Today we’d like to introduce you to Colby Marsh
Hi Colby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello my name is Colby Marsh, I am a 25-year old business owner from Detroit, MI. I have always aspired to be my own boss and run multiple businesses. I began my college education at Eastern Michigan University in 2017. My first small business was established in 2018 selling hair extensions, mink lashes and hair accessories, and just a few outfits. I had a great support system from my college community, my first ever customer was someone I met in school and she still supports me to this day. All of the girls wanted to wear my brand for all the parties, events, gatherings, etc. That is when I learned word of the mouth is the best marketing strategy and it took off from there. The way that my business flourished made me realize I can do more than just sell the items I had. I have always been into fashion, so I came up with the idea to sell clothes. Not just any clothes though, clothes the girls would love! I thought on the idea for a moment because I needed to execute this correctly. I did plenty of research in women’s clothing, finding the right vendor and creating a name for it. I then came up with The Allure Empire because I knew in the near future, I wouldn’t just be building a business I was building something more, something I could add too! In the year of 2020 I opened my first boutique located on 7 Mile in Detroit, MI! Everything was going well, business was good, I was overwhelmed with happiness! Fast forward to 2021, I moved out of that building and went to open a bigger building with more room so I could build suites for others to use for their business. Now we are called The Allure Empire & Suites! I am currently still here and building my brand to its best ability! In addition there is a barber located in my shop, he is one of the best in Detroit! He goes by the name of Big Nel Cuts!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a girl from Detroit, many obstacles can come your way but the reason we succeed is because we never give up. So, of course it wasn’t a smooth road but I never let it discourage me! My first building was broken into and they took everything from me, forcing me to start over. In my current building I have closed and reopened but never ever gave up. Running a business can be difficult but you always figure what you need to do to become better. The closest people to you become your biggest enemies when you are on the road to success. You live and you learn. I appreciate the people who have been supporting me since day one and never switched on me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Allure Empire & Suites is women’s boutique located on the west side of Detroit, MI. Selling clothing, accessories, shoes and looks! Also offering private suites. My most proud clothing item I have had thus far is our “StreetWear” Jersey, it sells out every time I restock it. From the minute you walk in no matter if you make a purchase or not you will walk out with a smile on your face. I want readers to know you can do anything you put your mind to long as you work hard, pray and stay loyal to yourself! My favorite scripture I live by is Isaiah 54:19 “ No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn”
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Staying humble, you can make $5000 today and $5 the next day. It’s all about staying true to yourself and remembering the reason you started in the first place. Don’t expect support if you never support others! Strangers will support you faster than someone you knew your whole life. Keep god first in every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @the.allure.empire
