Meet Aarion Williams | Owner of Rarely Dressed

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aarion Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aarion, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is my why. There are plenty of online clothing boutiques out there nowadays, but my mission is what sets me apart. My brand is dedicated to busy women, like me, who don’t always have time or feel like getting dressed up everyday. Majority of the time, we just want something cute but comfy to complete our daily tasks. There are so many ladies who can relate to this, so they purchase from my store just off the strength of what Rarely Dressed stands for.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I had dreamed to launching my own business for quite sometime, but I would start several things and stop. At one point, I was an aspiring hairstylist, I made bows, and even waistbeads. Nothing stuck because I didn’t give it my all.
In 2021, my 9 year old son wanted to start a gaming clothing line, so my husband and I decided to invest in his idea. We purchased a Cricut machine and I learned how to design t-shirts for his brand. Though his business didn’t last long, it was the foundation of Rarely Dressed.

In the beginning of 2022, it was time for us to decide on some new things to invest in for the new year. Since I already knew how to make t-shirts, I thought about selling t-shirts with leggings for women on the go. I really connected with this idea because it was so me. On the other hand, I struggled with coming up with the right name. Literally, in the middle of the night, Rarely Dressed came to me. This is when the t-shirt and leggings idea evolved into a full comfy clothing boutique.

Over time, my business has taught me a lot but the most important lesson was to be confident and get out of my comfort zone. I am a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a natural homebody, so my lifestyle caused me to kind of put myself into a bubble. I just wanted to work, be home with my family, and be withdrawn from the world. Theoretical, this may seem like the way to go, but this mindset definitely had it’s pros and cons. In addition, when came to posting myself on social media, I would find every flaw imaginable in my photos and end up not to posting anything. As a young girl, I use to be so carefree and it was time to get back to my roots. Therefore, when I started my business, I decided to put myself out there and be the face of my brand. This decision really helped pull me out of my shell.

Starting a business with no guidance in this industry has been eventful, to say the least. There has been a lot of trial and error but I’m proud of how far I have come. I got the opportunity to participate in 3 vendor events this summer and had much success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I would take them to E320 Nutrition and Energy for a Lit Tea in Arlington. Then, we would head over to McGurder Fitness Gym in Mansfield for a good workout with MRS X AKFITNESS. Next, I would take them to TJs Trap Kitchen for lunch to eat some delicious seafood mac or jerk nachos. Lastly, we would take the kids to Little Elm Beach for some outdoor fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When you have a career, it’s easy to get so comfortable that your life seems like a constant replay each day. My husband, Eddie, is my biggest inspiration and supporter. I appreciate him so much. He is a risk taker and has always had an entrepreneurial heart. We are Yin and Yang. Though I’m not naturally a risk taker, I have always liked to challenge myself. Being in education for the past 7 years, I longed for something out of the norm to keep me busy and on my toes.

At the end of the day, I feel so blessed to be where I am right now. My family and circle of friends have been so supportive and I couldn’t thank them enough for the love and encouragement they have given me since I started my business. Another special shoutout to my sister/bff Akaira Cryer (MRSXAKFITNESS) for nominating me and always motivating me to accomplish my goals.

Website: www.rarelydressed.com

Instagram: Shop@rarelydressed

Facebook: Shop.rarelydressed

Image Credits
Melvin Mayweather Ig @ll.coolmel