The People In Your Neighborhood: Kamoyia Williamson of Maxi's Fashion

Good afternoon, my Community comrades! I hope all is well. I know we already went on a trip to Antigua, but I decided to visit it once more. Although we saw many white sandy beaches while relaxing, sipping Pina Coladas, and the food was amazing, we find another local business owner, Kamoyia Williamson. Kamoyia started her online business in September 2020. She specializes in swimwear and athletic wear. The name of her company is Maxi's Fashion and can be found on Instagram and Whatsapp Business. Here is our interview as she discusses her journey.

What would you like for people to know about your business?
I would like the audience to know that we sell cute and affordable swimsuits and athletic wear, ranging from sizes S-2XL. I must also add that the quality is excellent.

What gave you the idea or inspiration to start this business?
Since there is a limitation of going to certain places within Antigua, thankfully, the government still allowed locals to go to the beaches and hikes around the area while following safety protocols. Noticing this increase of people starting to work out and going to the beach, I decided this would be a good opportunity to invest in apparel for these activities.

What has been the biggest surprise/challenge of business ownership so far, and how did you overcome it?
A challenge/ surprise I experience so far was when I decided to expand my product line to include lashes. I later realize that this market was very saturated, causing me to pull out. I learned that it is crucial to test your market to see how customers respond and change your style, if necessary, to accommodate them.

Do you have a certain daily routine that sets you up for success? If yes, what is it?
To be honest, I don't have a certain routine. I simply go with the flow. 

How do you acquire or bring in new customers?
I mostly acquire new customers through word of mouth and using the Instagram promotional feature. I also use a local Facebook market group for advertising my products, which include over 40,000 members.

How do you balance additional responsibilities and hobbies outside of work?
I have four words for you, Sasha, IT IS A STRUGGLE! The fact that I am in medical school and the constant business inquires would often distract me from my studies. I have added automated messages on social media informing the customer that I will get back to them shortly, and for my calls, I tried to take a break and return all of them.

Where do you go when you need inspiration for something new?
When I need inspiration or something new, I view online stores like Fashion Nova, Shein, Forever 21, Amazon, Rue 21, and Adidas to see the latest trends and find unique pieces to introduce to my line. 

If you could go back in time, what's the one thing you would tell yourself about starting your business?
Do your research on the market before you invest in many things that wouldn't even sell.

What is one of the biggest lessons you've learned as a business owner?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is don't bid down your product to the point where you are not making a profit. Instead, set a price where you can still give and discount and be profitable.

That one point is now stuck with me. Know your products' worth and do not settle for less! I hope this encourages you or inspired you to share your story as well. We will love to add you to our people in the neighborhood segments, simply private message me! Until then, my friends, continue to be safe and be well!