Today we’d like to introduce you to TayShaun Lewis.
Hi TayShaun, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
While growing up, I always had the vision of starting a business. I used to look up at so many teens starting up a business, and I looked at it like it wasn’t that hard because I saw everyone starting up one back-to-back, so that’s when I got my ideas set. ZTR Face Masks Aesthetic was the first business I started with my best friends Zoe & Regan. We established this back in 2019/2020, when the pandemic started.
We saw that everyone was making and selling customized masks, so we decided to make masks and sell them to the public since the pandemic hit about that time.
Things were going well until there was some conflict that occurred between us as far as the quality of the masks and the presentation we had of them.
So, with this being my first, I took a lot of gained skills and techniques and started my own business. On February 27th, 2021, I established Eco Apparel LLC as a clothing and accessories business where we sell T-Shirts, Shoes, Bookbags, and Keychains. February 27th was one of my life’s happiest and most blessed days.
At that moment, I knew I finally did it, I am doing something I really wanted to do and will continue to do great things and excel. After that day, I took more action with things, I took an entrepreneurship class and got my certificate, and I also did an analytics course for beginners and intermediate and received my certificates.
So then, eventually, I wanted to go even higher with things. I wanted to start a class for teens to help them start a business and brand while they get themselves out here. In 2021/2022, I decided to start a new line called Grace By Tay. Where I sold T-Shirts that say Grace with a crown and set 2022. For that line, I sold a little bit of everything. That’s when it wasn’t just Eco Apparel LLC; it was then Eco Apparel LLC x Grace By Tay 2 different businesses collided to be one with two different views of clothing and accessories.
That same year I received an opportunity from Voyage Magazine Michigan to give them a story about my business and that was another exciting day I had. The day they published it was about 3-4 weeks after I did the interview process of giving them a story.
Fast forwarding to 2022/2023, I wanted to do more, so that’s when I decided to start up a new business separate from Eco Apparel LLC & Grace By Tay. Now I bring to you Selfmade Clothing Apparel where our slogan is as we go up, we glow up. In this business, I sell T-Shirts, Hoodies, & Beanies. This business idea just came in the blink of an eye for me. I wanted to target my generation of people and create a site and sell products they would like and will be able to copy a couple of fits from the site.
So, to this day, all businesses are in motion except ZTR Face Masks Aesthetics, which closed in 2020 towards the end of the year. But the important thing is anyone can put an idea to light and start it; you don’t necessarily have to be 18 or older to start your own business; you can start now and excel in the business world at 14, 15, or 16 years or maybe even younger than that. Just apply the knowledge you have and believe in yourself. Once you begin, you will have haters and fans everywhere praying about your downfall. See those people who want you to fail/give up but keep faith in god and your business and continue doing you and being great.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Competition: Competition for market share, resources, and customers can limit your ability to grow and succeed. You will always have someone with a business who is constantly popping with sales, but you must continue to do your part and maintain new inventory for your business.
Cash flow: Managing the cash flow of your business can be difficult, especially when unexpected expenses arise. When you do end up dropping with cash flow it is important you continue to brand and keep faith because that’s where people decide to give up
Finding and retaining talent: Finding and retaining quality employees is a major challenge for many businesses, as it is often difficult to match the right person to the right job. So, I decided to keep my business solo of course I will get ideas and help now and then from my friends just to list a few names Michael, Jasmine, & Nikki.
Technology: Keeping up with the latest technology can be a challenge, as it requires a large amount of resources to stay up to date. Especially when you have a website you must update your site and continue and maintain a safe space where customers can go and shop
Marketing: Developing a successful marketing strategy and executing it effectively is essential to generating new business and maintaining existing customers. It’s is always great to bring back new and old customers back to your site and support you as much as they would like.
Financing: Accessing capital and financing can be difficult, especially for small businesses and start-ups. You can start a business up with little to no money at all, you must eventually invest in your business though in order to continue.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My Background On My Life.
My Childhood
Growing up as a child in Detroit, raised by my grandparents, mother, and grandfather, was a blessing that I had while growing up. My name is Tay’Shaun Devon Lewis, and I was born on October 6th, 2006, at Harper Hutzels Women’s Hospital. And as I was growing up, I didn’t have a father figure in my life. So, since I didn’t have a father figure in my life, I looked up to my grandfather.
But here is why it’s a blessing, it’s a blessing because, without my grandparents to be in my life, my mom would have been a single parent trying to figure out how to provide for me, but she had help and support, which is a total blessing to her. I wouldn’t say I was like a bad kid growing up, but I was spoiled by my great-grandmother.
I remember one day in particular that was kinda hell for me. So, behind our house, we had the corner store Walkers, and we used to walk there to get snacks and everything. So one day in particular, I asked my grandma where we were going to walk, and she said no. So then, since she said no, I waited till she took a nap, and I walked out of the house and walked to the store. And the store ended up keeping me and calling my grandma since we were close to the owners. When my parents received the call that I was at the store, I knew I was in big trouble.
Since that day, I have never walked there by myself without an adult with me. I didn’t care if I was thirsty; you wouldn’t catch me lacking again.
So, wrapping this section off, I would even say I had a bad childhood because it was honestly good besides the up-and-down moments that I had while a child.
Growing Up
As I started to come out of being a kid a lot of things started to be different, including the living situations and school. I would say I would hate to see my mom struggle, but one thing about my mom, even though she may struggle she will always keep a roof over our head and food in our refrigerator.
And she never gets expensive or worthless things because, at the end of the day, when we die, we can’t take it to heaven with us in any way. We can’t set our lives up fending on materialistic items and things because they won’t do us any good in the long run at all.
Everyone has a different definition of struggle. My definition of struggle is when you are at your lowest financially. I heard so many people say that struggle means being poor and broke. It does it means you are just at your lowest. And that’s what I have been through. I have seen a lot in my childhood between evictions, my mom getting robbed while at the bus stop with me, car repossessions, and everything.
So, by saying that, I would never go around saying that I had the perfect childhood because 1 no one is perfect, and 2 it’s not a perfect childhood it will be like a different childhood from other kids out there.
One thing that people always think is everything is having a big house or just having a house. That’s cool and all, but some people can have houses and only have so many rooms furnished fully. One thing we as people tend to do is live above our means. Not saying it’s bad, but instead of us wanting to be known for the designer and nice cars and big houses, be known for an accomplishment or something good you’re doing, not for the new cartiers you bought.
So, at the end of the day, we as human beings on earth go through different things in life, but all of us have different stories to tell, and that’s why I’m here today to tell you my story. And for me, my family and I came a long way. Now we are blessed with the things we have currently. And it is ok to have nice things based on how much you buy.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting a business can be an intimidating process, but there is help available. Before you get started, research the type of business you are interested in and create a business plan with realistic goals. Make sure to understand the legal requirements and regulations of your industry. Utilize the resources available to you, such as small business loans, grants, and other forms of financing. Additionally, consider outsourcing non-core tasks, such as bookkeeping or payroll, to free up time and energy to focus on the growth of your business. Network with other entrepreneurs in your area, and be sure to take advantage of any available mentorship opportunities. Finally, develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to reach customers and ensure your business’s success.
Pricing:
- Selfmade Unisex White Hoodie $25.00
- Weird Asf Unisex Black T-Shirt $16.00
- Weird Asf Unisex Black Hoodie $25.00
- Selfmade Black Unisex T-Shirt $15.00
- Selfmade Unisex Black Hoodie $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://selfmadeclothingapparel.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/0fficially_tay
- Other: linktr.ee/official_typicaltay
Image Credits
Taylor S
Nadia S
Jasmine M
