Today we’d like to introduce you to Zifa Awoudi.
Hi Zifa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Togo, West Africa. My mother and Aunt were African textile sellers and I would often help them sell fabrics during school breaks. Those experiences brought forth my love and passion for African print.
My dream to start an African print brand started in 2008 during my orientation at Macy’s as a Sales Associate. My career with Macy’s lasted over 11 years and 9 of those as a Sales Manager. My time at Macy’s was focus on serving people, working with people and running a successful business.
Due to COVID-19, I was furlough so I decided to manifest the dream I had 12years ago, starting my African print brand. Welcome to ZifasBoutique.
We are committed to bring; happiness, culture and root to your home through our vibrant prints. We curated our products with you in mind and our prints are carefully selected to uplift your mood.
Our Beddings and Home-ware are made with various type of African Fabrics, from African Wax also known as Ankara, to Bogolan also known as Mud Cloth. ALL fabrics are sourced in various parts of West Africa. We are proud that all our pieces are authentic and Made in Africa using Premium Materials.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all, So far I invested all my savings in this business because I believe in it and my know target customers are out there.
It’s hard to let your target audience know you are out there if you don’t have a marketing budget. I launched my business on August 15th, 2020 during the pandemic and because of that, I don’t have access to the capital I need to grow my business. I apply to many grants etc but I haven’t been selected so far. With the capital, some of my challenges will be resolved for sure. I need my website to be SEO optimized for organic traffic. These are just a few obstacles but I will do it all over again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I worked at Macy’s for 12 years, 2 years as a sales associate and the last 10 years as a sales manager. I managed every department at Macys and was really successful at it. I managed up to 40 team members at the time. I have the experience and the will to succeed in my business. I was furlough from Macy’s during the pandemic and then let go in June, so I use the time to establish my business. I was called back to Macy’s in September of 2021 as the store hiring and onboarding leader which I enjoy and that my current fulltime job. My goal is to run my business full-time by 2025 if not early.
I’m known for customer service, coaching and making sales, that’s where I thrive!
I am proud of myself for manifesting my dream of owning my African inspired business. The whole reason I want to work for Macy’s is to acquire all the tools I need to open my own business and that is a reality today. It took me a while my dream started in 2008 and it came to pass in 2020 12years later.
How do you define success?
Success is accomplishing what you set out to do. Everyone’s definition of success looks different, my is to run a 6 figure business, be known for our customer service and to curate unique African inspired products to my customers.
Pricing:
- All my accessories are under $100
- My beddings are up to $250
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://zifasboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zifas.boutique/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZifasBoutique/
Image Credits
@Momentous.photos
@ madimorphosis_
@glo_maane
@karleeanncallender
