We were lucky to catch up with Tyra Mitchell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tyra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

It was March 2020, I had given my all to my former employer when I turned in my keys to the store and stepped out on faith. I didn’t know where I was going to do for work but I knew that God was going to provide. Never had I walked away from any job. This was different and I had peace behind my decision. The night before I had spoken to my district manager via text message about me switching my shift. Instead of me opening I needed to close. I told her that I had a shift manager that agreed to switch with me. I had an appointment that I needed to attend that morning. Her words were if you don’t open my store tomorrow you can quit tonight! As I go to turn in my keys a customer looks at me and says, “Should you be quitting in a pandemic?” I replied, “The same God that bless me with this job will bless me with another one. This is thus far the riskiest decision I have ever made. I left this job making only $10 a hour as a shift manager.

As I begin to fill out applications for other jobs I started thinking why don’t I start my own business. In June 2020 TYRAS CLASSTIQUE LLC was formed. Later on the same month I received my first job in my career field as a registered medical assistant after 13 years. After I had graduated college in 2007 I had plenty of interviews as medical assistant but no job. After awhile I stop applying. I allowed myself to become content with working in fast foods. It wasn’t long before I worked my way up to the top and became supervisor over the medical assistants.

Tyra, 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?

I am a woman of many talents. In 2007 I graduated from college with an AAS Degree in medical assisting. In 2017 I published my first book Holiness for the Soul. My book is prophetic writing. I began writing at the age of 13. In June 2020 I decided to launch TYRAS CLASSTIQUE. The products I sale are my books, eyelashes, eyeshadow, handmade jewelry, women and men clothing along with my own clothing designs. In 2019 I remember being on the craft session in Walmart and I became overwhelmed with a vision for my business plan. I think what sets me apart from others is that even through my business I managed to give God praise.
When you order my cross earrings they come with a Bible scripture and name. I also like to promote positive affirmations to the women receiving my products. For example I have eyelash name Oh So Beautiful and earring name I Am Royalty. For Black History Month I was able to provide customer’s with an array of positive selections.
The thing I am mainly proud of is the legacy that will be attached to my name. I would like people reading this to know everything starts off with a seed. To build a brand you have to become that brand you are building. Don’t be afraid to take a risk. Remember success doesn’t happens overnight. You are unique and your timeline is different from the next person. Owning your own business is like having a full time job. You have to work twice as hard and be discipline.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I sell on my own site. I am currently using Wix. I haven’t tried any other platforms yet. What I like about using my own site is that I’m in control of the setup. I take advantage of the business tools provided within the app. I like for my site to be color cordinated with my logo. I enjoy being able to create marketing emails, coupons and etc. from my app. It notifies me when someone is on my website. I enjoy making videos as well to promote my products. The only con would be it’s kind of tricky setting your search optimization for people to find your site on search engines.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

My initial capital to fund my business came from the money I saved up. I didn’t take out any business loans or apply for grants. A year prior to me starting my business I would buy things that I needed to start my business as I go. This helped me prepare. I had most of the supplies instead of making big purchases at one time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tyrasclasstique.com
• Instagram: @tyrasclasstique
• Facebook: Tyra Mitchell