Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Relph.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Fashion has always been a part of my life, my grandmother (paternal) and mother have always had a sense of style. Therefore I was introduced to fashion early in life through them dressing me in the cutest attire. At first, fashion did not matter to me then I realized that my attire could be symbolic, expressive or simply make me feel better. Along with these realizations, I learned how to style myself in middle school which is also when I knew I wanted to own my own clothing store. The first time learning to spell and pronounce the word entrepreneur. I didn’t immediately start to work toward owning a clothing store. I went to college to pursue Secondary Education as a way to provide for myself but also fund my dreams. During this time, I studied fashion like anyone else, through people watching and magazines. I pushed the limits, wearing styles I won’t normally wear just to be creative; I hate I didn’t capture these moments. I mentally planned how my business would be and what I would sell, I also modeled for a few start-up boutiques. After being in my career a few years and putting my dream in the rear-view, I found myself unfulfilled. Like who was I beyond the classroom; as a person, what excites me! I then decided to move from my home state of Alabama to Houston, Texas.
After been in Houston for six months, I met a friend who was very strong in the Christian faith and she asked me a simple question one day while sitting in my classroom, she said, “have you ever thought about being in business?” I laughed and said, “yeah when I was younger not now”, “you should reconsider it” she finished. Later that same friend invited me to her church; I agreed to attend. During the sermon, the Apostle began to prophesied to the congregation and he came over to me. I had been raised in church so I’ve seen and heard many tales of prophecy. “Oh God”, I thought to myself as we locked eyes. “God has given you an Entrepreneur’s Grace” he stated amongst other truths. I felt so many emotions but excitement was the main thing. I rushed home and started to draft my plan because at this point, I felt it was in obedience to God’s plan for my life. Within the first part of the year I built, Redline Raiment. A clothing brand dedicated to simple yet cute everyday fashion. It isn’t yet everything that I dreamed but I know that this is just the beginning for me and it takes time to build a large audience and hit 6-figures in sales so I am just enjoying the journey. My main focus is to grow organically and build a connection with my audience at the point. Although I’ve made multiple mistakes, I realize this is a marathon and though great things take time, I will run and not faint. In the words of the late great Nipsey Hussle, “Tha marathon continues”, watch me grow!
Has it been a smooth road?
Since beginning my part-time entrepreneur journey, one of my main struggles is the simplest struggle. It is being indecisive and a perfectionist. Oftentimes I find that I overthink things and put too much detail into things that do not matter. When I get an image in my head of a look or marketing campaign, I am not satisfied until I can produce that. What I am learning is sometimes I should just allow creativity to take over and just see where it takes me. Since I am in the beginning stages of branding my business, I find myself going back and forth about the focal style. I personally do not consider myself set to one style so everything is cute, everything looks good! I want all the fashions so I can’t decide what to purchase for my inventory sometimes. Fashion is a very time aggressive industry therefore you don’t have time to think hard about a particular style.
I am learning to get out of my own way and just buy the inventory, I’ll double the money back! Another struggle for me is not being with my family and friends so I have to do a lot of heavy lifting such as modeling, photography, editing, buying, traveling by myself. Although I have had some occasional support, I am looking to build a small team like one model, a photographer and an assistant. A small team would help with another struggle that is bittersweet is the fact that I have a full-time career job that takes the majority of my time. Overall, I remain at peace because I find comfort in knowing that all obstacles come to reveal how strong we are and where we can improve. I have learned to take everything and stride. This journey has drawn me closer to God because I realize this is impossible without him.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Redline Raiment – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Redline Raiment is a clothing brand that caters to fashionable everyday style. We carry styles for every occasion from Sunday Funday to Saturday night VIP. We also carry motivational t-shirts. As a company, we are most proud of the quality of fabrics in the clothing we carry. I remember my first inventory shipment I ordered a cute dress but I hated the material, it felt so cheap! I styled it cute and got a good background for the photo then put it up on the website but I was embarrassed and scared still. So I removed them and sold the dresses to a reseller’s store! See perfectionism. What sets Redline Raiment apart is mainly the name itself but also that sprinkle of sexy, fun and confidence in our clothing. That’s how we want women to feel when they wear an outfit from us.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity in Houston the most! Through its diversity, I am able to experience different cultural foods, music, dancing and style in Houston. What I like least about our city is the large homeless population. It’s heartbreaking to see people out on the streets living in tents or under bridges. I know there are homeless shelters and donation centers but I wish there was a way to do more. I wish we would start more rehabilitation programs to get them back into society.
Pricing:
- Dresses, Sets and pants under $50
- Tops under $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.redlineraiment.com
- Email: Customerservice@redlineraiment.com
- Instagram: @Redlineraiment
- Facebook: Redline Raiment
Image Credit:
David Jackson @brooklyn.riot
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