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Name: Nichole McClinton
Business: Eat, Pray, Love Fashion, online clothing store
Industry: Clothing & Accessories
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Reason for starting: I have worked in retail since the age of 16. I love everything about retail. I decided years ago that I wanted to open my own store but never had the courage to do so. But one year and six days ago, on February 22, 2014, that changed. I did not have the funding needed to open a brick and mortar, so I decided to start my business online to start out and after I get a large enough customer base and funding, I will obtain a physical location. I also noticed, working in retail, that there aren’t many boutiques or stores that offer fashionable plus size clothing or plus size at all. I want to cater to every woman, not just one size, one style or one personality.
Related: Read about another clothing & accessories entrepreneur here.
How do you define success? Success to me is defined by how proud my kids are of me. They are the reason for everything I do.
Biggest Success: Having the courage to live and start my dream.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? I’m a bit of a shy person in some situations and prefer not to be the center of attention, but when trying to market a business, that quality is not good to have. I’ve slowly learned to overcome that and I am now doing more marketing for myself and my business. This is more than just a store for me. I want to have multiple locations and become as big, if not bigger, than some of the large retailers now.
Related: 5 Tips for Building a Brand on a Budget
Who is your most important role model? My Grandmother. She was a strong lady and never let any adversity hold her back, even when she had Breast Cancer. She was always positive. She took the, “You can’t do this” that she was told by people and turned it into, “I did it and better.”
[box_light]Website www.eatpraylovefashionboutique.com
Twitter @eplfashion
Facebook www.facebook.com/eatpraylovefashion
Pinterest pinterest.com/eatprayl [/box_light]
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Edited by The Story Exchange