Today we’d like to introduce you to Dru Davis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always wanted to have my own business. Growing up, I watched my grandmother, Charlie Mae, own and operate her home childcare business. She would share with me stories of her earlier years- owning a dry cleaners, selling ladies lingerie, fine crystal and being a seamstress- Just to name a few. I didn’t know the term then for her but an entrepreneur is what she was. After conceiving my third child, I knew I wanted to start a business that was for children. Once I found out I was having another little girl, I knew I wanted to do something with hair accessories. I just remembered always putting a bow or headband on my firstborn when she was little. So the idea to make custom hair bows was born along with my daughter, Riley Corinne, in 2017.
My story also involves some heartache. In 2013, I suffered a miscarriage. It was devastating to say the least. I wasn’t aware at the time of how often miscarriages occur or any women who had experienced one. This topic is not openly addressed nor discussed in the black community. The message I received was to just be “strong”. It wasn’t until I started sharing my story through TOAC that I began to heal. Hence the rainbow logo. Riley is my rainbow baby, a baby conceived after a miscarriage. It was very important for me to incorporate my story into my business. My goal is to also bring awareness to pregnancy loss and help other mamas not feel alone like I did. Third one’s a charm is an online bowtique that celebrates all rainbow babes + mamas!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth road? Where is that path I missed that turn, haha. It has not been as smooth as I had envisioned in my mind. A few struggles have been pricing, packaging & shipping my products. There’s been a lot of trial & error but without that there would be no other way to find out what works vs what doesn’t. I’m a one woman shop, I do it all! So finding ways to be efficient and increase productivity has its challenges. And it doesn’t stop there I’m a mother of three, a wife, and work a full-time job all while running my business. I would say the biggest struggle is trying to find balance between all the things. I’m learning that there isn’t a 50/50 split sometimes, one thing is going to get more attention than the other on any given day. I just do my best at being mindful & intentional with my time. Also having grace with myself and staying encouraged is what helps me push through. Oh and wine! Keeps the creativity flowing.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Third Ones A Charm story. Tell us more about the business.
TOAC is an online bowtique. I offer custom handmade hair bows, custom onesies and tees for the whole family, birthday crowns + bow holders. I’m known for my custom bows. I create bows to match customer outfits, characters or any theme they request. I’ve made hair bows for Shamea Morton (Real Housewives of Atlanta), Kenya Raymer (influencer @halfietruths), Yvette Henry (influencer, How Married Are You podcast) and Heiress Harris (rapper T.I and singer Tiny daughter). What sets me apart from other bow business’ is my originality & creativity. I like a challenge and if I can think of it, I can make it! I also play around with my bow styles mixing hand-drawn designs with sizzix bow die templates to create hair pretties you can only get from me. Aside from selling online, I also sell at craft fairs and events. I understand the importance of being able to see and touch things in person. Being able to meet and get to know my customers allows them the opportunity to put a face behind the brand and is a point of difference as well.
I’m most proud of how the business has grown organically. I get a lot of referrals from customers who love my work. It’s the highest compliment to me to get an email or message from a new customer saying they were sent by someone else. I don’t do a lot of paid advertising or run promotions.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe things happen by luck or chance. There’s a reason everything happens. I do believe in manifestation and what you set your thoughts on will happen. So I’ve been blessed to be able to do what I love and enjoy in my life and business because of my thoughts and desires. I write them down, say them aloud putting it out into the universe. My grandmother would always quote a bible verse saying “death and life is in the power of the tongue”. And there’s no truer statement to me. You can speak success into your business and life or you can speak defeat. The choice is up to you and whatever you say and think will happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thirdonesacharm.com
- Email: contact.third.ones.a.charm@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/third_ones_a_charm
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thirdonesacharm
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