Inspiring Lives with Michelle Bryant ( CEO ) Of Measuring Tape Boutique for Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written By Samantha Cee
For our next Inspiring Lives we bring you Measuring Tape Boutique. Founded by Michelle Bryant, an amazing online boutique and home of the reasonable pricing and fashionably fabulous . Measuring Tape Boutique is an online clothing boutique that features wholesale and custom made clothing for women sizes S-3X. We guarantee one of a kind pieces at affordable prices.. Measuring Tape Boutique is obtaining a vast amount of influence and recognition within the fashion industry as they encourage women to be fashionable with any size and any budget . Measuring Tape Boutique conveys a universal message geared towards the "fashionably conscious woman. We knew we had to feature them for our Inspiring Lives column. We bring you our Inspiring Lives exclusive interview with Measuring Tape Boutique
Social media :
Facebook – Measuring Tape Boutique
Instagram - @measuring_tape_boutique
Website : measuringtapeboutique.com
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
Measuring Tape Boutique : Measuring Tape Boutique was created as a way to express my love for fashion. Our mission is to build self - esteem and to provide affordable and one of a kind pieces to ALL women.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
Measuring Tape Boutique : Measuring Tape Boutique currently consists of 4 members. Michelle E. Bryant is the Founder, Shanta Palmer is the Assistant, Tiara Brooks serves as the Regular Size model and Lareace Carroll as the Plus Size model. Shanta, Tiara, and Lareace were chosen through prayer and taking a risk. They are truly heaven sent and display a great deal of trust, balance, and potential. I’m so happy to have them on my team.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?
Measuring Tape Boutique : 1. Believe in yourself and remove all negativity. There’s no room for it.
2. Know your demographics. Make sure there is a need for your business in your area and if not, find a way to reach your market. SN - Social Media is the most inexpensive way to reach millions of people. Utilize it.
3. INVEST in your business through hard work and sacrifice. YOU WILL WIN!
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Measuring Tape Boutique : Honestly, I wouldn’t do anything differently. We are successful because of our mistakes. Perfection equals no growth, therefore, we embrace every experience, good and/or bad.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Measuring Tape Boutique : I believe a successful entrepreneur should be consistent, flexible and selfless. Most people love consistency. Being fair to your customers proves that they are all equally important. You don’t want to be known for showing favoritism. Flexibility is a good trait to have in general. It allows you to adapt to almost any situation. Again, this is important when dealing with people from all backgrounds and being sensitive to their needs. Lastly, be selfless. You certainly want to make money but don’t let that cloud your ability to help beyond clothing. Sometimes clothing can be a cover-up to deeper issues. I want my customers to feel as good as they look on the outside, on the inside.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Measuring Tape Boutique : We are located in southern Delaware. For those who do not know the area. It is very slow and not very fashion savvy, but a beautiful place to live. When I initially started Measuring Tape, we offered free local delivery. Overall, it turned out to be a complete disaster. We had a few people meet for their item(s) but most did not, nor did they communicate. As a result, we still offer local delivery but for a $5.00 fee which must be paid prior to delivery.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
Measuring Tape Boutique : I work at least 13-18 hours a day depending on what I have to do. I think it’s totally ok to work hard but try not to neglect your body. When I’m extremely tired, I get rest, whether it be through sleep or putting aside a project for another day. My health comes first. How efficient would I be if I failed to take care of my body? The potential for diseases and sicknesses just aren’t worth it.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
Measuring Tape Boutique : 10:30 pm- 7:00 am – Job 1
7:00 am- 1:00 pm – Sewing/Designing/Shipping/ Business Paperwork/ Sleep/ and anything else that comes up
9:00 am- 5:30 pm/1:00 pm – 7:00 pm- Job 2 (Shift varies from time to time)
7:00 pm- 10:00 pm – Sleep if I don’t have anything to finish from 7:00 am- 1:00 pm
10:00 pm- 10:30 pm – Mental preparation for the next day/Start all over again
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Measuring Tape Boutique : I don’t have a family of my own, but my immediate family consists of my mom, my dad, my sister and her family of 5. Being an entrepreneur hasn’t affected much of my family life because although success is important to me, time is even more important. My team is very independent and knows exactly what I’m looking for 90% of the time. As I’ve stated in one of the previous questions, they create balance for me. After all, I can start another business, but I can’t replace the time missed with the ones closest to my heart. That’s a risk I’m not willing to take all of the time. However, I encourage those who feel like the risk is worth taking, to do so.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
Measuring Tape Boutique : The struggle. I’ve been there and I don’t plan to go back. I’m also motivated by financial independence and the idea of working on my own terms. However, watching other people struggle, especially the ones who are closest to me who have are literally living “day to day”, not “paycheck to paycheck” is one of the main reasons I can’t quit. If I continue, I can create jobs that will allow them to enjoy at the very least, some of the simple luxuries that life has to offer. They deserve that much.
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
Measuring Tape Boutique : I really don’t have a certain way of generating new ideas. As far as choosing items for the website, I usually know when I see it. I don’t keep up with trends and other designers when it comes to creating pieces. I like to start from a pure space.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Measuring Tape Boutique : I’ve sacrificed much of my time and money, although, I don’t look at it as a sacrifice. I just look at it as being a part of the process. It would be unrealistic to think that you don’t have to “cut back” or “say no” to some things. The reward is so much greater than temporary pleasures.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
Measuring Tape Boutique : In 10-20 years, I plan to continue to be a woman of dignity, wisdom, and class and own at least 3 other businesses.
On the other hand, Measuring Tape Boutique has accomplished so much in very little time. In 4 months, we’ve shipped as far as Australia, had our first magazine feature (thanks to you ☺), and we have had the opportunity to style a published Singer/Songwriter. As we progress, we hope to be able to give more to charity but ultimately, we plan to keep God first because through him, all things are possible.
