Meet Ayesha Alston | Postal Worker & Women’s boutique owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayesha Alston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayesha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was simple. I didn’t want to work for someone else for the rest of my life. It just didn’t sit right with me. Working 40+ hours a week just to get a 15 minute break and two days off…that didn’t sit right with me. Yes, as an entrepreneur you don’t have the time in the beginning because you’re working day and night to get your business on the right track, but it’s on your time. And if you have bills, which we all do, you’re going to put in that time so that you’re business can work and provide for you. And lastly, simply put I didn’t want to seem ungrateful and miserable at a job that I know someone out there so desperately wants and needs.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My boutique name is Embody Elegance and was established in December of 2017. Although I didn’t start selling clothes until June of 2020. I had a little financial set back that held up the start in 2017 and when the pandemic hit, that threw another stopping block in my start. In retrospect the pandemic helped me. I was able to research vendors, watch helpful videos on YouTube that would assist with marketing, branding, content, target audience and customer service etc. I didn’t want to be the typical boutique where everyone is almost selling the same thing, I know that there are women out there that are looking for conservative yet sexy and classy looks and I want to cater to them as well as the everyday girl that needs something elegant to wear. I’m happy that I even got started with this business because soooo many other ideas for business ventures have sprouted out of me that I didn’t even know I had in me. I didn’t know I could be so business oriented and pretty exciting to say the least. However, it is still a learning process. You’re going to make mistakes along the way but the most important thing is NEVER GIVE UP. Study, practice, analyze and execute once you’ve reached a better understanding of your business and customers wants. Honestly speaking it’s not easy. Not at all. It takes time , patience and dedication, but in the end it is worth it. Starting this business I’ve learned that not everyone is going to support but don’t focus on those friends or family members that don’t support because there are MILLIONS of others that don’t know that WILL support. I’m just your average, regular everyday girl that had an idea that was encouraged by her mom to start a business that will start other businesses to create generational wealth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best place to go for EVERYTHING is South Beach. Best food best shopping best drinks best clubs great energy. South Beach has it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom. She honestly gave me the idea and encouraged me to start my boutique. I always wanted my own business but couldn’t put my finger on which one to start. This is the start of many other businesses to come. So I definitely have to give a shout-out to my mom.

Website: www.embodyeleganceclothing.com

Instagram: embodyelegance_

Facebook: Embody Elegance