Inspiring Lives with "Shannon Rayniece " for Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written by: Samantha Cee
SHANNON RAYNIECE is a high-fashion brand that focuses on bold colors, prints and classic silhouettes. We cater to the confident, cutting edge woman that is dominating and exploring new territories. She is professional and wants clothes to reflect her power and femininity. Take a look at our exclusive interview with the rising Fashion Designer.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/srayniece // Instagram: @srayniece
E-mail: s.rayniece@gmail.com
"Focus on your craft and what you want your success to be.''
-Shannon Rayniece
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: I’ve always been interested in fashion. My senior year of high school, I told my college counselor that I wanted to go to school for fashion. I was accepted into Lasell College (MA) for Fashion Design-- however, I was unable to attend. Luckily, Mercer County Community College (NJ) was just starting their fashion program. So, I attended MCCC for 3 semesters and did one semester at Moore College of Art and Design (PA).
The name “SHANNON RAYNIECE” is my first and middle name. I started SHANNON RAYNIECE while I was in college with no sewing experience. I’ve always been a focused, goal-oriented person so whatever I put my mind to -- gets done.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: I am still navigating that. However, I have been very fortunate to have supportive family and friends that just want to see me make it and help out in any way they can. I am learning that the people that see more in you than you see in yourself are the most genuine people.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: 1. Take Initiative- You have to have a hunger for what you believe in and go for it. Research! Take in all the information you can find and put it to practice. Take the risk!
2. Be Prepared- The world we live in is very small. You never know who you may run into, that can take your business to the next level. Carry business cards with you at all times. No one likes missing an opportunity due to their lack of preparation.
3. Do Not Compare Yourself To Others- Everyone has their own unique journey. It took years of practice for the next person to develop their skill and craft. I tell everyone that ask me for advice to: Focus on your craft and what you want your success to be.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: I would not change a thing! There were some extremely tough times, but I learned so much about myself and how to block negativity. It has made me into the business woman I am today.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: For any entrepreneur to be successful, they need to have drive, a willingness to learn and the ability to network. Your network is your net worth. You never know who knows someone that will propel you to the next level in your business. So always talk to be people.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
SHANNON RAYNIECE : I’ve failed myself a lot by not blocking out the noise. People will project their insecurities on you. If they themselves can not fathom pursuing a dream or doing something out of the norm, they will spew negativity.
Then you will have those people that will take your vision and tell you what it ought to be -- using it for their own advantage. Whenever I drift into pleasing others, I lost all zeal for my craft and shut down. Fear and doubt controls the mind and ultimately kills the business. That’s a dangerous place to be.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: 4-5hrs; I may spend that time sewing, checking e-mails, sketching, engaging on social media or learning more about the fashion industry.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: Monday through Friday, I wake up around 5am. I will read the Bible and listen to gospel music/hymns. I’ll eat breakfast and go to my 9 to 5 job. After work, I start working on my brand for 4hrs. Once done, I pray and go to sleep.
Saturdays, I dedicate to my brand. If my workload is light on Sundays, I’ll go to church. If not, I’ll work on my brand all day.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: Luckily my family is very supportive and understand the grind. They know I will go missing in action from time to time to focus on SHANNON RAYNIECE. My boyfriend has also been there since day one. At times, I become moody due to stress and unbearable to be around, but he’ll give me a pep talk to get me back on my game.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: I am from Trenton, New Jersey. We have a bad reputation due to drugs, crime, and poverty. People tend to believe that nothing good can come from the city. I hope to influence others in believing that they can achieve anything.; despite the statistics, their current situation or finances. There is hope and more to life!
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: I will say a prayer for inspiration and guidance, go to sleep and it’ll come to me in a dream. Sometimes in the middle of the day, I’ll have a clear vision of a concept or it’ll come to me in the shower -- lol. I do some of my best thinking in the shower.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: Delegating my time. People sometimes don’t understand that once you become an entrepreneur, you work non-stop. My craft is how I survive. Time is money.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
SHANNON RAYNIECE: I’ve always seen SHANNON RAYNIECE alongside Chanel and Dior. I see the brand being in Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. On the red carpet being worn by Octavia Spencer, Queen Latifah, Viola Davis-- even Beyonce. I would like to have my own atelier or fashion house. I also want to have a recreational center in the city of Trenton for the youth that focuses on the arts. That’s my goal!
Photography: Beautiful Khaos Images (IG: @Beautiful_khaos_images)
Make- up Artist: Briahna Thompson ( IG:brookii_shay_mua)
