Hi Samundra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Samundra Cooper and I am the founder and designer for Cosmos And Lillies, LLC. I’ve always had a heart for fashion and received my degree in Fashion Merchandising in 2010. I became a mom the same year and decided to hold off on my dreams. However, I’ve always yearned for more, and I decided in 2017 to do what I loved. I left my job in corporate America after 12 years. I stepped out on faith or as Steve Harvey would say I “Jumped.” I began my natural hair journey in June 2012.
As the years went by, I didn’t know how to control my edges and wanted to buy cute headbands to spruce up my look between hairstyles. Honestly, the headbands at stores costed too much or were just too ugly. Deciding to project headbands as a DIY, I began making my own headbands, and what an adventure it became. I bought a used sewing machine from my mom’s bestfriend for $20 and began to teach myself how to sew. Next thing you know, I started making kimonos, ear warmers and then more. As of March 2020, I launched Cosmos and Lillies’ first online site. Everything on the website is Handmade. The best is yet to come, and I look forward to sharing my love of fashion to the world.
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?
The pandemic definitely played a part in the struggle for survival. I didn’t know if people would be interested since I had just launched. Sales did not hit the roof, some months I didn’t get one sale, some months two or three, but I knew I had to just keep going. Then school started back, and as a mother of three with two school-age children, I just knew my dream would be set aside. However, I continued to stay up late after virtual learning, cutting and sewing to make sure Cosmos and Lillies thrived.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have experience in compliance, training and customer service. I was a manager for years in corporate and believe the leadership skills I’ve gained from there and through life in general sets me apart from the rest. I am tough, but I am teachable at the same time.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
What I’ve learned during Covid-19 is that life can and will change. You must allow yourself to change with it. What you think about the changes life brings can either make you or break you. I definitely chose during this year was not to give in but to give my all.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@cosmosandlillies.com
- Website: https://cosmosandlillies.com/
- Instagram: @cosmosandlillies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosmosandlillies
- Twitter: @cosmosandlillies
- Youtube: cosmosandlillies
Image Credits
Raven Anderson
