FWM: SHARE YOUR BACKGROUND. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I am a proud alumni of Florida A & M University, an Artist, and third-generation Attorney, but most importantly a proud mother to my sealed brindle boxer, Seven. Having an innovative and gentle spirit you tend to feel a little out of place- like you don’t belong to a particular “crowd” or group. Not only until recently did I accept that I am the way God made me- to do my own thing and just be me. That is also the beauty behind the origin of Seven Collars- God orchestrated the creation of this company and I just follow his lead. This company has allowed me to express who I am through creating dog collars.
In 2019, when I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, as a recommendation from my doctor, I got a service dog. At 8 weeks old, I brought home a sealed brindle boxer and named him Seven. Truth is, I am a fashionable woman, who wanted a luxury accessory that distracted from the “Service Dog” label, and a collar that would merge the elements of fashion, luxury, and function into one. I recognized there was a gap in the market for bespoke, high-end, modern collars. So, I decided to create one, hence, the inception of Seven Collars. Each piece is handcrafted and tailored for that personalized touch. All dogs deserve to look their best regardless of their purpose in our lives. Our pets are an annex of ourselves and should be treated as such. My affinity for entrepreneurship developed from practicing law and my father. My personality is that of a natural “go-getter”- if I cannot find it or do not like the way something is, I create it myself.
I remember, when I was in the 7th grade at St. Mark’s Episcopal, I drew a portrait of a beautiful woman. My school selected the piece to be on display at the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. My parents were offered over $5,000.00 for the piece. Of course, they turned the offer down, but to this day when I look at it, I have a constant reminder that I was put on this Earth to create and bring joy to others.
WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCTS UNIQUE?
What makes our products unique is that you see the creativity and something different in each collar. The collars resonate with everyone differently, the way art does. Not only do we offer our stock collars, but we make custom one-of-a-kind pieces also. A collar design can take anywhere from 1 hour to 15 hours to a month to design. Our pieces are more than dog collars. As an extremely close friend of mine says, “[T]hey symbolize something much greater- they are healing, spiritual and original works of art.” Each design is inspired by a plethora of ideas, places, cultures, and believe it or not, my dreams. Our top sellers are Mbada, Domino, and Denim.
FWM: SHARE A FEW OF YOUR CHALLENGES AS AN ENTREPRENEUR
Let’s see….Challenges that I have faced are:
• BRAND AWARENESS AND FUNDING. Funding is very difficult for businesses
owned by women. There is a major lack of venture capital investment in women. The era for helping female-owned businesses succeed is on a rise. WE help foster economic growth. Companies like Tory Burch Foundation, The Girlboss Foundation, Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Woman Initiative, Bumble Fund, Spanx Foundation, and SHEEO are at the forefront of assisting female-owned businesses to thrive and recognize the importance of empowering and lifting-up our communities with women at the helm.
• FINDING RELIABLE HELP! No one can run a successful business alone. You have to build a strong team, where everyone has his and her strengths that are not overlapping. Do not keep “yes” people around you. That is one of the quickest ways to add negative energy to a budding business.
• TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! There is always stress in life, but when you are starting a business and working for yourself, there is a different type of stress that can seep into the excitement of building something great and new. Finding time for yourself is vital so that you do not burn out! Fatigue is real and can take a dire toll your creative vibes and inspiration.
FWM: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WOMAN WHO WANTED TO START A COMPANY?
I would tell a younger version of myself and any other young woman, who wants to start her own company these seven (7) things: 1) be true to yourself; 2) develop a 1yr-3yr-5yr business plan; 3) surround yourself with positive energy; 4) cultivate a team of people who genuinely care about you and have a passion for your business; 5) stay away from “yes” people (People who will not challenge you and always agree with you); 6) stay humble and patient throughout the process; and 7) set your goals high.
We as strong women and have an obligation to shape and structure the realm that the young ladies enter into with and after us who enter. WE also have to support each other, whether it be offering advice, financial investing, collaborations, and life coaching- none of us got to where we are alone. Especially for female entrepreneurs.
“Truth is, I am a fashionable woman, who wanted a luxury accessory that distracted from the “Service Dog” label, and a collar that would merge the elements of fashion, luxury, and function into one. I recognized there was a gap in the market for bespoke, high-end, modern collars. So, I decided to create one, hence, the inception of Seven Collars. “
FWM: CAN I SHARE A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THAT HAS MADE BE GROW AS A PERSON?
Battling my Bipolar Diagnosis and starting Seven Collars.
Since my diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, I feel more empowered to create and take the time I need to accept what God has planned for me.
For years, I lived in silence suffering- sad and depressed. I could not figure out what was wrong with me until I was hospitalized for exhaustion and depression. That is when I learned I was battling Bipolar Disorder. On my journey to wellness, I surround myself with positive people and energy. One of the blessings I have with this diagnosis is that I am forced to focus more on “the details” and who I am as a person. Not everyone has the opportunity to take the time to consciously accept and work on their gifts/talents.
Unfortunately, when most people here about Bipolar Disorder, there is an automatic stigma and words associated with the diagnosis and any other mental health illness- “crazy,” “unstable”, “can’t be trusted,” “weird,” “that explains why she/he acts like that”, “that’s why that relationship did not work out”, etc… It is just not accurate. The sad part is, the majority of people ignore what is clear and evident – We, who are diagnosed are geniuses, genuine, creative, and loving. We just have two extra “senses” – sight, taste, touch, hearing, smelling, downs, and ups that make us unique and irresistible.
When I look back on my life, my diagnosis explains a lot about why I am the way I am and where I am destined to be.
FWM: WHY ARE YOU A FORMIDABLE WOMAN?
This is a very powerful and humbling question! I believe I am a Formidable Woman because as I give this interview, I am a survivor and blessed to be who I am despite my challenges and shortcomings. No matter how difficult life gets, you have to stay true to yourself, bring others up along with you, continue to learn yourself and grow, and appreciate the many, many, many blessings that have been given to you and those still to come. Being powerful is an honor, not a right that I take it with great humility.
FWM: WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM SEVEN COLLARS IN 2020?
This year you can expect us to be carried in boutique retail stores, more pop-up shops and trunk shows, and a new Spring and Summer collection, which will include a collaboration collar with world-renowned artist, Melissa Mitchell/Abeillecreations. But all in all, one of our primary 2020 goals, is to find a non-profit mental health awareness organization to partner with. Make sure to follow us on our Instagram page at Sevencollars and sign up for our VIP list for exclusive news and giveaways.
FWM: HOW IMPORTANT IS “GIVING BACK” TO YOU? CAN YOU SHARE A FEW ORGANIZATIONS YOU SUPPORT AND WHY IT MEANS SO MUCH TO YOU?
We currently work with GIFT Global Initiative to bring awareness to animal rescue, child advocacy, and humanitarian relief. Charity brings us all together. When you give back to help others your purpose in life
becomes fulfilled. We are all responsible for each other in some way.
We are currently looking for a mental health awareness non-profit organization to collaborate with. My diagnosis is very personal to this company and a critical platform. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of our merchandise will eventually go towards the [mental health awareness non-profit] organization. We also have a robust affinity for service and emotions support animals and want to bring awareness to the benefits dogs bring to people with cancer, mental illnesses, disabilities, diabetes, depression, stress, and anxiety.
SOCIAL MEDIA SIGHTS
IG: Sevencollars
Facebook: Sevencollars
Website: www.sevencollars.com
I love you lil durka durka!!!