Today we’d like to introduce you to Avanti Thomas.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Fashion icon Coco Chanel once said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” Her words and approach toward fashion are critical elements of my pathway to success. I was in the tenth grade when the decision was made to force us to wear uniforms. The school uniform robbed me of my chance to be an individual. They did not leave room for me to be classy or fabulous, or so I thought. Eager to maintain my identity while complying with the school’s expectations, I asked my mother to purchase accessories and footwear that would allow me to stand out. By simply pushing the rules to the edge in a way that upheld the values expressed by Coco Chanel, the Signature Styles by Avanti brand was beginning to spring forth! The stage was set and the evolution of a fashion empire was clearly on the rise. After high school, I was fortunate to obtain work as an associate of Simply Fashion for three years. Maintaining a keen focus on the clothing selections of my customers was the utmost priority, and I took full advantage of every opportunity to make them feel glamorous and stunning. I went to great lengths to exceed their expectations, which was met with rave reviews. Future fashion-related opportunities included stores like Windsor, Justice, Victoria’s Secret, and others. In these roles, my goal was to make clients
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Of course, the road to success in this industry has been met with a few challenges, but those challenges have enhanced my ability to excel and overcome! At the beginning stages of this venture, the support was overwhelming. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a decline in sales which made it appear that starting the boutique may have been a bad idea. Yet, for every struggle, there is a way out. I am living proof that what is meant to happen will happen regardless of any challenge.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
As the CEO of Signature Styles by Avanti, I am a visionary leader who stands by the commitment to help clients see themselves as royalty. Currently, the boutique offers a wide range of quality clothing that caters to women. In 2021, we will expand the brand to offer services to men and children, and we will add an exquisite selection of shoes to our product line. While serving the public, I also have the distinct pleasure of serving as a personal wardrobe stylist for several private clients. Wardrobe styling was my very first passion and the tool that I used to build the brand. My specialty is fashion that classifies as dramatic and over the top. Everything that I do has to be BIG! This venture was most definitely a leap of faith, and I see the hard work pay off in ways that are unimaginable. Growing up as a “church girl” exposed me to women who were fully covered yet willing to make bold fashion statements in a way that is sexy, classy and tasteful. Each client’s fashion need is different and unique, and I am honored to propel them to live out loud through fashion!
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
I am a firm believer that nothing happens by luck or coincidence. Instead, life and fashion are all about taking chances, pushing limits, and evolving in the midst of adversity. Some would view the outbreak of COVID-19 as a stroke of bad luck; however, it has proven to be yet another window of opportunity! The “safer at home” order led to the shutdown of malls and stores, but people still wanted to look good, so they came to me! During the pandemic, Signature Styles by Avanti has gained a large number of customers which has most definitely been a blessing. Entrepreneurship is hard work and a big life challenge, but I continue to face it head-on. The best days for my brand are ahead and the future looks very bright.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
The formula of success is faith over fear. Success to me means I conquered all things seen and unseen!
What’s next for you?
Soooooo many things to come that I’m super excited about follow me on social media and stay tuned.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Email: avantistyles@icloud.com
Website: www.signaturestylesbyavanti.com
Instagram: signaturestylesbyavanti
Facebook: Avanti Thomas or Signaturestylesbyavanti
