Introvert Becomes Business Savvy
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By Hadiatou Wann | 12/21/2018
Not every business person is an extrovert. Before Kabrea Thomas bloomed into a savvy businesswoman, she was an introvert filled with entrepreneurial ideas.
While working at retail store LOFT, she realized that people continuously went up to her for fashion tips. Whenever she styled customers, they would purchase the items that she hand-picked. That was when the idea of making a career out of styling people interjected her thoughts.
Thomas has a background education in fashion merchandising from the University of Bridgeport. She launched her first business venture “Fashionably Yours” in 2013 when she was 19 years old. At first, she went to small boutiques and sought collaborations. Although her heart was fueled by undying ambition, few took her seriously because she was young, African American and a woman.
In the beginning, Thomas was shy. Now, that feeling has not completely subsided, but she has pushed herself out of her comfort zone and can communicate with people and sell more.
Becoming a celebrity stylist was out of the picture. She only intended to shop for people who needed help upgrading their wardrobe without being in the limelight. Her goal as a personal stylist is to “learn their personality and try to get them out of their comfort zone so they can mix and match their style.”
“Fashionably Yours” offers the following services: closet editing and personal shopping. Whenever a client calls her up, she finds out first what he or she needs help with, because she doesn’t want to show up and take their money if it isn’t necessary.
“When Brea puts her mind to something, she doesn’t let anything get in her way. She thinks of all the possibilities something could be when others have already given up. A great quality every entrepreneur should have,” said Carmen Nkounkou—Thomas’ college friend and now business partner.
Thomas explains that “Being an entrepreneur forces you to be more creative. When you don’t have the finances, you have to think outside of the box and still be successful at what you’re trying to be.”
Without feeling any guilt, consumers who are not loyal to a particular brand can switchover whenever they wish. Not Thomas. She is loyal to her own brand. Once, Thomas’ grandmother offered her lotion which was from another brand. Her response was: ‘No grandma, I make my own.’ She explained, “ it would be a disservice to me if I’m wearing something that’s not mine.’
On April 2, 2017, the introverted entrepreneur launched her second business “Signature Scents by Hands” All the products she sells (perfume, body butter, bath bombs, massaging oil candles, bar soap, aftershave balm) are free of harmful chemicals and can’t hurt your pockets. Customers can also customize a scent that complements their personality.
Thomas is self-taught. She didn’t go to school to become a chemist. She simply found something that peaked her interest, then researched the safest way to produce it for her customer base. The process of making her products is lengthy and requires a lot of energy because it is made by hand. In the end, it is all worth it when she creates scents that are succulent. Currently, she sells her products online and at events, and one day hopes to have a shopping mobile to create more brand awareness.
Most people have someone they can lean on for support when life gets rocky. For Thomas, that person is her Fiancé. When sales are low, when she needs funding, or when she needs an energy boost, he is always there to add fuel to her tank. He reminds Thomas of her past achievements and promises that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“He actually cares. He gives ideas, and asks questions to see what went wrong at an event,” said Thomas regarding the input her beau gives to improve her business approach.
Although Thomas is an introvert, she gets the job done with her positive attitude and luminous smile. Whether she is helping someone pick out an outfit or mixing ingredients to bring to life scents that make people feel attractive and empowered, Thomas’ ventures are in the realm of self-care and self-love. She can't afford to complain or get lazy because the sacrifices she’s making now are so that one day her children would have options.
Welcome to Thomas’ World
“We are all here for a purpose. Don’t think what could have happened. Take the risk, you never know where it could lead. You only live once!”
“To me success is doing something you love everyday. Whether it’s a career, being a mom or just helping others. Being able to live in your purpose everyday is my definition of success. Making money is just the icing on the cake.”
“Making each scent becomes a therapeutic process. As an artist I love to create. It’s my safe place.”
“You feel down as an entrepreneur sometimes. You’re used to picking people up, so read books to pick you up. Read a lot about self-love and entrepreneurship.”
“It makes you feel so good when customers come out of their way to tell you that they love your product. It makes you feel like you over exceeded their expectations. It makes you push and keep doing what you do. And if they want to know what’s in the products, I’ll never take it to an offense. I’ll let them know because I am honest and building trust.”
“I distant myself from people that don’t support, purchase, or show up to an event. Love them from a distance. You have to let them know what support is. Support means effort.”
“Being an entrepreneur is a never-ending process. As an entrepreneur, the stages that you go through shapes you to become the successful person you are meant to be.”
Connect with Thomas:
Facebook: Signature Scents by Hand
Instagram: @signaturescentsbyhand
Email: signaturescentsbyhand@gmail.com
Website: www.signaturescentsbyhand.com
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