Today we’d like to introduce you to Roshanna Augillard.
Roshanna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Fashion has always been a love of mine ever since I was a child. My mother observed this obsession for fashion and bought me a sketch pad to put my ideas on paper. I would create looks and from time to time have them made. This creative said of me comes from my mother who is a jack of all trades and lover of fashion as well. She can create anything and I over time developed that same gift. I have always been a curvy girl and had a fascination with creating looks for me that were just as classy and fashion-forward as the straight size woman. The options for plus ladies have not always been very fashionable which gave me the motivation to always look my best or create a look that mirrored my personality. Being curvy never shook my confidence and other curvy girls took notice of this and found this very inspiring. One day I was talking to my aunt about wearing a catsuit to a concert and she said, “Honey, you can wear it because you fat fine” and I asked her what does that mean? She told me you know you “fat” but you fine with it…LoL. I said oh okay well if you gone call me fat you better spell it right “PHAT” and that is when the name Phatfinefashionista AKA Phatfine was born.
Over the years, I would always get compliments and inquires about where I got my clothes from. I was approached all the time about selling my clothes and obviously over the years, I had collected many garments. So in 2017, I decided to step out on faith and try my hand at being an online boutique owner. I’ve always wanted to have my own boutique and clothing line so selling my own gently loved clothes online was my gateway into the business. The response to my new business was overwhelming and I received so much support I decided to take it a step further and add newly purchased vendor items to my closet. So on May 18, 2018 I did an official launch for Phatfine’s Closet that included a full fashion show and look book. From there on, it has been an exciting journey with ups and downs but still so rewarding and fulfilling because I am doing what I love. I still get excited when I receive new inventory and I love making my “Phatfine Cuties” feel beautiful and confident. It’s never too late and you’re never too old to follow your dreams. I’m thankful that God gave me the courage to open my business and continues to stand with me as take this journey. Without him none of this would be possible so I give him all the praise for what he has done. As always “Fashion Is Served”.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road its had a few bumps along the way. But nothing you do is going to be perfect and without hiccups. I’ve taken any challenge that I have had on this journey as a learning curve. Some of the struggles I encountered was my confidence in myself as far as being a business owner was concerned. I had to learn that everyone’s success doesn’t look the same and you have to crawl before you can walk. I had to learn to celebrate my small accomplishments and not beat myself up if my garments were not moving as fast as I hoped they would but be happy that I sold something at all. I had to learn that I am building a business (something I have never done before) and I needed to seek out help with building my business and my brand.
Phatfine’s Closet – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Phatfine’s Closet is a boutique for plus size ladies that carry trendy, classy, chic and fashionable clothing. We specialize in fashionable garments that gives my Phatfine cuties confidence to stand next to any straight size ladies with her head held high because she serving the people allof them God-given curves. I am known for my style and attention to detail and my fearlessness when it comes to fashion. I am most proud that as a company that I did it. I took the giant step and made it happen and I am helping other ladies see their full fashion potential. What sets me apart from others is that I am ME…no one can do me better than me. I don’t believe I have ever thought about setting myself apart from anyone because I am my own person. I think it just happened naturally and I believe that’s the best way for it to be. Just Be Yourself.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Obviously, I want to have a financially successful business that I can be proud of, but aside from that I want my business to be known for providing quality garments and exceptional customer service. Success is when your client leaves feeling good about their purchase and telling the next person about your business. I currently mark my success by return customers and referrals. I love hearing “my friend referred me to you” its like music to my ears. I set goals for myself every quarter and work diligently at meeting those goals to the best of my ability.
Contact Info:
- Website: phatfinefashions.storenvy.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.phatfines_closet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phatfinescloset
Image Credit:
Kelly Monique Photography
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