We had the good fortune of connecting with Nephatini Crowley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nephatini, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I would like to say everything in business is taking risks. Starting was a risk. Placing that first order was a risk. Putting it out there to the world was risk. Some things are going to work. Some things will not but that’s okay. It’s your job to keep going; yeah that didn’t work but what are you going to do now? The only way you can fail is if you try first. One day those risks are going to pay off and how are you going to get to it if you quit.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Nephatini Crowley; born and raised in Jackson Mississippi. I currently reside in Fort Worth Texas. I come from a big family so my childhood was pretty much normal. I dropped out my sophomore year in College. In 2015, After a few bad mistakes I was charged with A felony and had to do 9 months. It changed me a lot but I don’t regret it at all. Once I was released I struggled finding employment although my resume was great. I would get through the entire interview process get hired pending background check but once the background check came I was denied every time. It was very discouraging. All that changed when a locally owned boutique, Ora’s Closet called me back. I’ve always had a love for fashion so this was the perfect job for me, but I was not optimistic at all. She didn’t care about my mistakes; never asked. She simply wanted to know my retail experience. So There I was practically running a store on my own. I literally fell in love with it. It wasn’t work for me. I loved it. I’ve styled Fashion shows my work has even been in a magazine. So I decided to relocate to Texas been here 3 years now. Last Year I decided to finally start my own online Boutique, Sweet Grits Boutique. The name was inspired by the South and what else can represent the south other than grits. Online is great but I miss Customer interactions. Next year I would love to open a physical location in Arlington, Texas.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A Saturday outing: First stop would definitely be The Social House in Arlington for their Brunch. Drinks are always on point.
Next we’ll probably do some shopping at the nearest mall.
Lunch will definitely be Daiquiri Depot.
Get a plate there and go to Lake Arlington to eat. Rest before night activities.
Dinner will be at DJ’s Steakhouse followed by a night at the Hookah Hut.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My support system is literally the best! I have my family; my girls; and my boyfriend who supports me in Every way. A lot of people say family and friends are the last to support but I’ve had their support from day 1. Whether it’s encouragement or criticism; they’re exactly what you need in life and I’ll forever be grateful for them all.
Website: Www.Sweetgritsboutique.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweetgritsboutique?utm_medium=copy_link
Image Credits
Austin Robinson/ASVPPHOTOS