Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemberley Portis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a little girl, I absolutely loved fashion, and most all of my friends considered me fashionable. I have a knack for putting together outfit ideas before trends start. At that time, I didn’t know what I was doing is called “Forecasting” styles. As a little girl, I tried my best not to ruin my hair (ponytails/braids with beads) or clothes on the playground. I often asked my mom for lip gloss and Baby Love So Soft body spritzer to be sure I smelled good. As I grew older, all of my friends would call me and ask for my opinion on outfits. I was the go to person to choose an outfit for a quick trip to the mall, a concert, a first date, and even weekend events. As a teenager, I watched music videos and read every fashion magazine I could get my hands on. I didn’t understand the depth of my passion for fashion until my husband’s job relocated our family to Texas and I immediately became a stay-at-home mom after leaving a 13-year career as a School Social Worker. This time of transition allowed me time to concentrate on how I had developed as a woman. I was able to think about who I was, who I had become, and what I love: fashion! After a few months in Texas, I realized I was given the perfect opportunity to follow my dreams. I started to research legal information on starting a business, social media pros and cons, marketing tools, websites, etc. Next, I took a leap of faith and dove into this beautiful journey of being a mompreneur.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road was definitely not smooth. Because I started my business in a state that wasn’t my home state, I had to learn the Texas landscape, create networking opportunities, and make connections to help me get started. Also, I had to figure out how to capitalize my dollars for multiple purposes. I had to market, purchase, and network with my start up budget. As I was learning the landscape and making connections, my father passed away after a sudden illness. I was devastated and had to use his love for me to power me through wanting to give up.
To other women that are starting their journey of being a BOSS, I offer the advice of ignoring naysayers. I would tell a budding entrepreneur to trust themselves, believe in themselves, celebrate your business and be proud of your hard work and determination, set goals and execute them. Also, once you begin your journey, stay prepared with business cards and share information about your business with others every where you go.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Suddenly Forty – what should we know?
I have a target audience of women approaching forty, but I believe that my website has clothing for women of all ages and from every walk of life.
Suddenly Forty seeks to provide merchandise for women who consider themselves Chic and Confident. As women age, there is still the desire to be sexy and edgy while still expressing sophistication. Suddenly Forty meets that goal.
As a brand, I am most proud of The Suddenly Forty website and how it’s mission and vision is able to meet the needs of most adult women. I believe the website offers options for women who want to be comfortable and chic while running errands, having a glass of wine, connecting with girlfriends, or enjoying a night out on the town. Suddenly Forty offers quality, affordable clothing that compliments women of all shapes and sizes.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Yes, I do feel like my childhood experiences played a major role in my success. The best life experiences are the ones you are learning from and unaware of those lessons. I never thought my love for fashion derived from watching television and observing stylish family members. One of my first fashion inspirations is my mother. As far back as I can remember I saw her wearing the hottest business suits with the perfect heels. She wore pinstripes, pencil skirts, tweed, and fashionable scarves. Her weekend attire was more relaxed but still highly fashionable while we ran errands to ballet practice, tennis practice, the beauty salon, and the skating rink. Although she referred to her weekend attire as her “bum around clothes” they were still very cosmopolitan to me!
I also had a few celebrities that I admired. Felicia Rashad- Watching her on the “Cosby Show” was nothing short of amazing. Her wardrobe went from chic football attire, silk blouses, to sequins gowns. Watching how the cast wardrobe spoke to the personality of the characters they played intensified my interest in fashion even more.
As I got older, I discovered Carrie Bradshaw on the sitcom “Sex in the City”. Her bold and confident style to mix and match non-traditional pieces, her love for wearing statement pieces encouraged me to dress how I felt and not to be obligated to conform to the norm. In hindsight, some of those experiences plus several others help shape and mold Suddenly Forty’s mission and vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.suddenlyfortyllc.com
- Email: suddenlyforty@gmail.com
- Instagram: @suddenlyforty
- Facebook: @suddenlyllc
Image Credit:
@justjtaylor, @Jeremyshelby, @tracyripsin, @alikaray, @andrea_lady_a, @madelynbrene, @suddenlyforty, @m_mdl, mac cosmetics @ Nordstrom, @hairbyskyp
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