Interview with TV Personality/Designer Shatava Lindsey

TV Personality Shatava Lindsey is a television/celebrity designer and philanthropist who is growing her popular apparel brand and shaping the looks of today’s notable women from all walks of life.  Her clothing line, OURGLASS, offers women an empowering and uplifting selection of high-quality clothing. Shatava has also become a visible television presence, as a cast member of the critically acclaimed OWN reality show “Ready To Love” and appearing regularly on TVONE’s “Sister Circle” as a fashion segment expert.

What inspired you to start OURGLASS, and why did you want to be an entrepreneur?

Shatava: I started OURGLASS out of a true need. Before I started the brand, I would spend hours trying to find clothes to fit me because of my figure. After growing completely frustrated, I sought to create a fashion brand where women of all sizes could purchase clothing items and feel confident about their purchase. The vision of OURGLASS came about because I wanted to create my own unique brand, utilizing quality fabrics for custom wear and the need to find flattering clothing items for boutique wear that would fit a woman like no other. The name OURGLASS came from the concept of looking at every woman’s figure as their “glass,” so in essence, my glass–referring to my figure, your Glass–referring to another woman’s figure. OURGLASS refers to the figures of all women.

My journey to entrepreneurship was something I prayed for because it’s always been my dream to do what I loved. When I opened my first brick and mortar store, I was also working a full-time job. I enjoyed being at the boutique so much that I prayed to God that the job I was working would be my last job, and I would be able to work the boutique full time. It’s crazy that one month later, I was laid off from my job, and there I was, a new entrepreneur learning how to make it on my own.

What sets your clothing apart from other clothing brands?

Shatava: What’s unique about OURGLASS is that we offer a selection of custom and boutique clothing items. Overall, my brand aims at celebrating the sexy and unique makeup of a woman no matter what size. We aim to supply women of varying body types with clothing that fits to perfection. We also pride ourselves in creating a brand aimed at making a woman feel confident in her unique figure.

The OURGLASS woman is fierce and demands attention with her fashion-forward styles. She is an independent go-getter who is always seeking to dominate her field. The OURGLASS woman ranges in age but has a great deal of understanding of fashion and her overall lifestyle. She embraces her curves, loves herself, and takes every opportunity to smile because she is confident in who she is.

What are your overall goals for OURGLASS?

Shatava: My Overall Goal is the make OURGLASS a household name across the world. From clothing to accessories, I want everyone to own a piece from the brand.

How has COVID affected your business, and how did you overcome it?

Shatava: COVID has definitely affected the business. One of the main ways is the in-person, face to face interaction with each customer. Another way is the issue of finding fabrics for the custom pieces. Despite these setbacks, I have learned different ways to make the business better. In the absence of face to face interaction, I have learned to connect with my customers online through live interviews, live sales, surveys, VIP text messages, and emails. I have learned great ways to interact with fabric vendors and source samples to create my custom designs. I have also taken classes to improve my overall marketing and web presence. In all, COVID did affect my business, but it allowed me to take the proper time to improve the business overall.

What’s the most challenging part about being a business owner?

Shatava: The most challenging part is getting the word out about the brand and gaining support. Marketing is so key to business, so you have to understand marketing and how to market to your customers. You need to know who your customer is and know what they like to do. You also need to understand what they like. Once you know key traits about your customer, you can master reaching them.

What’s an item that is a must-have in one’s closet?

Shatava: A good pair of go-to Leggings. You can never go wrong with a nice pair of leggings. They can be paired with so many other unique clothing items. Leggings are definitely my go-to. Not only do we create custom leggings with OURGLASS, we also carry nice boutique styles as well.

What’s in store for you in the near future?

Shatava: I am currently finalizing my next custom collection that I will release at the top of the year. I received amazing love and support for my “Dripped in Graffiti” collection, and I am so excited about the new custom designs. I cannot wait to showcase them to the world. I am also looking to teach more about the fashion business to help girls that would love to be in the industry. It has not always been an easy road, but with great guidance, you can begin with a great foundation and understanding.

Where can people purchase your clothing?

Shatava: People can purchase the clothing on the website: www.shopourglass.com

You can also visit our social pages via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @shopourglass.

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