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What's up MLE Fam...
We're about to bring you another HOT interview with someone the ladies will DEFINITELY Love. Fellas, pay attention. You're going to want to write down all the contact info when it's all said and read... whether you're in the dog house, trying to get up and close or just because - we got what you need. Shiny things have their place. Spring is ALWAYS about new fashions and style, so who else but MLE brings it like this. Let's go ahead and get right N2IT.
I'm sitting here with another entrepreneur, wife, mother and Memphian. She's just a sista doing things and making it happen. Let's welcome in Mrs. Elizabeth Merriwether.
MLE: First of all, I want to thank you for taking time out of your very busy schedule to sit down with Memphis Live! Entertainment... When you agreed to do the interview, I was like – I need to be sure my style game is on point. I mean, since you're in the fashion industry and all. So what is it that you do and how did you get started?
EM: James, I really appreciate you having me here. And as far as knowing fashion…. Your gear is always tight every time I see you!
I am the owner of Always N2U Designs & we provide the best in quality & style of handbags, jewelry & accessories for women. One of the key features to our business is our desire to locate unique pieces to add to our inventory. Most women don’t want the woman on the pew next to her to have the same jewelry or handbag that she’s carrying. Also, James, we have clients that call for me to be their personal shopper. They may have special events to attend, but they don’t have that ‘just right’ accessory for their dress or suit. They contact us to find out if we have a handbag or earrings in inventory that would pull everything together. If we don’t, they can feel confident that we’ll find what they need. For example, I have a young lady that I’m working with now that’s getting married in Italy & I’m working on the accessories for her special day.
MLE:I try to make sure I represent. LOL! Ok, that's real personal with the clients. Now I like the name – Always N2U Designs. Explain that for us.
EM: Well, James. I’m not for sure if you’ve ever gone into a store to make a purchase & the salesperson was into themselves & wasn’t into your choices. You’d say that your favorite color is blue, but they’re trying to show you all of the ties that are green. You’d say that you like polka dots, but they’re showing you stripes. I don’t know what that sounds like to you, but it definitely doesn’t sound like they’re into you. Always N2U Designs listens to what our clients are looking for & we strive to have that in inventory or have the ability to locate unique pieces for them.
MLE: I see that your stuff is HOT! Every time I see you, I notice your earrings... as well as your other jewelry. So I guess in this case, it is good business to “get high off your own supply”. Now the handbag you have is nice, like supa-nice. Is that one of your pieces as well? What material is that?
EM: Yeah, this is one of our pieces. My husband & I are going out for a little jazz & dancing, so I brought a wristlet out for tonight. This one is silk with all of the detailing across the top as you see. Normally, I would carry a larger handbag.
MLE:So you don't just do jewelry I see. What type of items do you carry or offer? Go ahead and give us the rundown.
EM: We carry, of course, handbags, jewelry, cosmetic bags, caps, scarves & shoes. Actually, for the winter we had a pair of boots that knocked you off of your feet. I had several clients that called and were really pleased with the compliments that they received on their boots.
MLE: Now, let's keep it real. Are your pieces in your line expensive. It's totally cool if you say “Hell Yeah!”. So what would be an example of your opening price points?
EM: In my opinion, we are very reasonable. What I attempt to do is put myself in my clients mindset if I was buying for me. Our merchandise fits into everybody’s budget. Our rings usually are priced between $10.00 – $20.00 & our handbags start @ $40.00. I’m sure you’d agree that those are some pretty good prices.
MLE: That is affordable... unless you just cheap! People are probably going to be hitting you up, right about NOW! ...So you are a BIG part of a woman's wardrobe, huh? They say the accessories are what makes the difference. Is that true?
EM: So, at this time James, I’ll have to say, “Yeah!” And the reason that I say that is because you can have a basic dress & add some knock out accessories & your look is just as you imagined.
MLE: What's your favorite accessory?
EM: I am a very big fan of rings. Not small rings, but as big as you can get them. Anyone that knows me would agree that the wildest ring is a must have in my wardrobe.
MLE:Ok, we know you got the style game down pat + it looks like the business side is rolling along on point. What do you feel are some of the challenges, being a small business?
EM: I believe one of our challenges starting out was identifying where to start. You have all of these different ideas, but don’t know in which direction to go with them. I’m a person that knows how to listen, so what we did was get with successful people who are in the business that we’re in & take down points from them. You know how I am…. question after question after question. (laughing) It’s my philosophy that if people are where I’m trying to go why not go & receive advice on how they got to that place.
