We caught up with the brilliant and insightful SHAMEKA WILLIAMS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

SHAMEKA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

Hi, my name is Shameka Williams. I am the owner of Fashion Palette, an online fashion store for women. Instead of a makeup palette, imagine a palette of different fashion genres. The idea for coming up with my business was a no brainer due to me being in retail fashion for over a decade. I previously managed two different worldwide retail chain stores for years, in which I also partook in a few store openings. Within those years, I learned everything there is to know about fashion retail in every aspect. After managing those stores with a very high success rate, it inspired me to think about opening my very own boutique. Although the knowledge and determination were present within myself, I was very skeptical and intimidated to say the least. Self-doubt was my biggest downfall. I eventually wanted to change my career because of the complacency that was lingering, and so I did! I left fashion retail management altogether even though I was so good at merchandising and fashion. I’ve always felt like it’s just in me effortlessly. After leaving retail management, and trying different career fields, I just could not find my niche. Frustrated was an understatement. Nevertheless, visions of me launching my very own fashion store was still a dream of mine. So, after feeling like my back was up against the wall, I decided to enroll in college to obtain a degree in Business Management, but during that same time, I had started getting my business plan together for Fashion Palette. I figured NOW OR NEVER…just jump out there Shameka you got this!! I had been procrastinating way too long on the idea. Nervous and all, I did just that in June 2021. I launched my online fashion store on my birthday that year and it was the best decision ever. Sales were taking off immediately. I knew then that I had made the right choice. I have currently been managing Fashion Palette’s online store while finishing college (C/O2023) and working a full-time career as an HR Generalist. My future goal is to open a brick & mortar so that I can be more hands-on with each and every customer. I love customer’s interaction when I dress them from head to toe for a special occasion, and they walk out feeling more beautiful than they could imagine…it’s uplifting, inspiring, and I love every bit of it!

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.

Hi! I’m Shameka, a smart and resilient mother to two wonderful children and owner of Fashion Palette. I have always aspired of starting my very own boutique, alongside being part of the working class and taking care of my kids. Having 10+ years of experience in retail management, in which I learned so much about fashion—the latest trends and most importantly how fabulous it made my customers feel about themselves. Then, the inspiration of opening up an online retail store came to me. In order to give back to women and offer them a fashion experience of a lifetime, I opened Fashion Palette. Here, fierce is an understatement! Fashion is an option! But confidence is mandatory! The thing that set me apart from others is my passion for fashion and how it resonates such positive energy. I am a firm believer that if you look good, you feel good! Our brand is here to inspire and uplift women, as well as help build the highest level of confidence.

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

Fashion Palette sell our merchandise on a website through Squarespace, and we also use a platform called Mercari. We initially started our website through Vistaprint, but after learning that they did not offer as many services as Squarespace at the time, we switched to whom we use currently. So far, both platforms have been successful. We are currently in the process of adding our merch to Amazon business as well.

Pros: Ecommerce is available to shoppers worldwide and can generate a lot of revenue.
Cons: Every platform take a percentage of your earnings each sale.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele consist of marketing on social media platforms. Consistently promoting your business/brand, participating in pop-up shops, and self-marketing by wearing merchandise that is in our store. I take business cards everywhere I go, so that when a woman compliments my style, I tell her exactly where she can get the look!

Contact Info:

• Website: www,fashionpaletteshop.com
• Instagram: fashion_palettellc
• Facebook: Fashion Palette

Image Credits
#Lookbook