Today we’d like to introduce you to Takesha Vaughn.
Hi Takesha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Takesha Vaughn Owner of Polished Urban Boutique. Fashion has always been my interest and is something I knew I would have a career in. Which is what I have always talked about since I was a little girl. I first fell in love with art and fashion at the age of 4 when my mom brought me a kids’ book called “Vincent’s Colors” that had such magnificent pictures and words of Vincent van Gogh paintings. From there, I started expressing myself through drawing and that led me to fashion. Whether it was playing dress up in my mom’s closet or always studying fashion in the magazines and on television. As I grew older, I continued to work towards my craft up until I graduated from high school and then attended art school for fashion design and fashion marketing management, which I earned a degree in for both.
Throughout the time I attended art school, I then birthed my brand Polished Urban all while attending school and working in retail. During that time, I created a business plan in my class and presented it to my family and friends of what I was about to do. Once I saw their reaction and how they loved my idea, I took a leap of faith and quit my job to open my boutique. I first launched the boutique online and a storefront in 2013 in the Downtown Memphis area but eventually moved to the midtown area a couple of years later. The boutique is currently still open for business and is serving all the fashion girlies one look at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road isn’t easy when being a full-time entrepreneur, but I honestly wouldn’t change anything. I faced many challenges throughout the years of being in business, but they were definitely valuable learning lessons that helped prepare me for the future. One of my biggest challenges is learning to not have to do everything on your own. Knowing that it’s OK to have help. Don’t get me wrong, I am a jack of all trades because I was taught that way, and it can help so much. But please know I wear many hats when it comes to my business. Sometimes it’s a struggle, because if you have the mentality of if you want something done, you have to do it yourself. Which is a great message, but you for sure need a team to help make sure the business runs smoothly. Luckily, I have a great support system that helps me when I need them.
We’ve been impressed with Polished Urban, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Polished Urban boutique is a brand that’ll have you making a statement without saying a word… We’re an exclusive full-service boutique located in Midtown Memphis right off of Madison Ave. We specialize in statement pieces, wardrobe styling and makeup artistry with Beauty By Polished, offering exclusive personal services. Our clothing is for the trendy fashionista women who love to show off their fashion-forward taste. Polished Urban was created to empower women globally of all shapes and sizes to be confident in themselves and who they are. Making women around the world feel good about themselves in their latest Polished fashion.
We carry beautiful casual and special occasion clothing for women, who are looking for fashionable yet chic clothing and accessories for whatever type. You can shop everything from the effortless maxi dress to the perfect LBD. One thing’s for sure you’ll be the best dressed. We specialize in wardrobe styling with exclusive personal style services with Tailored by T Nicole. Which includes a detailed style assessment that will ensure our customers are always well-dressed. Polished Urban carries apparel that can go from coffee to cocktails. It is a mixture of both Polished Urban Brand’s own designs and other brands as well. We have a variety of sizes, colors and styles to suit your needs.
Our goal is to provide each and every customer with the best customer service, making their experience with us as smooth as possible. Either way, they are guaranteed our utmost attention! We welcome you to join in on the hottest and most unique styles.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a shy girl with big dreams and an even bigger imagination. During childhood, I was naturally inclined towards creativity and artistic expression, which provided an outlet for my thoughts and feelings. I found comfort in drawing, painting, and studying the fine arts.
It was such a creative outlet that provided me with a means to articulate my thoughts and emotions, allowing me to navigate the complexities of growing up.
Personality wise, I was pretty shy at first, but once you knew me, you’d find that I had a unique sense of humor and loved making people laugh. My shyness eventually went away once I joined the school dance team and participated in chorus. These experiences were pivotal in helping me break free from my shell and cultivate a newfound confidence that has since shaped my identity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.polishedurban.com
- Instagram: Business Instagram: @polishedurban
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/polishedurban
- Other: Makeup Instagram: @beautybypolished_