MLE:That is so true. There's nothing wrong with being a student of your industry. PSA statement right here - “PEOPLE DON'T THINK OTHERS ARE A THREAT OR COMPETING WITH YOU – NETWORK & BE OPEN TO SHARING”. THANK YOU. NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULE PROGRAM. You do a lot of marketing for your business, which is GREAT! That's one area I see a lot of small businesses miss it. You can be great at something and have the best product, but if no one knows about it or sees it – then what. When you started your business, did you include a marketing and advertising strategy?
EM: Yes, we had marketing & advertising listed, but I don’t believe we focused enough on it. But, oh! Look out because now we see the value in it & have allocated more money to that area to increase business.
MLE: AWESOME! As business owners, we are always learning and always evolving... at least we should be. One thing I really appreciate about you, you're ALWAYS professional. Everything you do seems to be in order. From meeting activities, your look and image, how you articulate, the way your line is always presented. Did that come natural for you?
EM: Well, I attempt to take on every task by analyzing how I can start & finish successfully. I believe in setting goals & not wasting time on activities that don’t either enhance my family or business life.
MLE: Yeah, family comes first. Let me give a BIG shout out to your husband, your side-kick, your sweet thang. LOL! I see he's very supportive of your business, well really your family business. Now there's a really good buzz going around about an event you're having. Want to tell those (who not in the know) what it is you have going on?
EM: We are having our 1st Fashion Explosion for the spring/summer. I’m so excited because we’re going to feature some new lines that I know everyone will love! This is not just a fashion show or a fashion event, but a FASHION EXPLOSION!
MLE: Ka-boom! The Fashion Explosion? Now that sounds tight! Now when and where? Give us the details on what people can expect?
EM: We’ll be at the O Club THIS SUNDAY, May 23rd from 4 – 7. We’ll have the merchandise modeled, but not only modeled, the boutique will be opened for all to make purchases. In addition, we’ll have merchandise giveaways & a special surprise element toward the end of the show. Folks will have to be in attendance to experience the surprise!!!
MLE: Cool. Are there advance tickets? Can they pay at the door?
EM: Yes, the advance tickets are 5.00 & can be used toward purchases the night of the event. And the door price is 8.00.
MLE: Only $5? That goes towards a purchase? Oh, the ladies are going to be loving you! Well, Memphis Live! will be on the scene... camera in hand. A BIG Shout out to Hubert Spight – Official MLE Photographer. Now before you go, we know you have to get back to your grind... how can people see your line and collection besides at the Fashion Explosion?
EM: They can go to our website – www.alwaysn2udesigns.biz We update the site each month with new merchandise. Also, we have a place where folks can register because we often give incentives to those clients that are registered on the site.
MLE: Oh yeah... your site is not only a good look, it's very informative. You have a whole team, don't you? What you got – Personal Assistant, IT Department, Publicist? Your stuff just be on point! Who all is on the Always N2U Designs train?
EM: LOL!!! Yeah, we have a whole team which consists of my husband & I. LOL!!! Rodney is very good with organizing, planning ahead & keeping us on track. But, for special events like the Fashion Explosion we did hire a small team to assist us. (laughing)
MLE: Rodney, make her tell the truth, YOU really the one with all the fashion & style game, right? LOL! It's good to see this husband and wife team. Now if someone wants to contact you, what's the best way to do so? We know you have the website, but are you on Facebook, Twitter or other social media? Go ahead and give them your contact number as well.
EM: Yes, I am on Facebook regularly. I’m listed under Elizabeth Dorse-Merriwether. Pretty soon I’ll be transitioning Always N2U Designs with its’ own page. Also, I can always be reached on my cell @ 901.857.9210 or feel free to email me @ alwaysn2udesigns@aol.com. I tend to respond quickly to an email with my handy blackberry. ?
MLE: Ok, now we need to be sending “Blackberry” a bill for that advertising plug. Before you go, is there anything else you would like to share with the MLE Fam and Guests?
EM: Yes, I would just like to encourage anyone that’s reading this interview to go after your dreams. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit & always wanted my own business. When I started Always N2U Designs I had many folks that attempted to steal or snuff out my dream. But deep inside I knew that this was MY dream & I have to stay focus to cultivate it. I wake up with 3 words everyday…. Pray, plan & focus.
MLE: Well, Mrs. Elizabeth Dorse-Merriwether, head of Always N2U Designs, I want to thank you again for allowing MLE to catch up with you. Keep doing what you do. We'll definitely see you on May 23rd at The Fashion Explosion!
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