“Over time I began to think I can do this for ME & not the company”

Apr 7, 2018
3 min read

If you follow me on social media you have seen me advertise an exclusive interview I did with a personal stylist. I’ve known @DevanMakai (On Instagram) for a few years and from the moment I met her I knew she her drive was unmatched. Besides that you can tell she has an eye for fashion, so I definitely think she’s pursuing the right industry! I decided to do an interview with her because in my running a business is hard regardless of what you do but selling a product is much easier then selling a service. It’s very hard getting your name out there and getting people to truly trust you as a professional. Devan is very consistent on her social media and I’ve watched dedicated she’s been. I was so happy when she actually agreed to let me feature her on my blog! But let’s get into this interview she had great answers to my questions and even encouraged me as a entrepreneur, so thank you Devan!!!

Name : StyledbyDevanMakai

Business: Fashion Stylist I have been in Mens fashion for over 7 years as the Occasion Formalwear Manager at the Mens Wearhouse. I really enjoy helping transform people outer appearance the journey they go on and seeing how their confidence, attitude, and entire presence changes is such a good feeling! People feel good when they look good. I was asked by multiple clients and regulars of mine to do styling for them. Over time I began to think I can do this and do it for ME not a company. The passion was always there but the idea had sparked from there.

Have you always aspired to be an entrepreneur?

Always ! I have always been a leader, very dominant, a boss lol honestly. I think it has a lot to do with my childhood and how I grew up. I am used to being in control and in charge of what is happening around me. I’ve aspired to be an entrepreneur because you are in control of YOUR OWN business!

What challenges have you faced since starting your own business?

I’ve had a few! First would be my TIME. Working full time in retail and being a manager, then being a young mother of a one year old can all be challenging... but when you add having your own business in the mix, it gets even more difficult. Due to my lack of availability it has caused me to miss out on some business opportunities, working with clients, and being present at social networking events along with fashion shows.

Next would be gaining the TRUE RESPECT of the millennium crowd. It is difficult for young people to respect your time and your service(s).

Being a manager at the Mens Wearhouse has caused conflicting situations. Customers that turn into my clients come back to my job wanting to me to style them while I’m on the clock. That is extremely inappropriate and it has been difficult to balance my business with my job.

What is your goal for your business within the next year?

I have so many!! However, my ultimate goal is to simply expand MY BRAND. I am looking to be recognized by those who can and are willing to help take me to the next level. I want to prove to MYSELF I can really do this. A lot of people start but do they finish ? This year is not about making profit ... it is about making the necessary moves to put myself in the position to make profit for my future business.

Do you have any regrets or anything you could have done differently with starting your own business?

No regrets. All lessons learned

If you we’re invited to speak to aspiring entrepreneurs what is three pieces of advice you believe would help them on their journey?

1) Before you succeed you WILL fail 2) Don’t be afraid to fail 3) Remember in anything you do hard work beats talent ... Stay busy ... Stay consistent ... stay focused Thank you !