The first of many creative features here on the DMC blog. I wanted to create a special place to share others I feel many of you should WANT and NEED to know about. Creative Black Wall Street is an inspiring series focusing on the Young, Determined, and Ambitious Hustlepreneurs who are making things happen while building their amazing brands!
Today, we're hitting the virtual streets with Tamara, owner and designer of Baydian, LLC.
Raised in the beautiful Caribbean, this native Barbadian took what was once just another project and turned it into a brand that allows you to be cultural, different, and YOU! Get to know the creative designstress behind the scenes,,,
Q: Why Baydian? What led to your inspiration of starting this business for yourself?
A: This is one of my favorite questions! Mostly because there are so many ways to answer it. Why Baydian? Simply because it is my voice. I am an introvert and a shy one at that. Fashion gave me a voice, causing people to take notice.
My inspiration for the company, however, came from my art class at secondary school in Barbados. It's a long story but suffice to say that a 3-month art project (my first scarf) turned into a hobby, which then turned into a business.
Q: Why does Baydian make a creative difference?
A: Baydian's difference lies in its cultural voice. Not only do we advocate wearing scarves on the everyday runway, our brand also stresses personal style. We represent fashion with a some flavor, catering to the confident woman or man who uses fashion as their voice.
Q: It takes a special kind of person to step out and become an entrepreneur. Do you believe the things we learn as we grow within our businesses should be skills we all want to have in life? Why?
A: It does take a special type of person - someone who is willing to take risks, is passionate and is persevering. Nevertheless, there are many things that entrepreneurs learn that are just as helpful for someone who does not want to pursue owning their own business.
For example, time management, taking care of your body, good sleeping habits, being self-motivated - to name a few. These skills (and others) or overall practices for success in any area of life.
Q: What's something your audience would be surprised to know about you?
A: I love psychology and understanding people's personalities. I don't think a personality test result defines a person but it is a great starting point to understanding them. For example, I'm an INFJ which is the personality of 1% of the world's population. Right off the bat, it tells me and anyone that interacts with me that I will think very differently to the majority.
Q: What are 5 mistakes or lessons you've learned since starting your creative business?
A: Whoa this is a deep question! I'm going to give some very unpopular but real answers.
- 1 - I learned that building a brand requires sacrifice. You know that quote that says 'an entrepreneur lives a few years like no one else so they can live later like no one can?' That is the truth! I skim on almost everything in my life except my business because I am putting in the work now so I can live free later. That includes missing out on road trips, not watching movies except from Red box and a lot of solitude. A big sacrifice for me is not visiting my family back home. There's a lot of trade offs. Never be fooled about that.
- 2 - Your circle will change. This was a tough one for me and it is for most entrepreneurs. As you pursue your dreams, you realize that you become a full-time parent. You have to care of your baby and that starts to dictate who you surround yourself with. Just like couples tend to hang around couples and moms are friends with moms, entrepreneurs gravitate towards other entrepreneurs or dream chasers. If you have people in your circle who aren't on the same path as you, the relationship will change. It's a hard one to grasp but it will most likely happen. Always remember, what's removed will be replaced. You are not alone on this adventure, even if it may feel that way.
- 3 - My customers are not my friends. This ties into the 2nd point and it is equally as hard to face. There's no true explanation needed. Just understanding the difference between fans, supporters and customers. Fans are those who love everything you do. They like you but probably won't invest in you. Supporters are those who want to see you succeed and do whatever they can to help you on that journey - whether it is attending an event, encouraging you via text or sharing your highs and lows. They are in it for the long haul. Now customers, their a mixture of fans and supporters. They are the people you want to sell too because they will buy your product. They will put their money where their want is and build you financially. When it comes to sales and branding, they should be your focus.
- 4 - Take risks, have faith and get over yourself. Sounds strange that I should say that when it takes a "special" kind of person to be an entrepreneur but entrepreneurs get just as scared as other people. We just have courage to do it. However, sometimes it doesn't come easily and so we have to push ourselves to do crazy things that will move our business forward without truly knowing the outcome. Most of the time it happens daily. It's absolutely crazy! However, the satisfaction comes from taking a risk and seeing it pay off in the end.
- 5 - Trust your gut and be fearlessly yourself. Look anyone can start a business if they wanted to and in this information age, you can get a hold of anything. But what sets you a part? YOU! The faster you accept you and be proud of everything about you, you'll begin to flourish. That still includes mistakes but there are no regrets on this road, just lessons learned. Be your authentic self and watch your weirdness distinguish you from the masses.
Q: What are some things you would tell your 16 year old self today?
A: Took me a while to come up with this one but here's what I would say:
- 1 - Just be yourself. You are beautifully and wonderfully made, and the world needs you. Don't forget it. Be real."Be brazenly, passionately, defiantly you. Every damn day" (Colin Wright)
- 2 - Never settle. Don't settle for what others call normal. Pursue the extraordinary.
- 3 - Remember that change is inevitable. What you see now will change. What you have now will change. It will hurt sometimes but it will always work out for the good.
- 4 - Only do what you're passionate about. Everything else is a time-waster. You need passion to follow-through and persevere. Do what you love and what makes you happy. "By doing what you love, you inspire & awaken the hearts of others."
- 5 - Be obedient to your God sent vision. People will doubt you and tell you you're too young. They'll tell you to slow down. Don't. Take care of yourself but do what you were meant to do. You know it in your heart. Trust your gut. God will lead you. Be epic!
- 6 - YOU ARE A STRONG WOMAN! YOU ARE FEARLESS!
Q: For anyone seeking encouragement to start their own business or even pursue a life-long dream- what is one word you would use to describe why they should just do it?
Drop a comment! Click To Tweet The Quotes if you took any great advice from this post! We'd both love to see and hear from you!!
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www.baydiancollection.com | Twitter: @baydiangirl + @BaydianLLC | Instagram: @baydian | Facebook: Baydian
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