1. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb 2. Prada Sunglasses 3. Trident 4. Sex in The City Keychain w keys 5. lipgloss 6. Zara Wallet 7. pRAISE sticker 8. pRAISE business card 9. iphone 10. YSL and Lions head pin
What’s your biggest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment is that I let God to lead me as an entrepreneur. He is my primary consultant with most of my day-to-day decision-making, and it brings me peace of mind. I try to conduct business using the Jesus model: leadership through love, humility, patience, compassion, and servitude. As Christians in the industry, we want to be a light to the world and the salt of the earth because that is what God has called us to do. If we allow Christ to live through us, and it shows that you can love everybody and anybody. It doesn’t mean that you agree with what they do, you can still love them.
What are three books you would recommend to our readers? The Holy Bible, A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and If You Have To Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned since launching? The biggest lesson I’ve learned since launching is BALANCE. As founder and sole owner of pRAISE, I have to wear many different hats. From designing to marketing/branding, or bookkeeping to customer service, there are many essential components to administering business and they are all equally important. I’ve learned that even though I’m not necessarily “good” at every aspect of business, I cannot afford to neglect anything. You have to schedule your priorities, not prioritize your schedule. For me, my priority is my relationship with God. If I don’t keep that first and foremost, I lose balance. I immediately feel a spiritual void and it reflects in my demeanor, which makes it that much harder to put my best foot forward. 
What’s your advice to someone interested in starting his or her own business? My advice is to make sure you have the passion for it. I recently read a quote that said, “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” This is extremely true. You will be in for a rude awakening if you go into business expecting to be an overnight success. The first years are a huge sacrifice because it takes time and money to cultivate and grow. If you don’t have the passion for what you are doing, times of struggle may be so unbearable that you will lose your will to continue. You have to love what you do and let that positive attitude transcend into every aspect of your business–from the product to customer service. Aside from that, another piece of advice I’d give is to have an eager willingness to learn. Learn HOW to conduct business and HOW much it will cost, WHAT your brand represents, WHO your brand caters to, WHY your brand is special or different from your competitors, and WHEN you can honestly dedicate the time to spearhead this new venture.
Where do you receive inspiration? I receive my inspiration from my quiet time with God, as well as everyday people and places. Many times, I receive inspiration from music and conversations. I’m always sketching or jotting down thoughts and ideas on my phone. I’m very visual and I tend to tune into my surroundings often. My mind is always racing….
If you could have one famous entrepreneur as your mentor who would it be? June Ambrose- without a doubt! I feel she is the epitome of BALANCE. She’s spiritual, family-oriented (she seems like a phenomenal mother and wife), career-driven, health conscious, and so much more. When I first discovered her and started to follow her work/Instagram posts, I was beyond inspired! She made me feel like it was possible to achieve great success in the fashion industry without compromising my faith/beliefs or integrity. She’s so real, transparent, and seems like she would be a ball to hang out with!
Do you feel your life is balanced between work life and your personal life? For the most part, it is. I love HARD, so the things that make me happy MUST be included in my life on a regular basis. I can be slightly obsessive, but it works! I love my business, my family, my boyfriend, friends, fashion, healthy food, good music, and most of all GOD! I find ways to incorporate all, if not most, every single day. 🙂
Soundbytes:
What is your most indispensable gadget: My iPhone 5.
What’s your favorite app? Instagram
What’s your favorite account to follow on Twitter: @HeatherLLove
What’s your favorite item in your closet: Picking a favorite item would be like picking a favorite child–if I had kids. If I HAD to choose: I collect lots of awesome jackets with interesting silhouettes, detailing, cool fabrics, or prints, from designer to vintage. I just scored an old school Nike varsity jacket directly from Kelis’ closet! My outfit is usually not complete without a jacket, or a hat. Don’t get me started on the hats! Haha!
To learn more about the owner of Praise Clothes LA check out her site, praiseclothingla.com. To engage with her, follow her twitter account, and to see a peak into her world, follow her on Instagram.
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