Zeanie B. Is A New Kid's Hair Bow Business With African Ethnic-Inspired Patterns
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Do you love hair bows as much as we do? Well, we took out the guesswork for you and discovered the best place to shop for handmade hair bows for kids.
Zeanie B. is a new kid's hair bow company with stunning African-inspired designs. If you love to add a little flair to your kid's wardrobe, then Zeanie B. is for you. The company makes African-inspired hair bows for kids. They're the perfect way to make any outfit look fun and unique.
Welcome to Zeanie B's Q&A with the world! Today Afriye, the fashion designer & owner, is here to chat about her passion for ethnic-inspired patterns, business tips & inspiration for other women, and the message behind her small business. Now let's get started!
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LET'S MEET AFRIYIE!
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1. Let’s start with a very simple question: WHY? Why do you still do what you do? We are curious to hear what gets you up in the morning.
Zeanie B. is a new kids' hair bow business. My daughter loves them, and I enjoy seeing my creations on children. I decided to start a bow collection because of the lack of ethnic-inspired patterns in this popular style of bow.
2. Describe yourself in one sentence.
I am a creative, consistent, and caring person.
SMALL BUSINESS INSIDE LOOK
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3. How did you come up with the name for your business?
The name Zeanie B. is inspired by my daughter. The Zeanie is actually a nickname my godmother gave her. The first 4 letters are my daughter's initials.
4. What was your first objective when you founded your brand?
To bring more cultural representation to the hair bow industry.
5. With owning a small business, some potential disadvantages make a few individuals feel like they should give up. What are your thoughts on this feeling?
That's a natural and common feeling. Sometimes it's the reason you never even move forward to start a business. There is a lot of learning involved. I try to have patience with myself. Setting small goals and work to achieve them. When there are challenges, analyze them and take new approaches as needed. Sometimes you have to tap into your village. I have women in business along with friends and family that I can connect with that offer valuable guidance and support.
6. What would you say to another woman looking to start her own business this year?
Put that idea into action and go for it sis! I love to support woman-owned and black-owned businesses. There are online communities with a lot of people that are willing to answer your business-related questions.
7. What is your favorite product from your collection that you would recommend to customers?
My favorite product is the Black Leaders bow. I love the color combinations. I call it a statement piece, and the design features the first name of 5 black woman leaders; Rosa, Fannie Lou, Madame C.J., Harriet, & Sojourner.
8. You were in a Pop Up Shop in Harlem in your recent venture. What was the most valuable lesson you learned from this experience?
I was very nervous! I am the creative behind the bows but was nervous about the in-person selling experience. The biggest lesson was to remain authentic. There is a meaning behind the brand, collection, and each piece is handmade by me. I pulled from a place of just being myself, and the nerves quickly went away.
DEEP DIVE
9. You’re also a mom to a little girl. How has becoming a mom influenced your business?
My daughter Zayla is the main reason I started Zeanie B. I was excited to have a girl and purchased a lot of bows for her as a baby. Zayla loves wearing bows. She gets excited when she sees the new styles I create and can't wait to receive hers and rock them. Some recent experiences her dad and I observed are the inspiration behind an affirmation collection I want to create.
10. What is your favorite motto, quote, or words to live by?
"Be you, the world will adjust" I am not sure where that originated, but overall It means to be unapologetically you. Do for others but don't lose yourself in the process. It can be interpreted in other ways as well, but this is how it resonates with me.
FOR THE RECORD
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11. What makes you feel like your best self or feel inspired?
Accomplishing things I want and need to do make me feel like my best self. Jotting down new goals and ideas gives me a certain energy that I can't describe. One thing I really enjoy is time with family.
12. Where do you see your business in the next year? In the next five years? The next ten years?
At this time, I am setting small goals. This year, I wanted to experience in-person selling. I am working on vending more pop-up shops and craft fairs to help promote Zeanie B. We are vending at The Grand Bazaar Market in NYC on 6/12. I am continuing to work on the Zeanie B. collection, along with building our social media and website platforms. I have a lot of additional product ideas so I definitely see an expansion beyond kids' hairbows.