Bars &
Music Notes
Bars &
Music Notes
Bars &
Music Notes
What made you want to become a business owner?
How did you get your idea or concept for this type of business?
I don’t know if it’s because I’m a Cancer, but I don’t do well with authority. At the jobs I have held, I was good at them, but I spent so much time thinking about what else I could be doing creatively and independently to make money. I just don’t feel right working hard and living check to check so someone else can have the things I want. I also have 2 kids (an 8 yr old son and a daughter who turns 1 June 28th). So I want to have more freedom and flexibility in my life, and also show them what entrepreneurs experience and to chase their dreams. They don’t really get into that in grades K-12.
From a young age, I always loved art. For a big chunk of my life, I wanted to be a fashion illustrator. (Unlike a fashion designer, we just draw, but don’t sew). Anyway, that dream kind of fell to the wayside as I got into the caricatures and also with the beliefs that the fashion industry is too competitive and too difficult to get into. When I found out I was having a little girl, I was ecstatic! Being someone who is usually wearing a hat or headwrap, naturally my daughter would be adorned in bows. But shopping for them, I didn’t really see things in stores that I was in love with, or that would match the urban tomboy style I wanted to dress my daughter in.
What is Denim & Bow?
For one, Denim is my daughter's name. Denim & Bow, is basically a play on the words Denim & Co. Denim & Bow is a childrens’ line that specializes in custom apparel and limited edition headbands. Aside from making stylish hairbows, I also make personalized tutus and onesies/t-shirt sets for special occasions, i.e birthdays.
I came up with the idea when I was pregnant with my daughter, but It didn’t start rolling until she was 5 months old, about November 2017. Her father bought me a sewing machine and some supplies, which I had no idea how to use, but with his knowledge from high school sewing class and a little internet, I was making bows in no time. By December, I was selling them for Christmas gifts/photos on Instagram, but under a different name, Bow Szn.
When did you open/start your business?
What is your mission with Denim & Bow?
My mission is to ultimately change the normal idea of headwear for infants and children. Everywhere I look I see pink and floral and skinny tight elastic bands. I want to continue to make accessories that are fit for girls whose caregivers aren’t into clothes with super defined gender roles. I shop in the boys’ section for Denim pretty often. Why not? At least with Denim & Bow on her head, I don’t hear, SHE'S so cute! lol. I want Denim & Bow to be a household name, at least for people with daughters, and eventually branch into clothing and other accessories, even for boys! As for a more personal goal, I want to leave it for my children to run, if they choose.
What are the different product design you have and for what age group?
I’m currently offering 6 styles of headbands on the @denimandbow Instagram. They are mainly centered around the 4th of July. However, I’m also offering 2 not so holiday- based bands: A very fun pink with white white polka dots, and a royal blue. I mainly see my bows on girls from newborn to 4, but I have had adult women purchase and express interest in Denim & Bow as well. (And when I say newborn, I have also had several pregnant women buy my bows for their fashionistas on the way)!
Besides Denim & Bow, what else do you do personally or business wise?
I have a few hobbies, but I try to turn them into business opportunities whenever possible. When I was pregnant with Denim, I attended Empire Beauty School, but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to finish. So naturally I love many things related to hair, makeup, nails, and skincare. I do makeup locally for a few people, and I still do caricatures at events. You can check out either of those at #TheKryztalEffect or #KryzzyDrewit. (I don’t have Instagram profiles for those, just the hashtags). I also enjoy reading self-help books, photography, graphic design, Pinterest, and blogging. (Myliteskintruths.com)
What advice would you give someone that would like to start their own business?
Start where you are with what you have. RESEARCH RRSEARCH RESEARCH. Trust your instincts. Read, Steal Like an Artist. Be patient. Don’t tell everyone everything. No one is going to promote you like you. Know your worth, and know your audience.
How do you wish to inspire young people?
I really want young people to understand that no dream is too big, or stupid. When I tell people I make bows for babies, they look at me like I'm crazy. I’m sure they looked at the first woman to wear pants the same way. And then someone actually started designing pants for women! See how that works? Lol. I also have depression and anxiety, and I’m a mom. So I want young people to see that you can persevere amidst circumstances like those when normally people make it seem like mental illness or having kids should put your dreams on pause, or completely stop them.
Whats next for you?
As far as Denim & Bow? I'm excited to launch some fun summer prints. Also, I'm looking forward to working with more professional photographers, and networking in general. I totally will be getting a website sooner than later. I have like, the whole year planned out already as far as reinventing old styles and bringing in New products altogether. Stay tuned!