Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Blessing Owowa, creative director of DB Pearlz Designs, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
DB Pearlz Designs is an Afrocentric fashion brand set out to fill the niche of blending the finest of modern African and western fashion genres. Our goal is to see meaningful conversations about the beauty of cultural diversity take place in public spaces between those wearing our brand and admirers. We believe such conversations could help individuals embrace new cultures, thereby building a more integrated community.
We carry this mindset into making our products, which are meticulously handmade. Our products include apparel, footwear, bags, and accessories using quality African and Western fabrics.
Our ideal customers are lovers of fashion who dress elegantly and love to stand out in the crowd. They are bold in stepping into new fashion spaces and trying out unconventional attires and styles.
Tell us about yourself
I am a fashion enthusiast who appreciates simple yet elegant dressing styles. Although I had an undergraduate degree in Education, my flair for fashion motivated me to pursue a career in the fashion industry. I floated my first fashion brand in 2016 after going through two fashion schools and taking extra courses in accessories, footwear, and bag making. I immigrated to Canada in February 2020 and saw an opportunity to introduce the diversely beautiful African fashion styles to the Nova Scotian community. I registered DB Pearlz Designs in September 2020 and have since enjoyed tremendous support from the community - this in itself has been a great motivation to keep going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My greatest accomplishment or satisfaction, I should say, is seeing my customers happy with their orders and making referrals. I truly cherish it when my customers get compliments for wearing my brand.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me is creating a perfect family-work balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, you must have passion for what you want to do. Secondly, you don't need to have all your I's dotted and T's crossed before starting, just start; things will fall in line as you stay the course. Thirdly, you can start small, every big business started somewhere.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to thank the Nova Scotia community for being so supportive of my business. I would also like to thank the Black Business Initiative, Black Women in Excellence, Takin' BLK, and all of my family, friends, and clients for their awesome support.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dbpearlzdesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbpearlzdesigns/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbpearlzdesigns/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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