Hustler of the Month: Tennille McMillan, Owner of Nakimuli Inc.

I know that Erykah Badu [who I absolutely love, by the way] is a loyal Nakimuli customer. Are there any other celebrities or notable public figures who’ve worn your threads?

 We have dressed Eva Marcille [America’s Next Top Model], Jill Scott, and Jasmine Sullivan. We have also dressed Danielle Brooks from Orange Is The New Black, Gospel singer Tasha Cobbs, Merrill of the group Tune Yards, and albino model Diandra Forrest.

Erykah Badu Donning a pair of Nakimuli leggings

What achievements are you most proud of with Nakimuli?

There are so many things! But I think I am most proud of being able to make a living doing what I love. Many people wish they could leave their job and pursue their passion. It’s not easy, but I am thankful for being able to do it. I think the next thing would be inspiring others to follow their heart. I get a lot of emails from people who say I have inspired them to go after their dreams and I have also helped a few people launch their own clothing lines. I think that it’s important, especially as an African American, to help others create wealth for themselves; to give back and help others on their journey because many people helped me get to where I am today.

Well today, your line is soaring, but were there any challenges or setbacks that you experienced when your business first launched?

There are always challenges in business. I think it was just keeping up with demand. Once we started to get press, the orders came in quickly and it was hard to keep up since I was only one person with two part-time interns.

How about now? Are there any challenges you face as a small business owner and/or a minority business owner?

I think now it’s balancing my business with my personal life. I love what I do so I don’t see it as work, so it’s hard to turn off sometimes. But now being in a relationship and talking about getting married and raising children, it’s something that you have to learn how to balance so you can enjoy life outside of the business.

Right now, you’re online-based. Do you plan to open a branch of physical locations one day?

I do! And we have plans in the works to do so soon.

Have any major retailors reached out to you to sell your threads in their stores?

There have been a few but the timing has always been out of sync.

Would you sell your brand to a major company for $10 million?

No. I think it is important as an African American to own my own business. If a major company sees that much value in it, then it can be even bigger than their vision. I would rather create something special for them that is an extension of Nakimuli and/or do a collabo/partnership.

What are the short-term and long-term goals for Nakimuli Inc.?

Short term: To open our own store soon. Long term: to continue to grow and add more stores, maybe a men’s line and other categories; continue to work with celebs and create a business empowerment program for African Americans.

As an independent business owner myself, I know things can be pretty stressful at times when you’re running things on your own. What keeps you motivated?

Lovely emails and [pictures] from customers really help when my motivation is low. Also, I just have a deep love for creating, so I’m always thinking of new ideas/designs for my business.

 

What’s next for Nakimuli Inc.?

We just launched a new vintage section that has been doing excellent; everything is sold out already. We also have added a one-of-a-kind section since my customers love to have items that no one else has. And we are launching a new category this summer, but I can’t spill the beans on it just yet.

What advice would you give to anyone who aspires to launch their own fashion line, or anyone who already has a clothing line, but is having a hard time selling their designs?

It’s important to have a solid support system around you. Like everything in life, there are ups and downs and my family has definitely been there to help me through everything. Also, it’s important to have your own point-of-view. So many people fail because they are trying to emulate what other people are doing or what they think customers want. But you have to have your own point-of-view and stay true to it.

Words of wisdom from a true hustler! Check out more of Tennille’s threads on the next few pages.

If you or someone you know is a Black business owner who’d like to get some shine on MissCM.com as Hustler of the Month, please contact us at contact_cm@misscm.com for more information on how to be featured.