Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Green.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started in 2018, I lost my grandmother that year in January. I just felt very disappointed that she didn’t get to see me doing anything great or see me at the potential that I knew one day I will be. I always wanted to have my own clothing line, as a young girl I use to draw outfits. I started to research vendors and others who was in the category I was trying to get into. I also knew a school friend, Zaire Sims. She made my 1st clothing line with me. But I use to pick up my order and seen how tired she was. I asked did she need any help, if so, I’m here. So, I helped her and by watching her I was like I can do this myself. So genuinely she helped me but I’m also a quick learner so watching her was enough. But Zaire I thank you. I’m also a single mother of 3 with no help am to start off I had a great support Jaylon Roberts, who invested in me. I had my 1st photoshoot March 2018. I tried to drop a line after that it was going pretty well. But entrepreneurship is expensive, lol. I was coming out of pocket, so I still needed to work. I meet Travis Davis, I don’t know exactly when though, lol. But I use to run errands for him every now and then and he would pay me. He tried to get me to work in his shoe store but I know zero about Jordan’s or any other shoe that’s not a heel for that matter. So, I couldn’t do that. So then Travis started assigning me his projects. He would make his own clothing line “DFW SHOE PLUG” and others as well. So that’s how I got started in customized shirts. I love making shirts. I love to see people happy in them. You know clothes make you feel good and I’m so happy to help with that. And I really never knew till now all the occasions a shirt is needed to be made. Shirts are statements and I’m happy to help anyone get their statement across. I make shirts for literally everything. Birthday Parties, Church events, Business shirts, Logo Shirts, any sports-related shirts to support a team or team practice shirts, Holiday shirts, and all random customized shirts anyone would like to have. And I love what I do so much and I’m so appreciative of the people that have supported me it means so much.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say there are 3 struggles. Financial, Motivational, and Patience. Being an entrepreneur, it takes a while to see your profit. It’s hard not to mix your day-to-day personal budge with your business budget. You really have to be discipline and determined to get it together and stay focus.
Sometimes you lose motivation or you get bored. I always say don’t rush anything let it come naturally. Cause if you rush it won’t be how you exactly want it. If you take your time, you catch all the details. And DETAILS MATTER. So, my advice is to always step back from a frustrating moment. Relax, meditate, pray and just regroup. Don’t do anything head 1st without a clear mind.
And PATIENCE. Whew, sometimes being a business owner, you are the customer service, lol. And people will talk to you how they want to if they feel. Treat every conversation with grace. Soft tone, stone heart. Meaning continue to treat a customer well no matter what’s going on but remember your work is the prize and you can always refuse service. Respect the customer but also respect yourself. Stay professional at all times and let the situation be; don’t let it linger to the next. I haven’t had many of those moments but that’s definitely my advice lol.
We’ve been impressed with LaMarie Connections, 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?
My business is LaMarie Connections. I’m in the process of looking for a suite or storefront. It’s not very easy because of Covid but I won’t give up. I specialize in custom clothing but I’m looking forward to dropping my workout/swimsuit line Goal Diggers and my Clothing Line Manifest Goddess. I’m known as the DfwShirtPlug because I have customers really all over the DFW. I really can’t say what sets me apart from others ‘cause I just focus on my business and try to treat my customers how I would want to be treated if I was on the other side. I just want everyone to know is I put apt of love into what I do. I don’t just do it ‘cause I need my bills paid. I really enjoy what I do. And I hope that’s the energy they get from me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’m a mentor. So, if anyone would like or need one, they can definitely reach out to me. But mentors really come in your life when you’re really in need of one. I would say find someone that’s always trying to put you in a position to win and that could be your possible mentor. You know every time you call, they give you great advice or placing you in a direction to be great. That’s it. That’s what Travis Davis is to me and I respect him and love him so much for everything he has said to me. The people/business he has sent to me. Forever grateful for him. Networking, I’m not a great networker, lol. But I would say don’t pass on it always give an event or situation a chance ‘cause you never know. What has worked well for me is my great customer service. I treat my babies good and they bring new babies. So, I just try to continue the way I run my business is with respect and courtesy.
Pricing:
- Customized Adult Shirts $25
- Customized Kid Shirts $15
- Logo Orders $15 Front&Back $20
- Birthday Shirts are free if ordered w/2 shirts
- Hoodies $35
Contact Info:
- Email: LaMarieConnections@Gmail.Com
- Website: www.LaMarieConnections.Com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lamarie_connections
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaGreen24
