Today we’d like to introduce you to Kodi Rowden.
Hi Kodi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to share how you got started.
It was always my dream to start my own boutique. I remember being a new Houstonian, relocating from the midwest, roughly 15 years ago… and dreaming of one day having my own clothing business. Then at the top of 2020 while shopping online for an upcoming cruise, it clicked for me, it’s TIME!!! At this point, financially, I had the means, since I had been working in IT for a while, and the pleasure I found in shopping around via social media for the best deals for clothing garments was highly addictive. By May 2020, The Koko Cheri Collection Launched!
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?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Shortly after launching the business I found out my youngest son, who was 3 at the time, had autism, after undergoing a series of evaluations. I suffered from guilt because a lot of time and energy had been placed into my business, and I felt that I couldn’t juggle that with the needs of my son. It’s a continuous struggle, and I’m always second-guessing my decisions. With my sons who are now 7 and 5, I really try to manage my time and not allow the needs of the business to expand into times with my sons. I also work a 9-5 which is extremely demanding. That is probably the biggest challenge, my job allows me the lifestyle to continue to fund my business, but it requires so much of my time, that mentally I can’t be the creative and curator I hope to be. The bottom line is, I need 36 hours in a 24 hour day LOL.
More recently the changes in the economy and fast fashion (Major online retailers) making garments more affordable (at times more affordable than wholesale), has forced me to pivot my approach. It has caused me to lose money, like any business, but it has taught me to be more strategic with my marketing. I’m learning that consistency will be the key to ultimate success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Koko Cheri Collection is a women’s apparel boutique based in the Houston/Katy/Richmond area. While it’s our intent to specialize in statement pieces, we tend to offer fashions for work, date nights, church, events and so much more. Known for nice jackets and nice dresses. We offer accessories from time to time as well, sometimes even if it’s free with a purchase!
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is anytime someone takes a chance and purchases from my business! Acquiring a new customer, and converting that customer over to repeat business, is MAJOR SUCCESS. Because it means they trust you, and enjoy the garments you sell. Overall Success to me, is when I finally get to see my risks and investments bear fruit.
Another big form of success and motivation is the positive feedback I receive from friends, family, customers and even strangers, to keep going! I’m grateful for my success thus far! Launching during the Pandemic was not easy, and I’m happy to say that we’re still moving along.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopkokocheri.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopkokocheri/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopkokocheri/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopkokocheri?lang=en
Image Credits
@thegigabytes
