Dominique Lee has been in the fashion design industry for over 10 years and graduated with a degree in Business Finance. Design and fashion has always been her passion along with her dream to help women. Having an eye for design and innovation, Dominique started a business that could help women feel beautiful inside and out. Read our interview with the lovely Dominique below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Shop Rebels N Roses was inspired and created a year ago. Starting a business is about creating a brand and a movement; I wanted to provide a platform for professional women with a brand that was inspired by art but had a hint of sex appeal. Shop Rebels N Roses also provides style tips as well as quality clothing that suits all women’s needs. It is easy to own a boutique, but it takes dedication and change a woman’s life and make them feel beautiful.
Tell us about your business.
Shop Rebels N Roses is a business brand for women that provides online clothing and inspirational style blogging.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
At this time, we are still very new, but are always open to collaborating with other businesses and doing promos, contests and giveaways because we believe in giving back.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
Earned a double master’s degree in Business and Finance which has helped in understanding different aspects of the business world.
Where is your business based?
Washington DC.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Networking, branding the business, and learning what was important to us in the business and our lifestyles. Finding a great mentor also, that will help guide you.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
We are still reaching out to many customers, since we are a startup. So far, social media has helped as well as networking with other businesses, volunteering and donating our services to gain awareness.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Reaching new clients and being consistent. Life gets you down at times, but keep up the momentum and always remind yourself why you’re doing it in the first place – find that inspiration.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Overcoming challenges helps with growth and learning. The best way as a business owner to overcoming challenges is to stay inspired and never forget your goals.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Keeping a healthy diet and drinking water. Finding inner peace through a form of meditation and yoga really helps boost your energy to keep up the momentum. After a long work0 out, you’re ready to finish the race and keep motivated.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
We don’t just provide a service, but also desire to inspire. We are not just a business, we are a brand and that is what sets us apart.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
To research your competition, market, and always have a great mentor.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself and never give up. There will be times when you want to stop and not keep moving forward, but you must. It is so much better to have done something in your life and complete goals than to have not done them at all.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
The use of QuickBooks and analysis tools to determine our target market and keep up with customers.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @mzeye, @shoprebelsnroses
Website www.shoprebelsnroses.com
Email info@shoprebelsnroses.com
Hashtags #Businesswoman #entrepreneurblogger #womensupportingwomen #Love #inspiration #shoprebelsnroses #Fashion #entrepreneur
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
We always need more support from women. Also love if other businesses would support us and in return we support them to help get the word out and spread our businesses.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
Currently we are working on a big photoshoot for the site as well as launching a few clothing pieces that will be released this summer (2017). Also will be traveling and networking.
Camille - Paisley Grace Boutique says
Best of luck, Dominique! You are so right…clothing is much more than about what “looks good.” It’s all about what inspires you to be the best you. And branding is where you first begin to send that message. 🙂