Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemi Aromashodu.
Kemi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born to Nigerian parents Mr. Kamal and Mrs. Abimbola Aromashodu. I was born in Tallahassee, Florida and I lived in the United States until I was age two. I lived in Nigeria for fifteen years and I came back to complete my college education at Florida Atlantic University with my Bachelor’s degree in Finance. While living in Nigeria, I was able to learn about my culture and speak my language Yoruba. Learning my culture has helped me tremendously in putting Chic In Prints together.
My mother was in the clothing industry and so was her mother so it is safe to say that it runs in the family. My father is very good at coordinating his looks so I can say that my style and swag come from my parents. After graduating from college, I was fortunate enough to work with my degree but something about the cooperate world wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to do something I loved, something I was passionate about and most importantly something that gave me fulfillment. In 2017, like midway into the year; I made a Facebook post telling my audience that I wanted to start a business and I wanted it to be something fun, not necessarily about the money but most importantly something that brought me joy. I targeted close friends and they had a laundry list of things that they saw me doing like event planning, cooking and so many others.
It was a fun read but I still was not satisfied. Then all of a sudden a light bulb came on…I said I would make children’s clothing using African fabric, I started drawing and putting things together, then I said I don’t really know a lot of children but I do know a lot of women…then I switched gears to women. Mind you, I had no idea of how I was going to start but I said I have a thousand dollars to spare; if I try and it doesn’t work at least I gave it a try. I made arrangements; called my family up in Nigeria and I told them what I was thinking. I conducted interviews with a lot of women asking them about how they felt about African prints, I did a market study before diving in and I was convinced that it was going to be a success.
My search began; I went on a quest in looking for a seamstress, I interviewed so many but one girl resonated with me. She was 21 and she was so passionate about her sewing. Her family was very poor and she wanted to make it out. I have to say this changed everything about my business. A new “PURPOSE” was born. It was not about me anymore it was about helping her reach her true potential. I trusted her with all my designs…I submitted everything to her…knowing that she had a machine that looked like a toy…I can never forget the color it was purple and pink. In my mind, I was like can she really make all these designs. I trusted the process and within three weeks, I received fifty-three amazing pieces. I received the items on the 24th of December, 2017 and we sold out by the 27th. I called her and I said we are onto something. We extended it to 100 pieces for my very first vending event called Afrifest shout out to my girl Uruejoma Watkins for giving us a stepping stone. We have done countless events and workshops to grow and support the business.
What really inspired me about her story was that her parents and siblings all shared one room…in the night time they would go out and fend for food or work, while she stayed home and made all my designs. She was very determined and I have to tell you there has been a lot of changes…by 2018…she was able to own her shop and hired help.
We have since then grown and we hope to keep growing. We have been able to create jobs in Africa and in the United States. I am proud to say we have seven seamstresses that make our clothing now. Behind every piece you buy from us there is a story to tell. Here at Chic In Prints, we have the ladder approach which simply means that on your journey to growth and success up the ladder, do not forget to pull somebody up from the ground to the top. When I am long gone, I want to build a legacy that touches and helps people. I will leave behind a legacy and a generation of people who believe in helping each other and the richness will fill the earth.
Has it been a smooth road?
Every business has its struggles but I feel that we need bumpy times and roads to be the master at anything.
One of the struggles I faced initially was the fact that my production was/is based out of Africa and I reside in the United States. The time difference took a toll on me because while everyone was or is asleep in the United States, I am working on production at 3am /4am in the morning and I still have to wake up on be a wife, mom and yes I still work my 9 to 5. it was very challenging in the beginning and I have learned to do things differently which has made it less challenging.
2020 has been a crazy year for everyone and especially small businesses. I like to have organic followers on my social media platform as well as clients. We grow by attending events as vendors and getting to meet people one on one. Since this epidemic, we have not done events on the road but we hope when it all picks up, we can showcase more of our work.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chic In Prints – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Chic In Prints provides ready to wear authentic, trendy, chic and stylish attires and made with African prints at an affordable cost.
We specialize in making clothing using African fabric for women, men, & kids. We also specialize in making custom orders for special events.
I am very proud of the lives that we are changing…to see all the hard work we put in and for it to translate as blessings. I am very proud of the growth my seamstresses have made on their journey to success and fulfillment. I am proud that most of my clients have become friends and family.
Lol, I cannot give away my core competence but I will tell you this much…I lead with “LOVE and HONESTY” I strive to go above and beyond for my clients. Customer service is very important to me because I know you can be out there shopping with someone else. We deliver exceptional customer service and most of our clients have become friends and family. I do not see my clients as a $$$ sign…I really want to know about you and why you chose African prints over a dress at Macys. I will let my history speak for itself.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There is so much to like because it reminds me of HOME. The versatility, the mix of culture and diversity. I wouldn’t trade it for any city.
The rush hour traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chicinprints.com
- Phone: 954-800-0206
- Email: chicinprints@gmail.com
- Instagram: chic_in_prints
- Facebook: chicinprints
- Twitter: chicinprints
Image Credit:
Kemi Aromashodu
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