Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Hunter.
Hi Ebony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I tell everyone I came out of the womb wanting to be an entrepreneur, haha but I’ve always had the desire to create and ultimately work for myself. I graduated from FSU in 2015 and during that time I recognized my true passion for fashion, design, and other creative industries. Once I graduated, I had no game plan outside of wanting to start my own business but as we all know businesses need money and a plan which I had neither. I started working part-time at Old Navy and eventually became in charge of merchandising the women’s department which was SO fun, dressing the mannequins and creating an overall vibe for customers was something I looked forward to. While I was there, I started my first business where I sold graphic tees. I would design them myself or bring my ideas to a friend of mine who was a graphic designer and she would bring my ideas to life. That was fun for a while but I still started it with no plan and it eventually fell off.
Flash forward to 2018, I still wanted to start my dream boutique but was taking it slow and allowing ideas to “flow” more naturally. One weekend I was going out with some friends and had nothing to wear so I ended up at the mall and came across these grey, glittery shorts! I’m a thick girl so I was wary of even trying them on but was so excited to see that they actually fit! I went out, felt so confident, and had the best night ever! Right after that, I knew that my brand would revolve around clothing that made women of different shapes and sizes feel good, especially in the age where a lot of brands out there cater to one specific body type. I moved silently, did lots of heavy Youtube research, and then of course the pandemic started but I kept going and launched my brand! I started with graphic tees and ended up having a 4 figure launch! Since then, I’ve continued to evolve my brand with my goal to serve others and make a difference in mind.
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?
Where do I begin?! I’ve learned that entrepreneurship truly ain’t for the faint of heart! My launch spoiled me in a sense, having so many orders come in at once was new, exciting, and fun. It was easy for me to forget that it won’t always be like that and I’ll have to pivot and learn constantly until I know what consistently works. The comparison game is something I still struggle with, I see so many others in the boutique world showing their Shopify screenshots and packages all over the floor and easily get caught up. Reminding myself of my “why” and that my journey is unique to me is something I do frequently. Successful entrepreneurship most definitely begins with a success-oriented mindset even when your physical reality isn’t showing “success”. It’s been more vital than ever for me to define my own successes big and small and celebrate them so I can keep it pushing!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Eb and Flo Boutique?
Eb and Flo Boutique is the online destination for comfortable and trendy women’s clothing. I handpick each piece of merchandise that comes in to make sure that it’s on-trend while still being high-quality and comfortable. More often than not, I’ve shopped online at “trendy stores” only to receive the items and hate how I look in them. Women come in many shapes and sizes and it was important for me to shop for them with that notion in mind. Confidence truly is a superpower and when you look good, you feel good and do good. So many of my customers are still rocking styles that dropped when Eb and Flo first launched last year! The items still look the same and it amazes me how many different outfits I’ve seen certain customers create with one piece. The goal has always been beyond making money, I want to see my ladies show up and show out!
What’s next?
Since Eb and Flo’s launched, I’ve started working with a coach (Jance Chartae) whose Youtube videos helped me TREMENDOUSLY with my launch. I’ve learned so much from her as well as the boutique family she’s created so I’m excited to continue learning and putting that knowledge into continuing to grow my brand and creating that “fun, feel-good” shopping experience that I’ve always wanted it to be. At this exact moment, I’m in the throes of planning for 2022, building collections (my favorite!), picking out inventory, niching down my audience, setting goals, and ultimately getting down to the nitty-gritty of the mark I want to make is how I’m wrapping up 2021.
Contact Info:
- Email: hey.ebonyhunter@gmail.com or support@shopebandflo.com
- Website: https://shopebandflo.com/
- Instagram: @_ebonyhunter
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_ebonyhunter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EbonyHunter
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theebonyhunter
