WNBA all-star Cappie Pondexter has created a venture that caters to a love of style as strong as her drive on the court.
The New York Liberty guard, with celebrity stylist Lisa Smith-Craig, launched New York-based 4 Season Style Management, a firm that provides fashion styling and image consulting as well as personal shopping for celebrities–including WNBA ballers Tammy Sutton-Brown and Ebony Hoffman–and everyday professionals.
Pondexter talked with BlackEnterprise.com about embracing the challenge of catering to a tall and athletic fashionista and how she plans to be in the business long after the last shot clock rings.
What motivated you to start your business?
I was thinking about life outside of basketball. I have a passion for fashion, as I have a passion for basketball, so [Smith-Craig] and I decided to make this company a reality. It was unique for me as an athlete to start my own styling company, and I thought it was a void that most athletes need. You want things that fit well, look good and that are in season.
How much did it cost to start up the business?
Roughly about $50,000 to $60,000. That went to expenses including operating budget, clothing and accessories for shoots, marketing materials, and the business license.
How have you built your clientele?
Celebrity peers, mingling at events or giving out business cards. People would ask about the way I dressed, and I’d tell them that I styled myself.
What business tools and resources are must-haves for you to run your business?
You definitely need a good PR person to update your Website and build awareness of your brand. Also, we have an iPad that we take with us and it’s the best thing invented. We have all the information dealing with our company on that iPad, [and use] Mobile Me [an Internet service that syncs e-mail, contacts, and calendar to your iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, and PC].
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