Written By: Samantha Cee

October of 2016, Joi-Louise The Label was created . A label designed to house all of my her personal creativity, power and style. The brand commenced with a bang and has been acquiring a vast amount of success in the process . All of the prints in the collection originated on Joi-Louise's MacBook self proclaiming herself a "digital designer". Under her innovative label ; the movement called #TurboFeminist (TF). A vast advocate of women empowerment , Turbo Feminist is all about kicking feminine power, support and achievement in to over drive. Take a look at our exclusive interview with the rising brand that is dominating the east coast .

Fashion Gxd Magazine: How did the idea for your business come about?

Louise The Label: I have always been a creative person and fashion was introduced to me at a very young age. When I graduated college I was fresh off the heels of an entrepreneurship class and I knew I wanted to have a business of my own one-day. So naturally fashion and business collided and here I am with my own fashion business.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?

Louise The Label: My first employee was an intern; I worked with her before at my old job. She really represents hard work ad dedication. She believes in my brand. Wit these qualities; it’s almost a no brainer when bringing people on board.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?

Louise The Label: Although entrepreneurship may seem alluring and fun it is very hard work. My first piece of advice would be to intern. There is nothing like learning “on the job”. My next piece of advice is to find a way to support your start up financially; you will need money to make money. My final piece of advice is to never give up; you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. Hard work yields results.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

Louise The Label: I would have started my online fashion business and YouTube Channel a LONG time ago! Social media and the Internet are such huge sales drivers today. But everything happens at its own pace and for its own reason.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Louise The Label: Entrepreneurship is often not a choice; it’s more of a calling. Something you can’t stay away from. Motivation is another driver for success, you need to have internal motivation, because there will be days when you feel like nothing is going your way. Finally, you should have mentors. People to steer you in the right direction. Other entrepreneurs that have been where you are and can help you push through the road blocks ahead.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Louise The Label: This is not my first business venture, I once had a women’s clothing boutique with my best friend. The business failed. I learned that when you have a business partner you both should be on the same page as far as objectives go and who is in charge of what in the day-to-day business. I also think finding a niche market or carving out a section for your business in the market, is very smart to do early on. I did not do this with my first business.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: How many hours do you work a day on average?

Louise The Label: Being an entrepreneur is hard work, you don’t clock in or out, and you’re always ON. I try to keep myself to a typical 9am-5pm schedule to give myself a bit of structure. However, I have broke day working on my business before.

**I learned that when you have a business partner**

**you both should be on the same page as far as objectives go"**

Fashion Gxd Magazine: Describe/outline your typical day?

Louise The Label: My day usually starts around 8am, I am not a coffee drinker but I do love a cup of YOGI tea. I try to meditate in the morning while I drink my tea; it helps to clear my mind for the day. If I am having trouble thinking in the morning I will often times take a walk to clear my head as well, not too far but just around the neighborhood.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

Louise The Label: I don’t have children yet, so I am not currently juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship. My elderly relatives don’t get the idea of being a business owner and I don’t think they ever will. It makes it hard to converse with them about life goals and “what I do” when the subject is brought up in the presence of company.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: What motivates you?

Louise The Label: I am motivated by the life I want to live. I love to travel, to have freedom in my time and my finances. I don’t like the idea of someone deciding my worth or where I am meant to be in a day-to-day basis. I have always wanted to help those around me and until I have better I am not sure I can be of assistance to my community. Being an example of success in my neighborhood motivates me. Letting other little brown girls know that they can do it too!

Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?

Louise The Label: A feeling inspires me, how I feel when I put together a look. Even how a woman feels in my designs. I love to look at New York City; I am so inspired by the woman that works there. She cares about how she looks but she knows that fashion is also meant to be fun.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

Louise The Label: I have sacrificed friendships and personal time. I say friendships because I have seen a relationship I once held so dearly morph into a very small fraction of what it used to be because of the sacrifices I made. Time because I rarely go out, spend money on vacations or do anything that requires me to spend funds that I would rather direct toward my business.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?

Louise The Label: In 10 years, I see an empire…a household name. I will design so much more than clothing; I will bring my full creativity to the world. In 20 years, I will break barriers in the world on entrepreneurism; I just haven’t decided what that is just yet.