Today we’d like to introduce you to Shasta Smith.
Hi Shasta, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Shasta Smith, I’m 36. I’m a mother of two amazing kids and three Pomeranians. A few years ago, I became very sick. After some surgery’s, countless days in the hospital it was determined I had lupus and my organs had been affected. We later learned my stomach was actually paralyzed. I was so sick I was unable to work at the job I had. That’s when I got to thinking I’m going to work for myself. I first started FYAB (Follow Your Arrow Boutique) back in 2018 and I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I wanted to make great shirts while having a positive impact. I knew nothing about the business, but I was determined and eager to learn. I spent countless hours researching trends, learning to use machines and different techniques all while experiencing lots of trial and error. Once I got the hang of things I started @ShopFYAB a group on Facebook. That group has been my saving grace. It’s created so many friendships and helped my community by being able to give back around the holidays, all while empowering women. Mid 2019, I decided to test the waters with offering wholesale to boutiques around the United States. Quickly it became a new love. Again, I didn’t know much but I was determined. By the beginning of 2020, I had 11 contracted wholesale accounts. Fast forward to January 2021, I signed my 20th boutique.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has been every bit of trying, but never once did I ever think about giving up. Being a one woman show in business, a single Mom battling health issues was a struggle on its own. Then coming into a field I knew nothing about has been a roller coaster ride.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
FYAB, short for Follow Your Arrow Boutique. We specialize in graphic tees. I believe what sets my brand apart is the love and story behind it. From start to finish it’s me! Just a regular woman that was determined to create something with meaning that I could be proud of. That my kids could be proud of me for!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
In this business, you learn to appreciate the losses just as much as the wins. I’ve honestly been so grateful for the lows they showed me what I was truly made of, and pushed me harder daily. In business there’s no shortcuts and that’s often where people fail . They only see the end result , so they feel as if they can skip the hard steps. You can’t.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Shopfyab
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/228059054345401/
Image Credits
Jess Dani Photography
