“If your mind can conceive, then you can achieve! No dream is too big!†quotes the Miami-based millennial entrepreneur and co-founder of Selfie Addict LLC, Rosalind Brown. She’s a proud and motivated mompreneur with two beautiful girls: Jada, age 8, and Jazz, age 2.
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African American millennials are moving in the marketplace at alarming rates. Some are breaking into millionaire status, while others are well on their way, by breaking barriers in the paradigms of traditional employment. We recently caught up with Rosalind to talk to her about her journey in entrepreneurship as an online fashion consultant and real estate agent.
BlackEnterprise.com: At what age did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? What or who was your inspiration?
Brown:Â Pretty much as far back as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My mom had her own beauty salon all of my life. My dad had a clothing store and lawn service. So, I guess it’s just genetic.
Tell us about your business: Selfie Addict.
Selfie Addict is about just indulging in oneself through fashion. We’re not a brand that promotes self-absorption and narcissistic nonsense, but rather healthy esteem. There’s no better love then self-love. Â And who doesn’t feel like a new woman when you put on a new outfit, new shoes and accessories. So we provide the latest in ladies fashion. The Selfie Addictâ„¢ is a one-stop shopping experience for women. We cater to women who have high standards, who are classy, fun, balanced and relevant. Selfie Addict is all about being and living in your truest authenticity.
Tell us about your new business in real estate. Why did you decide to go down this path?
It’s always been something I wanted to do but I kept putting it off, although I have a passion for beautiful homes and a love for helping people. So it only made sense to get in the field of real estate. Helping people find their dream homes and creating a lucrative stream of income for me is always a win-win.
As a millennial, what inspires you to launch out and step out in your own businesses?
For me, it’s about having the freedom; not having to clock into a 9-5. Being able to set my own hours, being available for my kids and being financially free are the major ones for me. We all know that it’s no secret that you will never become wealthy as an employee.
What are a few challenges or setbacks you had to overcome to get you where you are today?
1. Fear. Sometimes feeling like, ‘Can I really do this?’ But, I’ve realized that nothing is impossible. If they can do it, so can I!
2. Connections. Not having the right circle. Like the saying goes, ‘Your network is your net worth,’ so I have made it my mission to surround myself with like-minded individuals who have already accomplished what I am trying to accomplish, and learn as much as I can.
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3. Discovery. Constantly learning something new. I was so convinced that I knew business and I loved fashion! But everyone must remain teachable and coachable no matter what field you’re in. So I
had to buy lots of books and magazines on top of LOTS of googling in order to learn as much as I could, staying on top of trends, attending trade shows and asking a million questions to anyone that would answer.4. Balance. This took some time of getting used to. My children are my first and foremost priority and my businesses come second. Once I developed a system of what worked best for me and my family, then I began to get the hang of it.
What are some of your aspirations? Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
Aspirations. I have so many. Seriously, in the next three years with the right team and systems in place, I see Selfie Addict as a household name in online shopping and with a physical presence in at least two malls in Florida, competing with H&M and Forever 21.
What advice can you give to new millennials (age 25-35) who want to start out in business?
Build a team that believes in your dream and go for it! You have to be
consistent. I read somewhere that if you keep working diligently at something, at some point it has no choice but to give in. Nothing beats a failure but a try. And there is nothing wrong with being afraid. If your dreams don’t scare you, then they aren’t big enough!What’s new or next with you and/or your business?
This year, Selfie Addict will be expanding to shoes, accessories, and having our first annual fashion show. My next goal is write a book about my journey that will inspire others to chase their dreams!
You can contact Rosalind via email at rbrown@selfieaddictshop.com and follow her on Instagram and on Facebook.
Roz A. Gee (@RozAGee) is an event speaker, media contributor and consultant, and CEO of The Rated Gee Agency with core service sectors in media relations, brand readiness and speaking/training. She has masterfully mixed over 20 years of cumulative experience and has worked professionally for industry titans such as General Electric, AT&T, AOL, IBM, and Northrop Grumman. Schedule a complimentary analysis at www.MediaMatchMaven.com. You can find Roz on Twitter: @RozAGee and Facebook: TheRatedGeeAgency.