Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisha Simone
Hi Aisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“Yes, The last time we spoke was in 2018, and I was primarily focused on modeling and consulting for businesses and it’s been a transformative few years since then. By 2020, I was at the peak of my career as a model and influencer. I was making the most I ever had, but it also pushed me to think about what was next. I started asking myself, ‘What are Aisha’s dreams? What’s my next move?’ Modeling and Consulting were rewarding, but after a while, I noticed people were taking my ideas who had a stronger reach and following right in front of me and using me without giving me the proper credit. That’s when I knew I had to make a change. As a professional, I realized I couldn’t stay around people or businesses that weren’t valuing my contributions, especially those that weren’t even paying me. I’ve learned that people often take more than they create, and I needed to protect my work and energy. I decided to take my own advice and make changes. I’d been guiding others on how to grow their businesses, so why not apply those lessons to myself? That’s when I knew it was time to take a leap of faith and challenge myself. In 2020, It was a heavy time for the world, and many readers can understand and relate to that. That’s when I envisioned The MADE Mall, my online digital brick-and-mortar store. I launched it in 2021 with the goal of creating an online shopping mall that offered everything—luxury, home decor, fashion, and different categories—just like a physical mall. I even designed my first product, The MADE Bodysuit, and got it into production.”
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 found stores and websites that would wholesale my Bodysuits and sought out companies to sell them on their platforms. I still took on modeling gigs with new companies and started bringing my bodysuits and small items to set, as props to get them into the shoots. I was capitalizing and attending trade shows, collaborating with influencers, and working with photographers to create campaigns. But I quickly learned how competitive that space was. Things slowed down when I wasn’t posting ten times a day because I was focused on building the business. Posting daily was part of the job, but trying to compete as a part-time business owner and a one-woman team started to become overwhelming. I had to step back and regroup”.
“The regrouping process happened in August of 2022, right around my birthday. I decided to step away from social media entirely to focus on my growth and future. I invested in myself during that time—joining groups, webinars, mentorships, and listening to business and self-development audiobooks. I really focused on learning the Industry I wanted to be in. Did my best to avoid distractions, and honed in on working with passion and purpose. Then, in October 2022 while still in the learning process, I quietly re-launched my business. I didn’t do it with a big social media push or under my name but through live streaming under The MADE Mall. That’s when everything changed. It was a game-changer, a complete shift. Through live streaming, I connected directly with my audience and created a one-on-one experience, which built trust and loyalty. I focused purely on the products and ended up selling all the inventory I’d been holding for a year. I also expanded with a new department, ASM Luxuries. In just three months, I sold over 6,200 items and shipped more than 3,100 packages, all while managing everything myself. I was working 16-hour days, week after week. It was exhausting, but the direct connection with customers made it work and led to incredible results and successes”.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“The MADE Mall still offers third-party boutique items, and I’m excited to recreate some of my past designs that did well in the upcoming year. ASM Luxuries specializes in affordable pre-loved and like-new luxury goods that I curate and handpick for my Store myself. I carry a wide range of handbags, small leather goods (SLGs), jewelry, shoes, accessories, and designer clothing for women, kids, and men. All of these are from top brands like Hermès, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and more. In the future, we are looking to sell up-and-coming Designer pieces too.
The MADE Mall has expanded to TikTok in September, where I mainly stream now, as it’s one of the most popular platforms today. And, of course, I still operate on our website, themademall.com, and sell directly with our buyers through private shopping. Recently, I started accepting consignment pieces, but Im very selective. I focus on certain brands and require that the items be in top-quality condition to reflect our brand’s commitment to quality. Maintaining quality and a high standard is key, especially as we grow.
In this new phase, my mindset is to stay true to what got me here—focusing on Good Products, services, and the bigger picture. Trusting God’s plan, and keeping my energy positive and consistent. Most importantly, I’m committed to building an authentic community and staying loyal to my mission. I’ve always believed in myself, and the community, and now I’m ready to take that to the next level going into my second year. I truly believe I am my own walking business card, and that’s what’s going to make this next phase so exciting. For me, self-development is key. Your environment and the people around you can either push you forward or hold you back and I’ve learned all advice is good advice.
I’ve also learned that being authentic is what builds loyalty and trust with your customers. It’s about figuring out what works for your brand or business. Be honest with your strengths and weaknesses, and as a leader, you should never hire someone who can run your business better than you so you have to put in the work. Love yourself, love the process, and be the best version of yourself so you can create the best Business for your customers. ”
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
“Honestly, I don’t see anything as luck in Business, life yes but Business no. Whether it’s good or bad. I view everything as lessons that can help me achieve what I’ve set out to do. Going through self-development has taught me discipline in all aspects—mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. Luck runs out, but discipline and consistency don’t. Someone can hit the lottery, but if they don’t have the skills to manage that money, it’ll run out. Someone could stumble into a business opportunity through luck, but once that’s done, what’s next? For me, it’s always been about consistency. As an entrepreneur, developing the mindset and skills needed to succeed is crucial. I want to build a strong team, but before I can do that, I have to learn what it means to truly be a leader. That’s not luck—it’s about experience and educating myself, putting in the work, and staying committed to the process.”
“Yes, we’re officially heading into the second year, and I’m beyond excited. There’s a whole new direction for The MADE Mall over the next six months. We’re relocating to Florida, which will allow me to build the team and take the business beyond just live streaming. For two years, I’ve been sourcing, selling, and shipping everything myself, but now it’s time to expand and get ASM Luxuries in front of people without stopping anything I’m doing now. I’m ready for this next chapter. Thank you for having me.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheMADEmall.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aishasimoneofficial and www.instagram.com/asmluxuries
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASMLUXURIES/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/aishasimoneofficial
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@asmluxuries
