We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gwendoline Kamara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gwendoline below.
Hi Gwendoline, so happy to have you on the platform with us today and excited to chat about your lessons and insights. Our ability to make good decisions can massively impact our lives, careers and relationships and so it would be very helpful to hear about how you built your decision-making skills.
How I Developed My Decision-Making Skills
My decision-making skills were shaped by a combination of self-discovery, life experiences, and the pivotal moments that demanded I make choices aligned with my goals and values. If I could paint a picture for you, it would be of a young woman standing at the crossroads of ambition and responsibility, learning to navigate life with intention and purpose.
Knowing Myself and What I Want
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that decision-making begins with self-awareness. I had to take the time to reflect on who I am and what I truly want out of life. This clarity has been my anchor in moments of uncertainty. I learned that knowing yourself is a powerful tool because it eliminates distractions and helps you make choices that align with your desires.
Life Experiences: Education and Motherhood
While earning my associate’s degree, I was also stepping into motherhood. Balancing my education and caring for a newborn taught me the value of perseverance and time management. I had to make difficult decisions daily—sacrificing sleep, prioritizing my studies, and ensuring my son had everything he needed. That period of my life gave me the confidence to trust my instincts, juggle multiple responsibilities, and never give up.
Creating My Own Business
Starting Lady Black Boutique was a decision rooted in my desire to create something that no one could ever take away from me. I wanted to build a legacy, not just for myself but for my son. I realized that true happiness comes from pursuing work that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Lady Black Boutique became my outlet for creativity and a way to express my love for culture, heritage, and fashion. It wasn’t always easy, but I stayed focused on the vision I had for myself and my business. Every challenge I faced taught me resilience and the importance of thinking through both short-term and long-term outcomes before making decisions.
Lessons Learned
Through these experiences, I’ve developed the ability to weigh my options carefully, trust my intuition, and remain aligned with my values. I’ve learned that decision-making isn’t just about choosing the right path—it’s about understanding the “why” behind each choice and being willing to adjust if life throws a curveball.
My journey to developing these skills is ongoing, but each challenge I’ve faced has sharpened my ability to make decisions with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Whether it’s choosing the right designs for Lady Black Boutique or navigating life as a mother and entrepreneur, I remain grounded in who I am and what I want to achieve.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Gwendoline Kamara, the founder of Lady Black Boutique, a fashion brand that celebrates culture, heritage, and individuality through bold, statement-making designs. My journey is rooted in honoring my African heritage and creating a platform that supports emerging designers while empowering the community through fashion. At Lady Black Boutique, we offer three types of clothing: private custom pieces, ready-to-wear collections, and tailored garments. Each piece is crafted to make the wearer feel confident and unique.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to tell stories through fashion. Every design reflects a blend of tradition and modernity, serving as a reminder that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. Beyond designing clothes, I also specialize in African hair braiding under Lady Black Hairstyles, offering styles that blend art and skill to make my clients feel beautiful.
Currently, I’m focusing on expanding Lady Black Boutique by launching vibrant African print durags and bonnets, which have been incredibly popular. I’m also developing a business plan for an 8,500 sq. ft. retail space to provide small businesses with a permanent place to showcase their products. This venture is aimed at creating opportunities for vendors, stylists, and other creatives to grow and connect.
Additionally, I’m working on initiatives that highlight my commitment to community, including hosting workshops, vendor networking events, and collaborating with nonprofits to raise awareness about important causes.
Lady Black Boutique is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a movement. It’s about empowering individuals, celebrating culture, and creating spaces where creativity and heritage thrive. If you’re looking for clothing or services that are deeply meaningful and beautifully crafted, Lady Black Boutique is the place to find them.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three key qualities have been the most impactful: resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability. These qualities have shaped who I am and have been vital in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, creativity, and community work.
1. Resilience
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and resilience has been my foundation. Whether it was balancing school and motherhood, starting a business from scratch, or facing setbacks, I learned the importance of staying committed to my goals no matter what. Resilience is built through experience, so my advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Take time to reflect on each obstacle and celebrate the small wins—they add up to big victories.
2. Self-Awareness
Knowing myself—my strengths, weaknesses, and passions—has guided every major decision I’ve made. It’s allowed me to create a business that aligns with my values and brings me genuine happiness. For those early in their journey, I recommend spending time understanding who you are and what you truly want. Journaling, meditating, or seeking mentorship can help you uncover your path. Self-awareness will keep you grounded, even when the road gets tough.
3. Adaptability
Nothing in life or business goes exactly as planned. Being adaptable has allowed me to pivot when necessary, whether it’s exploring new ideas, shifting strategies, or learning new skills. For instance, I’ve expanded Lady Black Boutique to include workshops, networking events, and even products like bonnets and durags because I recognized opportunities for growth. My advice is to remain open to change and always be willing to learn. Stay curious and proactive in seeking out knowledge—it’s the best way to stay ahead.
Final Advice:
For anyone starting their journey, remember that success isn’t a straight line. Invest in your personal growth, seek support from mentors or peers, and always trust your intuition. Be patient with yourself and give your dreams the time and effort they deserve. Most importantly, never lose sight of your “why”—your purpose will be your guiding light through every twist and turn.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Collaboration is a cornerstone of my work, and I’m always looking to partner with individuals, brands, and organizations that align with the mission of Lady Black Boutique and my broader creative endeavors.
Who I’m Looking to Collaborate With:
1. Fashion Enthusiasts and Designers
• Emerging or established designers looking to co-create collections or participate in fashion events.
• Models, stylists, and creatives who want to showcase their talents in my shows and projects.
2. Small Business Owners and Vendors
• Entrepreneurs who want to showcase their products in upcoming pop-up events or the retail space I’m developing.
• Vendors who are passionate about their craft and want to explore growth opportunities through partnerships.
3. Nonprofits and Community Leaders
• Organizations focused on youth development, cultural preservation, or community empowerment. I’m always eager to collaborate on initiatives that uplift and inspire others.
4. Content Creators and Influencers
• Individuals passionate about promoting culture, fashion, and small businesses. This includes those interested in becoming brand ambassadors for Lady Black Boutique.
5. Business Professionals and Sponsors
• Those who can bring expertise or resources to support the development of my retail space, events, or other ventures.
How to Connect:
If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach out to me directly:
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @LadyBlackBoutique_llc
• Website: Ladyblkboutiques.com
I’m always open to exploring new ideas and building meaningful partnerships. Let’s create something extraordinary together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladyblkboutiques.com
- Instagram: @ladyblackboutique_llc
Image Credits
@fashionweekconn
@ctfashionmag
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
