Founder Series: Keneshia Raymond, Founder of Curvy Unicorn Bridal
Icebreakers:
Coffee/Tea Order: Carmel Macchiato with an Extra Shot Upside Down
Currently Listening to on Spotify: “I’m Here” by Cynthia Erivo from the The Color Purple Soundtrack
Currently watching on Netflix: Queen of the South
Favorite City: Los Angeles
Team Pizza or Team Tacos: This is a trick question but Tacos hands down.
In a few words can you describe what your business does?
At Curvy Unicorn Bridal we create beautiful plus size wedding dresses designed specifically for plus size women.
What inspired to you start Curvy Unicorn Bridal?
Curvy Unicorn was started as a need to fill a hole in the bridal industry. Plus size women get married everyday but finding a dresses has proven harder than it should be. The excitement you should have to go wedding dress shopping is not the excitement plus size brides are having and we are here to change that.
What do you find to be the most challenging part of being a business owner?
I have found it hard to really spread the word and have people understand. I have had people say why is this even a thing and my response is exactly. Knowing it is a thing we hope that people will embrace it and help redefine what curvy+bride means.
How did you find your first customers? Was it scary? If so, how did you overcome it?
We have found our customers via social media. Our process has been focused on social media. Getting to know our bride and giving them valuable information has proven to help in our efforts. It is very scary as we are an online business there is not a lot of touch and feel. So we have to build trust and that means being raw. I am learning to share more on the personal side letting our brides know hey we understand you because we are and have gone through the struggle.
What role do you think social media has in starting a company/ building a brand?
Social media is huge and it is really a make or break especially if you do not have a storefront. Relying on social and interacting will help to grow your brand & client base.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Motivation is tricky especially when you are a one-woman show or have a small team. I have inspirational quotes that I write in my calendar, a couple of favorite songs that pump me up and I never forget to dance it out. Failure is never an option so I am learning to push through.
Do you believe in work/life balance?
There needs to be a healthy balance, this is something I have struggled with in the past. Over the last 2 years, I made an effort to make this happen. Even if its just 30 min of me time or dinner with your family make time. What are you working for if you are not enjoying life?
What is the best lesson you have learned in business thus far?
The best lesson I have learned so far is don’t be afraid to pivot in business. Sometimes things do not turn out the way you saw it in your head and you feel stuck. This is when you have to sit down and look at what’s working and what’s not, once you do that look at what you can change. It’s okay to take your business another way you will see amazing results when your open to change.
How can we encourage more women to start their own business?
I think as business owners we need to first be open to helping others and sharing our struggles. We need to be open to mentoring and helping other women on their journey.
What has been your favorite part of starting your own business?
My favorite has really been sharing women’s stories and learning about their journey. It could be a bride or another business owner, sharing my struggle and helping them through theirs. Running a business has taught me so much about myself and all the things I never thought I could accomplish in this life.
Let’s take a look at the GORGEOUS dresses by Curvy Unicorn Bridal!
Learn more about Keneshia:
Keneshia is the Founder and Creative Director of Curvy Unicorn Bridal and Founder of Blissful Creatives. She has been in the wedding industry for 10 years starting as a planner and now as an educator and plus size wedding dress designer. Over the years the industry has evolved and continues to be so exciting.
Keep up with Curvy Unicorn Bridal:
Thank you for reading! If you would like to nominate an inspiring founder to be featured on our Founder Series please email hello@beemabroker.com.
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