Inspiring Lives with "La Grande Empire " For Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written By : Samantha Cee
This week we sat down with La Grande Empire. They are a apparel brand that is all about the style and essence of originality. they want our Emperors and Empresses to embrace their individuality and let their light shine while exuding confidence. Take a look at our exclusive interview with the rising brand below :
Social media accounts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lagrandeempire
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagrandeempire/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagrandeempire
FGM: Its an honor to sit down with you all . Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career .
Answer: Thank you for having us! La Grande Empire is all about the Style and Essence of Originality. Our customers embrace or are learning to embrace who they are in complete authenticity. La Grande Empire has made it to this point by making sure our customers truly feel confident as Emperors and Empresses of La Grande Empire.
FGM: Who are the clients/what are the projects that you most enjoy working on?
Answer: Customers that want to know more about the LGE brand and our story, as well as share their stories with us. Those are the customers we typically enjoy working with most.
FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?
Answer: There's been a climate of people following the trends, fads, and sounds of others, which has resulted in a shortage of individuality. La Grande Empire allows our consumer family to feel Confident about their abilities, what they're wearing, and the direction they're heading in life. We strive to embrace individuality and Greatness within day to day situations.
FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur
Answer: There's been a point where no matter what strategy I created and followed through with, no one was purchasing La Grande Empire clothing. A lot of times we blame the social media marketing setup for not getting out to enough people when boosting a post, blame those closest to us for not supporting, make an excuse of being a part of a saturated vertical, etc. I took a step back and looked in the mirror. I needed to research the market better, develop new strategies, stop making excuses and swallow my pride to reach out for assistance. Once I took full ownership, the brand grew.
FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand
Answer: 1) Our brand is Diverse! It speaks to everyone. We are not gender specific, not race specific, etc
2) La Grande Empire is all about empowerment and embracing ones Authentic self
3) In a world with a lot of negativity, we're a brand that is positive and fun everyday
FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?
Answer: Haha. The better question would be, when am I not working irregular hours. My passion for La Grande Empire is so strong that it simply is not work for me. I am constantly thinking of ideas, working with our team about ways to improve, next steps, etc.
FGM: Being a entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?
Answer: Time management has been an emphasis in my life since high school. I was an athlete from the age of 6 through college while maintaining grade expectations from my parents (way above school eligibility requirements). I've always know a constant schedule and function well within that environment.
FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to beat meet deadlines as a entrepreneur ?
Answer: I grew up playing basketball as a Coach's daughter on a premier nationally ranked travel basketball team. While in high school, I had practice multiple times a week, while also traveling and playing 5-7 games per weekend. I was expected to perform on the court and most importantly in the classroom for securing my future in college and professionally. That's a lot of pressure in high school, especially while also maintaining a social life.
FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to develop new brand developments?
Answer: I used to think my favorite place was St. Pete Beach, FL for inspiration. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love being there and being inspired but have found that going about my day in public is the best place for me. My mind is constantly searching for inspiration no matter where I am or what I am doing.
FGM: Which current public figure, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?
Answer: Oh wow there are so many people that we feel encompass the LGE brand and values. That's a great question, so many individuals with strong brands come to mind: Barack Obama, Ellen, Jay-Z, Michelle Obama, Kyle Korver, LeBron James, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, etc. I could go on as they all inspire us for many different reasons but I will tell you one thing; The running trend with everyone named is that they're all about Helping People; and that's a theme after the LGE heart.
How do you handle stress ?
Answer: I write out the things that are clouding my mind and causing me stress. Doing so is a release for me. I then watch basketball or HGTV. After that, I'm usually good to go.
FGM: What are the three qualities you feel an entrepreneur must have ?
Answer: 1) Discipline. As your own boss, it's easy to get complacent or let up on the grind. Discipline is needed to stay on track and to continue to push the throttle.
2) Resilience. No matter what obstacles appear, and they will do so often, one must stay the course and keep pushing into victory.
3) Adaptability. Being open to truly listening to others and their ideas. As well as, understanding that trends, the business, and the strategy may need to change along the way to not only stay afloat but to excel. Being stuck in ones ways is not an entrepreneurial spirit.
FGM: Where do you see your business in 10 years ?How do you plan to get there ?
Answer: I see La Grande Empire as a well established global brand empowering Emperors and Empresses around the world. We plan to get there through continuing to establish and emphasize our mission and values of AuthentiCity which are being:
1) Loyal
2) Genuine
3) Forgiving
4) Trustworthy
5) Selfless
6) Honest
7) Pure
FGM: It was a pleasure speaking with you thank you for joining us
Answer: I am so honored to have had this opportunity! Thank you again for sitting down with me to discuss La Grand Empire.