Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raven Bledsoe-Douglas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Raven, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
My mother always wanted to open her own business centered around our Native American Heritage and Culture. She was so involved in raising her daughters and working she didn’t make time for her own interests. AfroN8v Boutique started from me fulfilling my mother’s vision of bringing our culture to those who do not have access to it or even know we exist as Native peoples. I took my mother’s initial vision and blended it into who I am, a Native & Black American woman. The two sides of me meet within AfroN8v Boutique. My business offers authentic, handmade adornments from Native American & African artisans. I knew this business would work because I myself wanted access to these items and I could not get them easily or at an affordable price. What got me most excited was finally bringing this vision to fruition and customers loving our offerings.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
AfroN8v Boutique provides authentic handmade adornments. We say adornments because they are more than accessories. From African Waistbeads to beaded earrings, bracelets and hats. What I am most proud of is the reach so far. We’ve shipped orders to 26 states in the first two years. I never thought that my business would do this. The main thing I want potential clients to know about me and my brand is that I do it for the culture. Those of us lost in the diaspora now have access to African pieces. Those of us disconnected from our tribes have access to those Native pieces. Those lovers of art have access to these cultures they may have never been able to reach.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I sell almost exclusively on my site. I have found that it keeps my cost down and I can personally manage all interactions. Utilizing my own site has given me access to metrics for everything back office. I have been able to develop the entire site myself, manage and track inventory, and fulfill orders all from the same place. Cons to me primarily using my site is traffic. If I don’t promote, they won’t click.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source for new clients has been networking with other business owners. They were able to plug me into their markets as well. I have collaborated with different businesses to promote for each other as well as to sell our products in bundles. Networking has also put me in front of 100s of potential customers at pop- up shops and various events.
Contact Info:
- Website: AfroN8vBoutique.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/AfroN8vBoutique
- Facebook: Facebook.com/AfroN8vBoutique