April, 2011: Double Diva Designs
Here is an interview I had with them…
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Q: Why did you want to become (an) entrepreneur(s)?
A: To spread awareness and encourage the practice of the concepts of self-Advocacy, self - confident, self-determination, service, and action by creating apparel that promotes these values. Shanita had a dream that one day she wanted to run her own fashion design business. I, Engelic was in her dream working beside her as her partner. That is when the business got started, and Double Diva Design was born. We been together for two years, but since we are in the L.I.T.E program which started last year in May. We been together now for three years.
Q: What have you learned from your entrepreneurship about the craft of entrepreneurialism?
A: We learned how to record, and count money. Also, we are learning how to make a business plan — it is still in the progress. We are also learning how to price our products.
Q: How is your business doing so far?
A: The business is coming good so far; we are about to make new products for the summer. Our new project is to experiment in tie-dye called diva dye. [We are] Also thinking about making flip-flops for the summer.
Q: What challenges have you faced?
A: Competition, because another company might like the design and might want to copy the same design and sell it to make a profit without our permission. That is why we make our own design so that won't happen.
Q: Do like the experience so far?
A: Yes, because this business is our baby, and we thank God that this business is finally happening. Our dream is finally coming true. This is a personal experience for Shanita, and I because we always wanted to start and run a business. We just did not know what business to run, until Shanita came up with the idea that she wanted to start, and run a fashion design business.
Q: Do you plan to continue this venture into entrepreneurialism?
A: Yes, we do want to continue because we love what we do. We want our business to be a success, and to expand.
Q: How far do you think your business could take you – i.e. what potential business opportunities do you foresee in the future?
A: would say probably ten to twenty years plus, we really don't know it all depends on how far we want the business to go. We want to hopeful have a retail store in the near future.
Q: Would you advise other people with developmental disabilities to take this risk of becoming entrepreneurs?
A: Yes, because if they want to start, and run a business like we did. All they have to do is put their mind to do it, and they will achieve it.
Q: What were some fears you had before diving into your entrepreneurship?
A: We really didn't have any fears once we got started to run our business. We just had put our heads together, and also we just put our minds together and we know that we could do it.
The URL to their website is www.icanclothing.co. They can be reached at the following e-mail address: info@icanclothing.co.