Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiera Hawkins.
Hi Tiera, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is a bit unique. In 2019, I relocated back to Memphis from Nashville after being gone from Memphis for over 10 years. I didn’t know that upon moving back, I would have such a hard time finding employment. Even with a Master’s degree, it was extremely hard. I applied at Walmart, Krogers, and even gas stations but was told I was overqualified. Therefore, with time ticking and being a single mother of a 2-year-old at the time, I knew I had to quickly map out a plan.
I spent countless hours working through Uber eats to earn money just to stay afloat. By this time, I was homeless but yet still believed that there had to be a breakthrough with my name on it. I remember scrolling through Facebook one day and saw a friend post a status stating she was looking for a business partner. I’ve always been good at selling whatever I put my hands on so I decided to call her. Needless to say, she declined but instantly the urge for me to sell items was uncontrollable. I took my last $200.00 and invested in 6 purses and 6 pairs of women’s slides after staying up over a week researching platforms to use and found Alibaba. Even then my desire wasn’t to open a business but to make enough money to get back on my feet.
After 6 months of selling purses, shoes, jewelry, and clothes, I finally prayed and God gave me the name She’z Clazze and walked me through the proper way to legalize my business.
She’z Clazze Boutique was created June of 2020. She’z Clazze is a soon to be global brand that is currently known for our custom mommy & me hair bonnets, custom apparel and luxury sets. You can find my She’z Clazze Mommy & Me hair bonnets at April’s Beauty Supply located at 1413 Goodman Rd W,Hornlake, MS 38637 and B & B Beauty Supply located at 4665 Knight Arnold Rd 38118.
In addition, I opened Simple Life Transformations June of 2022. Simple Life Transformations was created to provide Life & Business Coaching, Motivational Speaking and Event Hosting. I saw a gap within the entrepreneurial sector. Youth as well as adults often have a burning desire to become entrepreneurs but lack either the knowledge of resources available or the mindset transformation required. I host yearly events for entrepreneurs based around bartering. We are building a community aimed to take both networking and entrepreneurship to a new level.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life as an entrepreneur has been a hard road. When I first started my business I had no clue of what I was doing. I spent over 10k within the first 2 years only to have made little to no profit and I am still stuck with inventory from 3 years ago. (Lol).
It wasn’t until I hired a business coach that I found out I had to change my mindset and build a relationship with money. So for all the individuals who are considering starting a business first you must understand the difference between hustling and operating a fully structured, profitable business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Aside from my businesses I also have a career. I have been in the Human Services field for over 15 years. Currently, I work for a non-profit whose mission is to help students graduate by providing resources such as rent/light bill assistance, college tours, financial incentives, and more.
My role is the Support Services Manager. I work alongside the Director in making sure all funds spent are accounted for through systems I’ve created. I am known for my ability to connect people to resources. I am most proud of the fact that I am blessed with the ability and passion to serve others regardless of the capacity.
The fact that I can meet people where they are sets me apart from others. Rather I am going into the hood or meeting Executives at Char Restaurant to discuss a business proposition my character never changes.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me the most is building generational wealth.
This matters the most because I am a single mother of two girls ages 3 and 6 and I refuse to leave this earth without knowing they are financially secure, debt-free, and can live life according to their desires.
Contact Info:
- Website: shezclazze.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shezclazze?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092328972235&mibextid=LQQJ4d
