1. Headphones 2. Burberry Wristlet 3. Toiletry Pouch 4. Altoids 5. Victoria’s Secret Lipgloss 6. iPhone 5S 7. Pen 8. Becca Songbird Blush Headphones Lipstick 9. Mally Volumizing Mascara 10. David and Goliath
What’s your biggest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment thus far would probably be moving to New York and establishing myself. My goal has always been to have a professional fashion career in New York City and I’ve done just that, and that has helped me in launching my business.
What are three books you would recommend to our readers? I read a lot of books so this is going to be tough! But my all-time favorites are The Man Who Quit Money by Mark Sundeen, It really makes you think about what you can live without and how dependent we are on money. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a book I’ve read probably 3-4 times, it’s a great refresher when you get off track. And One Simple Idea for Startups and Entrepreneurs is a great book for step by step information and it teaches you to simplify and not over complicate your ideas.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned since launching? Well this is my second business that I’ve launched and I’d say from the first business I’ve learned that it’s ok to take baby steps. Being on social media and feeling like you have world wide access can pressure you into biting off more than you can chew. Starting small gives you room to grow and adjust and make changes that don’t break the bank. In Russell Simmons’ book Do You
What’s your advice to someone interested in starting their own business? My advice to someone starting a business would be to not get distracted by what others are doing. You should know your competition and study the market but remember that God gave you your own special set of talents and gifts that can not be duplicated. Now with that being said, you have to stay true to yourself in order for that to work. Starting a business means you’re passionate about something and want to share it with others, don’t sway or bend from your passion based on what’s popular at the moment. Someone is waiting for what you have to offer.
Where do you receive inspiration? I walk around New York for inspiration. Not to be cliche’ but there are so many different people and things to see, it’s easy to get inspired if you remember to not become jaded. Also, like most I scroll Pinterest and Tumblr for hours on end.
If you could have one famous entrepreneur as your mentor who would it be? This is a funny question because I just took a class at General Assembly here in New York and I had to pitch someone and ask them for mentorship and I picked Sophia Ambrose. Clearly, this #GIRLBOSS
Do you feel your life is balanced between work life and your personal life? A few weeks ago I doing happy hours every week and sleeping in on the weekends and I don’t know if I’d call that a balanced work and personal life. I want my company to be a success and that won’t happen with a passive attitude. I’ve been very fortunate to have customers so far with little to no marketing but it’s time to kick it into gear. So at the moment I’d prefer a little less of a personal life and more accomplishments while I can afford it. Happy hour isn’t going anywhere
Soundbytes:
What is your indispensable gadget: My iPhone. Helps keep everyone and everything close.
What’s your favorite app? Google Maps. Even when you get acquainted with the city, you still need to know exactly where you’re going.
What’s your favorite account to follow on Instagram: Fav IG account would have to be @TuffMagazine they are everywhere at all times as far as pop culture is concerned.
What’s your favorite item in your closet: I’m starting a small collection of Equipment shirts and I could live in them. They’re easy to throw on and are so luxurious.
To learn more about Donyale’s company check out her site. Become social with her on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram.
