Meet Tinsley Merrill Paul | CEO & Founder of HerStory

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tinsley Merrill Paul and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tinsley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
HerStory Market emerged as a heartfelt endeavor to assist small, women-led businesses in navigating the challenges of the pandemic by facilitating the sale of surplus inventory. Originating as a passion project, the company’s initial goal was to establish a platform that fostered empowerment and mutual support among women-led brands, allowing them to share their narratives during a period marked by the looming threat of small business closures.

As HerStory gained traction and expanded its reach, a noteworthy realization emerged—many brands resonated with the mission of uplifting women in the fashion industry. Consequently, the company strategically developed a business model centered around collaborating with international, ethical brands that championed dignified employment in their respective communities. Through the curation of luxury goods with compelling narratives, customers gained insight into the origins of their products and the positive impact they were making worldwide. Presently, HerStory boasts a collaborative network of over 250 brands and has touched the lives of 300,000 artisans globally.

The growth trajectory of HerStory can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to a mission-driven approach and a supportive community dedicated to reshaping the narrative of fashion. The company’s guiding principle, its North Star, revolves around the number of women employed by its partner brands. HerStory ensures that each brand within its fold receives the necessary tools for growth, fostering ethical practices and making a substantial difference in their respective communities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The evolution of HerStory fills me with immense joy. Our network, woven together by like-minded women committed to reshaping the fashion narrative, uplifting their industry counterparts, and creating dignified employment opportunities for women globally, is truly remarkable. What sets us apart from typical e-commerce platforms is our unwavering focus on storytelling and prioritizing the margins for our brands – at HerStory, our brands always come first.

Building HerStory during the pandemic presented its challenges, and the path to our current state has been a continuous voyage of adaptation to meet the evolving needs of our brands and artisans. As a luxury e-commerce marketplace committed to ethical brands, our responsibility extends beyond transactions. We are dedicated to nurturing our brands, remaining steadfast in our mission, and curating a collection that holds meaning and uniqueness for our customers.

Through this journey, a valuable lesson has crystallized: the essence of building a business and brand lies in unwavering commitment to one’s North Star and mission, regardless of the challenges. It is the passion and belief of both you and your team that become the driving force. Prioritizing others over immediate growth ensures a sustainable and meaningful trajectory. At HerStory, we’ve learned that staying true to our core values is the key, and with passion as our guide, obstacles become stepping stones to success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A quick guide to Dallas can always be found on my favorite Instagram account Dallasites101, but the perfect 3-day trip to Dallas would include the below:

Day 1: Local Flavors and Upscale Charm of Highland Park and Knox

Morning: Start your day with a mouthwatering breakfast at Shugs, indulging in the best bagel breakfast sandwich—try the spicy Shug for an extra kick!
Mid-Morning: Take a leisurely walk around Highland Park, beginning at Highland Park Village, and wander through the picturesque streets of Beverly and Lakeside to admire the stunning houses.
Lunch: Head to Knox for a delightful lunch. Opt for something fancy at Bilboquet (don’t miss the Cajun chicken with fries) or grab a quick coffee and croissant at Village Baking Co.
Evening: Explore the charm of Bishop Arts for dinner, securing a reservation at Lucia for the best Italian cuisine. Alternatively, venture to the Design District for a culinary journey at new and exciting restaurants like The Mexican, Carbone Vino, The Charles, Carlos Elegante, or Delucca Gaucho Pizza.

Day 2: Fort Worth Adventure

Morning: Set your sights on Fort Worth. Visit Sundance Square, explore the HerStory Gallery, and stroll through local shops and art galleries.
Lunch: Head to the stockyards for a true Texan experience with fajitas at Paloma. Witness the daily cattle drive at 4 PM, transporting you to the heart of a western film.
Evening: Conclude your day at the Drover Hotel, sipping on a specialty ranch water by the fire pits while enjoying live music. Check the concert schedule for potential Rodeo attendance if luck is on your side.

Day 3: Nature and Community Vibes

Morning: Spend your final day at White Rock Lake, immersing yourself in the Lakewood community. Explore outdoor activities such as the Botanical Gardens and take a sailboat ride on the lake.
Afternoon: Delight in a picnic lunch by the lake or explore local eateries in the Lakewood area.
Evening: End the night at Hotel Swexan a unique hotel in Uptown or go to Uchi or Uchiba for the best sushi and Asian fusion in town!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey has been profoundly influenced by an incredible group of female mentors who have not only shaped my path but instilled in me the belief that a single idea, fueled by determination, can make a substantial difference. One such guiding light in my life is my sister Brittany, an original co-founder of Support HerStory. Drawing from her experiences in building Akola, a jewelry brand championing women in Uganda, Africa, Brittany has been a constant source of inspiration. Having spent considerable time in Uganda, witnessing the positive impact on women’s lives through dignified employment and vocational training, I’ve seen how a small brand can transform communities over two decades.

The support extended by my professors at SMU, particularly within the Meadows School, has been instrumental in propelling HerStory’s mission forward. Steve Lee, in particular, has been a driving force, advocating for experiential learning and integrating our endeavors into the curriculum. This collaborative effort allows young minds to devise strategies for the continued growth of HerStory, ensuring that our mission resonates with the next generation.

The true backbone of HerStory lies within our network of remarkable women. From women-led brands and artisans in our Dallas hometown to far-reaching corners of rural Africa, India, South America, and beyond, these women form a collective force that inspires me daily. Their stories and dedication fuel my passion to make a difference and collaborate with like-minded women who share a commitment to ethical fashion.

Website: Www.herstorymarket.com

Instagram: Herstorymarket

Linkedin: Herstory.

Facebook: Herstorymarket

Other: Tiktok: @HerStoryMarket

Image Credits
All images are owned by HerStory