Today we’d like to introduce you to Ceressa Freeman.
Ceressa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my business to help me get by during my last semester of college.
I was involved in many programs at FIU, leading me to have a huge support system and following. I started to brainstorm on what wholesale item could I possibly sell to help me create revenue and pay for school.
I started to go through my Instagram to see… what do I actually wear? And BOOM! Sunglasses. I always felt like a nice frame adds the best touch to an outfit. By the time I found possible vendors, Hurricane Irma came.
During Hurricane Irma in 2017, I was stuck in a hotel with my mom, cousins, and a notepad. I spent hours jotting down every idea I had. Creating a name… Marketing… down to Inventory styles… the list went on. I wanted to make sure everything was up and ready to go. That I would just have to make it official and register the name!
As soon as Florida’s power was restored, I made my business official.
Purchased insurance, and headed out with my 2007 dodge nitro to the FIU tailgates. I sold my sunglasses out of my trunk and made $200 in two hours!
After that everything started to boom, I would drive from Ft. Lauderdale to FIU multiple times a week just to sell my glasses, I would gather groups of people to take pictures in my frames (I would take the pictures) and in return, I gave them a pair to rock!
I would vend at FIU Events due to the connects I made throughout my years there. All of the in-person contacts helped grow my website audience as well.
This year in 2018, I became an FIU vendor and tabled in the Student Union… and that was a hit!
Everything I have done for this company, the marketing, shipping/handling, pictures, money. No one has invested in this baby of mine, everything has been me! I also handle all accounting and taxes since I did take three accounting courses while at FIU for my degree.
Basically, everything I can mentally and physically do, I complete!
I am just really happy that I created this brand, it gives people confidence, and it honestly brightens my day.
It has helped me grow, connect, communicate, and just become a better woman.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Creating and doing everything yourself can be tough, as well as discouraging. But as long as you are doing it for the right reasons, your wishes will come true! Some struggles I went through this year was AliExpress, and other companies stealing my companies pictures, I am the photographer for my company so it’s my work being taken. It happened over ten times. The thing with wholesale is that the sunglasses usually are on a fake head, so it’s hard to truly see how the frames will look on a real person. Because I basically had lookbooks which I created and took myself, companies stole them. I didn’t have watermarks and they were using my photography as paid ads! And getting sales…
For younger women starting your own brand, make sure to fight for what you want. Do not let anyone take what you have built away either. People will come to you for advice, but don’t allow them to take all of your energy that you should be putting into your company. Some people are true friends and some are just users. You have to know the difference.
What should we know about Supreme Frames? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Sunglasses! Cool dope frames.
I am most proud of the outfits that they inspire! I have seen some of the dopest pictures and people in my frames!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I have a 31 days affirmation book, every day it’s a quote from the Bible that includes examples, a positive note, and a scripture.
Pricing:
- Everything is $2-15 dollars
- Currently a 30% off sale!
Contact Info:
- Twitter: @thevampireTwitter @supremeframes
- Email: Supremeframesinc@gmail.com
- Website: Www.supremeframesinc.com
- Instagram: Supreme.frames
- Facebook: Supremeframes
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
