How can I get become a badass entrepreneur?
I get asked that very question all the time. Well…just kidding, not exactly that question. But ever since I started my business back in 2010, I have been asked all types of questions by family, friends, associates and randos. But for good reason. Not to toot my own horn, I have managed to build a seven figure maternity apparel business in under 5 years while juggling being a wife and mother through a good idea, hard work, execution, perseverance and a wee bit of luck. (Toot, Toot mothersucka, LOL!).
But seriously, I am thankful for this life that I get to live. That is why I decided to set up this blog….so i can share the insights and strategies that have worked for me…so that you…my fellow entrepreneurs can accomplish their goals and start their own success stories.
I am a firm believer that people are not lazy, they have just not found something that motivates or inspires them to act differently or take action that will change their lives.
I want this to be a vehicle to share the things I wish someone would have told me as I was growing my business. My goal is to inspire you to embrace your badassery (not sure if this is a real word), get to work and have more fun doing it than anyone else.
So…how did I end up here?
It all began in my basement… I know. So cliche, but it’s the truth.
It all started when I became a mom for the first time with the birth of my daughter, Rumi, I was disappointed when all my options for nursing bras were drab, ugly, bland colored and (on top of all that) overpriced pieces that looked like something my grandmother would wear. The more I searched, the more daunting it became to find something that was cute, well-made and affordable.
With more research, I quickly realized that so many moms felt the way I did. They were all looking for more fashionable options that wouldn’t break the bank. That was my ah-ha! moment. I decided to trade in my long days as a brand manager of Kraft Food’s Mac & Cheese for even longer days and nights as an entrepreneur.
With my Duke MBA and experience as a brand manager, I took matters into my own hands, resulting in the 2010 launch of You! Lingerie, a leading designer brand of beautiful maternity and nursing intimates and sleepwear. And it began in the basement of my home, with just one of my sisters before we grew and eventually moved into our 7000 square ft warehouse and office space with a real team of employees.
In 2014, You! Lingerie added the world’s largest retailer, Walmart.com to its long list of retailers. Currently, You! Lingerie is sold online and in over 120 stores in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Since launching You! Lingerie, I’ve launched additional brands including Preggo Leggings which started as just maternity leggings but is expanding into a full maternity apparel collection and a baby clothing branded called Ashmi & Co.
My brands have been featured in several news publications and TV shows like The New York Times, Glamour Magazine, Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, CNBC, The Today Show, E! News, OMG!, The Daily News UK, Pregnancy & Newborn, American Baby and Fit Pregnancy.
Besides being a busy entrepreneur, I’m married to my college sweetheart Xavier. I’m a mommy to two kiddos who keep me on my toes and on the go, Rumi and Asher. My favorite job is being their mom. They are my “why”…my family always comes first. We live in Roswell, Georgia – a nice quiet community north of Atlanta.
I love and live for fashion, red lipstick, wine, sushi and high heels (I’ve been wearing them since I was 16, my mother thinks I will pay for it dearly in my old age, ha!). I enjoying traveling and exploring the world and believe that desserts should be had with every meal. Yup, every meal.