We recently connected with Priya Grimes and have shared our conversation below.

Priya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

After working at Ralphs for 10 years, I was forced to retire due to health complications that led me to undergo varicose vein surgery. Post-surgery, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what to do with all the extra time on my hands. That’s when my mom suggested I start a business or something that could not only keep me busy but also allow me to channel my creativity and passion into something meaningful.

Together with my mom and the program director of a company I participate in, which is a vendor through Westside Regional Center, we brainstormed business ideas. They encouraged me to think big and come up with a name that truly represented my vision. Two names stood out: *POW (PreMe’s Of The World)* and *I Did That*. After much thought, I went with *POW* because it resonated deeply with my mission to empower and connect people in the premature community.

Determined to take this idea seriously, I enrolled in an 8-week business seminar at PACE, which turned out to be a game-changer. The program taught me the fundamentals of running a business, from marketing and budgeting to accessing resources tailored for new entrepreneurs. By the end of the seminar, I felt equipped and confident to take the next step.

Shortly after, I officially registered *PreMe’s Of The World* as a sole proprietorship and set up my business account. I knew I wanted my business to be more than just a name,it had to be a movement. I dove headfirst into creating personal designs that reflected the experiences of those in the premature community, spending countless hours fine-tuning my ideas and building my website.

It wasn’t easy, but after months of dedication and hard work, I launched my business. From day one, my vision was clear: *PreMe’s Of The World* would be a community for those who had premature children, were born prematurely themselves, or had experiences tied to prematurity. This isn’t just a t-shirt brand, it’s a platform to raise awareness, provide support, and create connections for a group that often feels overlooked.

I believe that through this business, we’re tackling an issue that doesn’t receive nearly enough attention. We’re providing a space where stories can be shared, hope can be offered, and resources can be accessed. It’s amazing to look back on where I started and see how far this journey has come. For me, *PreMe’s Of The World* is not just a business,it’s my way of giving back to a community I hold close to my heart.

Priya , 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?

I was born prematurely and In the early stages of my life. Being born premature, the birth defects of that had my lungs having to do the work for my heart, a complication that nearly cost me my life. I endured numerous procedures, but like so many other tiny fighters, I refused to give up. I outlasted those early challenges and emerged stronger.

As I grew older, I discovered a passion for t-shirt design during a silk screening class at SoCal Roc. However, fear kept me from fully pursuing that purpose. I worked at Ralphs for 10 years, but eventually, issues with vascular veins in my legs forced me to retire, as I could no longer stand for extended periods. This unexpected challenge led me to focus on my t-shirt business, Pre[Me]’s of the World.

In 2021, I committed fully to becoming a business owner, attending seminars and learning everything I could about entrepreneurship. By early 2022, I had filed all the necessary paperwork to officially launch my business. It was one of the greatest achievements of my life to be able to support the tiny fighters and their parents.those who, like me, refuse to give up.

I am also incredibly proud because being able to start a business is amazing. It reminds me every day that nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself and your dreams.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Being born prematurely and navigating life taught me how to overcome challenges. Resilience allowed me to embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. For those just starting their journey, I’d say don’t fear failure. Build your resilience by reflecting on what you’ve overcome and recognizing your ability to persist. Set small goals and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I currently sell on my site using the free version of Ecwid because I don’t have the financial backing to invest in a premium platform yet. I chose Ecwid because it allows me to get started without upfront costs, which is crucial for a small business like mine. The main advantage is that it provides an easy-to-use interface, and the fact that it’s free is a huge plus when you’re operating on a tight budget.

The only con I’ve experienced so far is the limited number of products I can list at one time and some restricted features that come with the free plan. However, considering that I don’t have to pay anything to start selling, I really can’t complain. Ecwid has been a great option for getting my business off the ground, and I look forward to upgrading as my business grows and generates more income.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://premeoftheworld.company.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeoftheworld/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Premesoftheworld