Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Dave.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a creative person. I grew up really shy, so I kept to myself quite a bit and took an interest in art, music, photography, and writing. I started blogging a few years ago. There was something very exciting to me about blogging. I think it was the first platform that allowed me to utilize all of my hobbies/talents.
I started growing my social media accounts, and my social media traffic began to far surpass my blog traffic, so I just put my blog aside and started focusing solely on social media, particularly, Instagram. After reaching over 10k followers, I decided to become an influencer. I started reviewing stuff for companies. I would receive free items in the mail in return for a review on Instagram. With experience, I soon learned how to photograph products for companies and how to promote them in a way that would get peoples attention.
I decided to apply these skills to selling my own products. I’ve always had ideas for T-shirts, so I found a printing company in the US that had high-quality products to choose from and I officially started my business in 2017. My brand has evolved a great deal since then and continues to take shape. I’m very excited to see what the future holds.
Has it been a smooth road?
Life is difficult when you attempt to take a different path than most. You run into a lot of negativity. Lots of people hate their jobs and feel stuck where they are, so it upsets them when they meet someone who is looking for more. So, I faced a lot of criticism when I would talk about my business plans, and wanting to eventually work from home. Words are powerful and can hurt you deeply, especially when you’re already insecure.
I was just coming out of a very stressful job that gave me a major panic attack that really scared me. This business dream was the only thing I had going for me, and I had to defend it and keep the dream alive. Getting my business noticed by people was very difficult. It seemed like nobody wanted anything to do with a business that had no followers, no fans, no likes, no buzz. I was starting to take it personally. And there was and is so much competition out there. It felt so pointless even posting because nobody was seeing it. Felt like a waste of time.
But I continued, and my views started to increase, and so did my likes. Some other struggles were, having to close down my website because I couldn’t afford the monthly cost, having to switch printing companies because I didn’t like the quality of their customer service and their return policy was very strict. I want my customers to be satisfied and relieved to know that if there is anything wrong with their order, their return will be effortless. So, I had to rebuild my website and brand image a few times.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wild Trending – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Wild Trending is a small, female-owned brand with original designs for t-shirts, mugs, hoodies & more. We strive for originality. Our Instagram page has become more of a community than a fan page. Our followers are not followers but friends to laugh with. We post humorous and relatable content for millennials. We are very nostalgic for the ’90s, we are proud to be women, and we love dogs. You can expect high quality and care.
I have hand-picked the highest quality t-shirts (made in the US). We care more about quality than we do the quantity of sales. You get what you pay for. You will not be disappointed. Dedication. I work hard to keep my little business afloat by working a regular job, and I also walk dogs on the side. Every sale supports my dream, my future, creative arts, and originality.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the food in Dallas. There is a great variety of restaurants and types of food to choose from, and they are all excellent quality! You’ll have a really hard time running out of restaurants to choose from in Dallas.
The thing I like least would have to be the traffic and the crazy driving! Slow down, people. The city’s not going anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: shop.spreadshirt.com/wildtrending/
- Phone: Jtaimespace@yahoo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/wildtrending
- Facebook: facebook.com/wildtrending
- Twitter: twitter.com/wildtrending
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
