We recently connected with Shelina Glenn and have shared our conversation below.

Shelina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

During the time, when I finally, obtained a moment to sit down from working full time, and or being in school, I was able to draw and design from the heart. I learned to move by Faith, as I have not ever been to an actual class to learn how to sew. With admiration and belief, I embarked upon a journey to the fabric store, once again lead by the heart to obtain exactly what was required to accomplish the designs bestowed upon me. This mission was unquestionable, and became quite evident, as the amount of fabric and items purchased, created the designs in an exact manner. I could no longer question this gift, nor deny the fire that burned within. Some would call it passion, but it is with understanding, I desired to reverence God. Suddenly, it came to me, Agape Kidz Couture.

One of the key challenges included funding this business, and the desire to give more but not having the support from sponsorship. While funding a business, one must consider the cost of supplies, marketing, and more.

Initially, I intended to create a page and raise money for the kids who supported the company, only to learn a specific type of company, such as an LLC, was required to create an account. In a follow up attempt to secure funding, while employed through a previous contracting company that encouraged supporting entrepreneurs, I was informed after completing the application, the company would provide $100, total, and that was based upon, once again, a requirement of an LLC. Therefore, I began to save my own money, with determination to donate to kids with current goals and future goals, such as a college fund.

I basically, learned that I had to have confidence and invest in this vision and myself for others to have confidence and invest in me. I am grateful to be a vessel to work with kids to encourage the right way, and implement there are good people supporting positivity, goals, and advocating for success.

Shelina, 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?

My mother would give me paper dolls to draw clothes, when I was a child, and I began to love to draw gowns, in particular. I would love to watch award shows and fashion highlights to see what people had on. Interestingly enough, even with consideration to what I viewed, I desired to be different. The moment I obtained my first sewing machine, realized the garments reflected the designs, and decided to take things seriously, I supported the community, an elementary school, for the first fashion show. A few months later, I participated in my first runway show supporting breast cancer and the next month, my first fashion week. I was invited to participate in approximately, 19 shows within a year. The amount of attention obtained, in a short period of time, was amazing, even more so, as I discovered celebrities were following me.

Agape Kidz Couture, formally founded by Grace, 2015, displays a stylish boutique with efforts to reflect love. Consideration, in addition to creativity, customization, and more, demonstrates the sense of uniqueness.

The moments I am most proud of includes the respect and appreciation obtained, genuine relationships, the confidence and trust of the parents, in addition to the collaborative efforts and satisfaction, the smiles on the faces of the young people I work with, the desire to and being blessed to give more, the sincerity of being genuine, the success of a show, the positive feedback, the opportunity to provide employment for young people and more.

I appreciate each opportunity and intend to provide satisfaction with each client, and encourage and demonstrate positivity to each follower and fan.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience was demonstrated while working full time, and establishing and maintaining a business. I learned the importance of organization, maximizing time and productivity, in addition to incorporating a healthy diet and balancing rest.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

On a number of occasions, I had to pivot in my career, prioritizing my full time job, in consideration of the demand, at an executive level.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: shelinaglenn.agapekidzcouture
• Facebook: @agapekidzcouture.shelinaglenn
• Twitter: @AgapeKidzCoutur
• Other: Facebook- @shelina.glennakc
  Threads shelinaglenn.agapekidzcouture

Image Credits

Photographer Kareem Quow- model Ava, image with brown crocodile dress on steps

Photographer Kalif Gallego – model Monee, image of butterfly dress, model Jenesis, image of vintage dress, and model Alyssa, image of black and white pants with Isabella, the dog, and the flowered coat