assistant student.

Patika, 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 Patika Richmond and I am the CEO of “That Girl Necessities LLC” where unique and eye catching accessories are sold. Each accessory I make is carefully crafted with attention to detail and quality materials, ensuring that my customers are receiving a one-of-a-kind product. Whether you’re looking for a personalized phone case to showcase your style, a custom wine glass for a special occasion, or a glittery tumbler to add some sparkle to your day, I offer a variety of bling products that are sure to make a statement!

I’ve always been the type of girl who enjoys arts and crafts, as well as pretty sparkly things. Back in 2020, I came across a page that sold custom phone cases and became obsessed! I myself loved having different phone cases and knew that was something other girls my age enjoyed as well; so I started making and selling my own. At the time I knew nothing about running a business or how to properly make a phone case. I didn’t do any research before starting, I just blindly went in not knowing what I was really getting myself into! After a year or so, my craft improved which increased my engagement and exposure online and converted into sales. It took lots of hard work, crazy faith, and dedication to get to where I am today. I spent many days and nights making products, testing materials, developing different strategies, teaching myself how to market, doing research, and so much more; so that I could improve the quality of my products and my business overall.

One thing I think sets me apart is my transparency along my journey. A few of my customers that have been supporting me since the very beginning, still support and shop with me today. Through my brand I am able to share my personality and connect with many girls and women who are just like me. That Girl Necessities is more than just a business, it is a community where we promote self care and women empowerment. Through my work, I am able to help women and girls of all ages express themselves by sharing their personality and various styles through their custom products. I take pride in making my customers happy and knowing that my products do in fact make a difference in their lives!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The moment I became a mom was a very pivotal time in my life. I was a part time patient care technician, a full-time student majoring in business, as well as running my small business on the side. Due to personal reasons, I was hospitalized and I had to stop everything! I had to quit working so I had little to no money. I had just about given up on my business, I lost the strength and motivation to do anything. I barely passed my remaining courses and I didn’t finish out the rest of the semester at school. At this point in my life I had no idea of what I was doing, why this was happening, or if I was even on the right path at all. I had officially hit rock bottom mentally, physically, and financially. I had to make a completely new game plan for this new life of mine, what may have worked before wasn’t going to work for me now. While hospitalized I took that time to evaluate my life and figure out my next move. I found a way to make orders from my hospital bed and made more money there than I was before! When I returned home, I quickly realized that I didn’t have the same time or energy to run my business the way I did before. I had to find a new way that works for me and that is something I am still working on today. I also, enrolled into a new school for a new field doing something I actually enjoy! When I thought everything was falling apart, it was actually all coming together and working out for the better.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Back in August of 2018, the beginning of my sophomore year in high school, my father passed away and I had never experienced a death so close to me before. This was a very unexpected and traumatic event for me so I didn’t know how to handle it. I had completely shut down and wanted to run away from everything. My responsibilities as a student, my feelings, my family, you name it. Eventually, I forced myself to face reality and accept things for how they were. I had to learn how to go on with my life and keep pushing, despite how I was feeling because time waits on no man. I learned very young that life is going to always throw things my way, and it is up to me to control the way I react to them. This was a very dark time in my life, but I still showed up and did what I needed to do. Even when it felt like the whole world was against me and I was ready to wipe my hands with everything, I fought to be here. What could’ve destroyed me and turned me cold, didn’t. It took true strength and resilience to get through it. This is something that I’m forever affected by but I use that hurt to fuel my strength.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatgirlpatika?igsh=aXgwYWY3anRiYzky&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/That-Girl-Necessities/100087219754994/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ThatGirlPatika?si=R08MVK9gfXg73bjf
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatgirlpatika?_t=8lfFLzf2omN&_r=1