6th Anniversary!!

      Today marks the 6th anniversary of my first “child”! It’s lit🔥!!!!   On Jan 31st 2013, I created my online store. Can you believe that I started my business with one product? (See photo below).  Now I’m out here managing employees and traveling the world! Crazy. It all started with my Customized Disstressd Denims. I remember my mom cussing me out for getting bleach all over her carpet lol good times. When I started CityRepublik I didn’t know what direction it was heading, but I knew I was one step closer to being self employed.

    The motivation for starting my business was the thought of not having to “clock in” or asking someone permission to use the bathroom. Growing up I was taught two perspectives of life: either you tell or be told. My father was a hustler, refusing to work for “the man.”  Happy but broke. My mom was practical; graduated from collage and continued on getting her Masters Degree.  She’s worked a “9-5” job all her life to support 2 kids; making enough to pay rent, but not as happy. From young age, I was pressured to go to college and get a job (like the norms). But I decided to live life my way. I started CityRepublik while attending collage and working full time at a bank to pay the bills until the business took off. In 2016 I took a leap of faith and quit my job to focus on my passion of being self-employed and running my own fashion business. BOOM!  Six years later, here I am, running my own business.  Wow, has time has flown by!  And it hasn’t been easy.  I’ve put my heart and soul into my business; and there have been many times I’ve worked 60hrs a week - but I worked for myself!  It’s been one of the best decision I’ve ever made.  

Don’t get me wrong. Being your own boss is AAMMAZZZZING!!!  But, it has many challenges.  According to the Small Business Association (SBA), 30% of new businesses fail within the first two years of opening; 50% during the first five years; and 66% during the first 10 years.  For the past 6 years I’ve been constantly creating new content to stay relevant. I think I’ve made it this far because I never compare myself to other brands. Everyday I’m learning new ways to grow customer retention while capturing new customers; I’ve learned about the hiring process and implementing effective management practices.  Oh, and let’s not forget the accounting, handling taxes, expenses, brands and contract negotiations lol, well, you get the picture!  These are skills that I’ve picked up over the years through lots of trail and errors. Everyday is different and I love it...I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

    I also believe I made it so far because of guys. My tribe! The biggest reward is seeing you,  enjoy the items I bring to market; seeing you get excited, just like me, about that new outfit or new wig style that’s coming in! Everyday I all the positive reviews on our products motivates me to keep chasing my dreams. If I’d gave into the negativity a moment to shine CityRepublik.com wouldn’t of made it to 6 years! 

It’s a blessing to see the impact and influence that we have on lives across the world.  The everyday interactions I have with my tribe shows me that I’m on the right path. My path. I’m thankful for every single customer that has placed an order; and for every person that showed up to support an event. The fact that we’re still here thriving shows me that we are really serving a purpose. Which is to serve you. And to think.. I built all this with one product. Crazy. Wouldn’t He do it!!!