We recently connected with Amirah Perkins and have shared our conversation below.
Amirah, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up I wasn’t always who I am now. I remember being scared to raise my hand and participate in class not because the answer was silly or wrong, but because I just lacked the confidence. Over the years in school, my teachers noticed something about me that I didn’t notice within myself as well as my great-grandmother (rest well, passed in 2012 when I was 17) was one of the biggest supporters in my upbringing.
In about 1st or 2nd grade the first breakthrough happened after a parent-teacher conference, not for trouble but because my teacher felt like little ole me was far beyond my years, my great-grandmother had spent time teaching me to crochet. Little did I know they ended up being right all these years later.
As a child I always had this dream to change the world, but how could I when I didn’t come from the best environment?
Well, I found the answer after many years, many trials and errors. Just because your environment isn’t thriving doesn’t mean you have to stay where you are.
When my mom made a decision that changed my life, I had lost all hope in changing the world but something inside told me ‘Just try.’ In my new environment, (moving down to the outskirts of Atlanta at just 16) I learned that being different was ok. The way I did things was completely different but guess what happened? People took notice and before I even realized it I had made my mark in the world at just 16, 17 years old. My peers, associates, and friends were sharing my ideas and things started to turn around.
Or so I thought.
When I graduated High School, like most I was at that crossroads and I was terrified. I no longer had other people making drastic decisions for me. I had many options but there was also the fear of ‘The unknown’.
The week of my 21st birthday I was gifted with something I had no idea then would be another turning point in life for me. My mother had been watching over the years and took it upon herself to start the paperwork for my little company.
A huge step in the right direction of changing the world right?
WRONG!
I fell off the map, I drowned myself in earning a degree in business, working non-stop, and building a social life outside what most consider ‘the norm.” Little did I know it was a plot to set the fire in who I am today. After facing some mental health challenges in 2018 with my back to the wall I took a leap of faith and invested myself full-time into building my confidence, self-esteem, and a brand that essentially any and everyone can wear all while going to therapy and self-healing. Once I started working on my fears I blossomed. I started using the fear to motivate me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
You know that feeling where no matter how much you intake of something you aren’t fully satisfied?
Becoming an entrepreneur was not an easy decision to make. There was and still is a lot of sweat and tears that go into everyday production, including research to stay apart from the competition, sales, building inventory even creating content. I’m learning that social media is my best friend if I plan to keep up with the times.
OddlyFBUnique Creations started with mostly crochet items. So I was making a ton of hats, blankets, and baby sets. After a few sales things started picking up for my brand, I started receiving orders for custom sets and specific designs. I stuck with crocheting for a few years and slowly started exploring other creative options, including tie-dye, seamstress work, and denim patchwork just to give an idea.
Choosing to be an entrepreneur may have been the best decision. I’m hoping to have my website up and running before February rolls in so that I can open my books back up to keep the creative juices going. The last few months I’ve been blessed to showcase my hard work at some Pop Up Shop events. In between these events, I have been able to network and have a few merch deals in the works. Including working with a local talent here in Reading, PA. If you’re ever in town Munchiez in the Shilliton farmer’s market is a great place to eat!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of the quotes, that took me a long time to understand was, ‘Cheap prices attract problematic clients.’ Stand behind your brand in everything you do. Starting my brand at first my prices were the cheapest rates in the area and everyone was excited. My name was in rooms I hadn’t stepped in. Little did I know those same praises would turn into a nightmare. The workload became so big I had to close my books for weeks at a time to fulfill orders. As the yarn industry changed that meant I had to change my prices too. Which left a lot of people wanting to work with me pulling back a little bit.
Another thing I would offer is research. Know your competition in the industry you choose! You should always ask yourself ‘What sets me apart from everyone else?”, then you throw that together with passion, persistence, and risk-taking that fuels your hunger for success.
And lastly, stay positive. You are your brand 25/8 so keep in mind how you handle things plays a huge part in getting where you want to be. It’s ok to NOT react to everything that seems to be going downhill. If you remain positive you’ll surprise yourself with just how well things can turn out even when it doesn’t start great.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Hmm, there are so many people I could say but having to narrow it down would probably have to be my Dad.
Now my dad and I’s relationship started rocky, like most families we’ve had our share of words and even stopped talking for a few years but my dad always made sure to support everything I do.
As a mobile mechanic, he wears a lot of items I’ve made and he’s always sending new clients my way, even when I’m in the studio I ask for his thoughts or input.
My dad, my dad, my dad!
(I love you and I am forever grateful for the lessons taught and continue to teach)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: oddlyfnuniquecreationsllc
- Facebook: Oddlyfnunique Creations LLC
- Linkedin: amirahbperkins2319
