Mariah Middleton, owner of Preeminence boutique, has always been a friend, mentor, and inspiration to me in ways she probably doesn't even know. She's really been out here doing the damn thing!
Within the past decade, the number of small business, not to mention black-owned businesses, has flourished.
I personally know, or know of so many individuals that have created their own business and I am always trying to support rather if it's liking a post, sharing, or purchasing merchandise. Back in August 2020, one of my dear friends, Mariah, opened up her first online boutique named Preeminence.
Getting into a little background on Mariah... she grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina. While pursuing her second degree in nursing, she also waitressed. Feeling complacent, she then joined the Air Force, where we would eventually cross paths.
At the time I was 18 years old and if my math is mathing correctly, I believe she was 25... I'm not sure why, but I'm known for having friend's way older than me. Honestly, I think I just love being able to observe and learn from their mistakes... but I do know I also have an old soul at the same time too, so it's most likely a combination of both.
Mariah was like a big sister I never had... And needless to say, at 18, there was so much learning that I had to do. I remember Mariah would get so mad at me because I would do the stupidest things. I'll never forget the time when I thought I was in love with a guy that was around the age of 27 (you see the trend) and I would constantly fall for the lies and games... manipulation that is. Mariah would be so pissed at me, and I never really understood why. I thought she was overreacting most of the time and in my head remember thinking "you need to chill girl." But in hindsight, I realize she was just looking out for my best interest and really cared about me... she saw my worth before I even saw it for real... But here I was 18, young and naïve, determined to learn the hard way.
Mariah and I went our separate ways in 2018, but we have kept in touch with each other over the years. Y'all my girl be lit! I feel like every time I watched her story; she was always in a different country turning up! And then she really surprised me when she opened up her first online boutique in 2020 called Preeminence. Since then, she has single handily grown her business and has almost 1k followers.
Because she has been such an inspiration to me, I decided I wanted to interview her and ask her some questions, hoping that she may inspire other people like she has for me.
Why
did you drop out of college and join the military?
- I graduated from college, but I wanted to continue on
with my degree and go to nursing school. I maxed out my financial aid but
still got accepted into an excellent program, but couldn’t afford it. I
started waitressing to pay for it but eventually settled in to the fast
money. It didn’t bring me purpose or fulfillment. I didn’t feel like being
a server was at the end of the road. I talked to my dad, and he recommended the
military. I never even thought about joining or had the idea to join, but I went in, talked to a couple of recruiters and decided it would be the best
option. By joining the military, I could revisit nursing school if I wanted, get to travel, and be
financially secure.
What
made you want to start an online boutique?
- I’ve always wanted something I can call my own. I am
really into shoes and purses and I’ve always wanted a boutique business. I honestly was leaning more towards the hair industry, but after researching
and weighing out which one I am truly passionate in, shoes ultimately won. I eventually branched off to anklets for accessories and then lastly handbags.
- The name was super super hard not going to lie. I
wanted something different... I am a little extra, so I knew it had to be a
name that was unique and like no other. I honestly started throwing
words out there such as the first, unique, one of a kind, the best, etc... and from there I looked at synonyms for these words. I honestly never heard the word preeminence, so when
it popped up, I actually put it at the bottom of the list. Then, I went one
by one researching different ways each “name” I ran across had been used. When i got to
preeminence, I saw it had biblical meanings and referenced Colossians
1:18 and I was sold.
How
would you describe your brand?
- I would describe my brand as simple but different. I wanted the shoes and purses to be unique but not overbearing and too much. I wanted them to speak for themselves without overshadowing whatever look they are paired with. I also wanted my brand to be affordable... not just overpriced so that I can reap the benefits, but affordable so I can build that rapport and customer base that will eventually allow me to grow.
Were there any challenges starting up Preeminence?
- So many… and still some. One of my biggest challenges
was not knowing where to start. I literally had no guidance, no help, no
friends that were business owners and willing to drop gems to make it
“easier” per say. I had to learn the ins and outs of becoming a legal LLC,
getting all the proper tax information done, getting websites, and domains
etc. So ultimately, the "not knowing" and learning along the way was the
hardest challenge.
Preeminence has almost 1,000 followers, and it’s only been a little over a year… How do you advertise your business?
- My initial push was giveaways. When I first launched, I knew most of my followers from my personal page would support because they are mostly friends and family. From there, I urged them to share and spread the word. I want to say my initial launch got over 56 shares alone. My best way was Instagram and Facebook ads. I used to be heavy into dishing out more money than I was even making on ads that brought little to no engagement. I also used Facebook groups... I follow a lot of small business owners, black owned business pages, women empowerment pages, etc. I started engaging more, posting more and communicating more with folks all over, which led them to my page.
I
know you have a full-time job. How do you prioritize your online business and still have a life outside of work and Preeminence?
- I still struggle with this. I still haven't got it quite down pack with managing my time with both. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance work, the gym, and also grad school,
which I put on hold. I definitely overwhelmed myself, but I'm slowly getting
back into the groove of things... it's definitely still a shortfall, but I will
get there.
There
are often debates on social media about friends supporting friends with their
endeavors and businesses. How do you feel about that topic?
- I am the type of person who doesn't expect my friends to
support me and it’s not required. On the other hand, I believe any good friend would
support their friends' endeavors to the fullest. I'm not saying it has to be financial, but it’s nothing to repost, like, comment, pass on a business card, etc... I
have friends who like and/or comment on every post and I have some who do
not even follow my business page. They are still friends, nonetheless.
Looking back at the 25-year-old Mariah, did you ever think you would own your own business?
- Honestly, no! 25-year-old Mariah was still finding
herself and trying to determine what brought her happiness. My career in
the military was a blessing and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Starting my business has brought me so many emotions throughout the process, but
watching those website views go up, new followers, new emails inquiring
about size and fit, all the above brings so much happiness and I am proud
of what I am creating.
Where
do you see yourself and Preeminence in the next 5 years?
- In the next 5 years, I see myself possibly transitioning
to the government civilian side and having a storefront or an online
boutique with a team behind it. I want to keep growing personally and
professionally with Preeminence, so definitely not giving up on the dream.
Check out Preeminence here! Use code LOYAL for a discount on your purchase.
Follow Preeminence on Instagram!
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