Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamaine Wilson.
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?
My journey to Ivy Grace Boutique started in 2013. I found myself constantly clearing out my closet and selling outdated items on Poshmark. There were days when my listings wouldn’t go 24 hours before they would sell. There were other times when items would go unnoticed and would take weeks to sell. In the instances where items were not sold as quickly as I wanted them to, I became creative with styling them differently. As I packaged each order, made frequent trips to the post office, and found joy in doing so, I knew then that I wanted to research how I could make this a side hustle. At the time, I was a married woman (3 years in), with two young sons (3 and 6), working full time and going to college full time. Though I had ambition, time was not on my side.
Fast forward to 2017. My husband and I purchased our second home and I gave birth to our third son. It was now time to clear out my closet, again. I took to what I knew best and what was successful in the past, Poshmark! I loaded everything I wanted to sell onto my Poshmark page. I had items from maturity clothes to five-inch heels and everything in between on my page. The styling wasn’t as great this time around seeing as though I had a newborn, 2 other children, a husband, and a new house to look after. Looking fashionable was not at the top of my priority list in that moment. I just wanted my closet cleaned and make a little extra cash in the process. While breastfeeding my newborn or pumping milk, I would browse other listing on Poshmark. One day I came across wholesale items. The pricing was a little more than I’d wanted to spend, but it sparked my interest in following my dreams of having a side business again. From there, I researched more and more every day to find out what I needed to do to start my own business. Before I knew it, my 6 weeks maturity leave was over and it was time for me to head back into work. It crushed me to leave my 6-week-old baby at a daycare facility for nine hours, or more, each day.
Day in and day out I constantly thought of ways to get more time with my family. With a bachelor’s degree in sociology, I was unsuccessful in finding work in my field of study. I started working in the banking/business industry, where I had experience. As more time went by that year, I knew I wanted a change in my career. Shortly after I graduated college, I enrolled in an alternative teaching program because I’d always wanted to be a teacher but didn’t have the time or resources to go the traditional route. The only thing I needed was to take the teaching certification exam. I finally found the courage to take it and I PASSED! Little did I know, that was the easy part. Now, I had to sell myself and land a job. I applied to all the districts in my area including, FWISD, NWISD, Eagle-Mountain Saginaw ISD, Birdville ISD, Lakeworth ISD, and Keller ISD. I uploaded my résumé to numerous job sites and even sent it directly to principals I’d been a sub for. I waited and waited to hear back. I prayed to just get an interview. I wanted to know the types of questions I may be asked. It came to a point where I considered driving over an hour and a half, one way, just to get a job teaching, a career I knew I’d love.
It wasn’t until the summer of 2018 that I would take a leap of faith and go to a hiring fair, hosted by FWISD. I’ll never forget feeling nervous and intimidated by the fact that I had no teaching experience, outside of subbing. I did a ton of research before the job fair, but there was still doubt in the back of my mind that I would not be selected for a job. The 3rd table I visited, gave me an actual interview. Unlike the first two, who led with, “What teaching experience do you have?” The third table was Eastern Hills Elementary, located on the east side of Fort Worth. The panel was very welcoming. I felt at ease while speaking with them. By the time the interview was over, I was offered my very first teaching position, 5th-grade math. I couldn’t believe it! My dreams were finally starting to come true. I couldn’t wait to call my husband and give him the good news.
Seeing as though I’m not from Fort Worth, I had no idea where Eastern Hills Elementary was located. I went home and started researching the school and the area. After reading the report card from TEA and the recent developments in the area, anxiety ran through my body. I was nervous and intimidated all over again. Though the things I read about Eastern Hills Elementary were less than satisfactory, I wouldn’t change my experience there for anything in the world! The staff and students are absolutely incredible! It felt like home. As the school year progressed, I found that I had more and more time with my family. I enjoyed my job and life was good! Don’t get me wrong, those 5th graders challenged me anytime I let my guard down.
Early 2019, I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child. My husband, our boys, and I were extremely excited. We were so ecstatic that we began making plans within weeks. Those plans included posting on social media, picking out a name, and making arrangements with rooms. About a month went by and things didn’t seem right, I called my doctor to get in for a sonogram but the office person consistently told me it was too early for a sonogram. With an out-of-state family trip coming up, I wanted to make sure everything was okay before we left. That prompted me to call around to other offices to get in for an appointment. After numerous calls, I was finally able to be seen. I was told that I was roughly 6-7 weeks along and that I should follow up with my regular OBGYN in another 6 weeks. We went on our trip like normal. Though I should’ve been happy, I felt sad the entire trip. Upon arriving back home, I discovered I was experiencing a miscarriage. I’d never been so shattered in my adulthood. This was a pain I couldn’t explain. I found myself crying nonstop. There was nothing my husband could do or say to make me feel better. He was as supportive, comforting, and kind as he always is, but nothing could take this pain away. Days went by and then weeks. I was still sad. I was at a point where I felt depressed. I had to find a way to get out of this deep dark hole. My husband, kids, and students needed me.
I found comfort in prayer. I dove into my bible, faith, and started to build/mend my relationship with God. Each day I prayed, the days began to get easier.
It was prayer in conjunction with God’s mercy and grace that I overcame depression and grieving the loss of my unborn child.
Ivy Grace Boutique is the final product of my dream of finally starting a side business and is dedicated to our 4th child! We love you and you will always be in our hearts!
The name Ivy Grace is significant because IV = the Roman numeral 4, which represents our 4th child and Grace comes from the grace of God getting me through such a humbling experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey to Ivy Grace Boutique was not a smooth road. I had to humble myself and learn several life lessons along the way.
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?
When I’m not running my boutique, you can find me in the classroom teaching 3rd-grade math and science! I’m an educator at heart, but I consider myself a lifelong learner. I’m passionate about teaching my students; I’m even more passionate about building relationships with them. I’ve learned so much, just by listening to them speak from their perspective! What they have to offer our future is beautiful and I can’t wait to see how their aspirations, inventions, and ideas unfold.
I’m most proud of the struggle I’ve grown through. Though things were tough growing up and I had to learn my own way, I wouldn’t change it for anything because those rough times made me who I am today.
What sets me apart from others is my motivation, drive, and selflessness. I love empowering others, especially women, and helping them find their purpose and joy.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family matters most to me. I would hear many people say that growing up, but I never felt a strong connection to mine so I could never relate. It wasn’t until I found the bond in my own family, my husband, and our 3 sons, that I was finally able to experience what family really feels like. I know, now, that they matter most to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: IvGraceBoutique@gmail.com
- Website: IvyGraceBoutique.net
- Instagram: Instagram.com/IvyGrace_Boutique
- Facebook: Facebook.com/IvyGraceBoutique2020
