Today we’d like to introduce you to Tykia Wilson.
Hi Tykia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up the only child in the home of a single mother could get boring at times. When my mom wasn’t working- shopping and trying new foods were our go to activities. The love my mom had for fashion impacted me, which contributed towards the creation of my “BossChix” brand. Back in the 7th grade, when I was at home bored, I would cut up my old jeans to create something new. During Winter and Summer vacation, I would visit my uncle and grandma. Begging them to give me money and take me to the thrift store to buy items to recreate. That’s when I fell in love with bleaching jeans, turning jeans into shorts, distressing, and adding bows from remaining cloth. At that time, I would sew by hand. Designing clothing started off as hobby that I enjoyed doing during my free time for myself. Then, it turned into an activity I enjoyed making for my family and friends- symbolizing my love. Seeing how happy my family and friends were to receive custom made clothing from me melted my heart. I didn’t have much confidence in myself yet, so I continued to make items for only my family, friends, and I.
It wasn’t until college when I realized that I was creative. I was still only making clothes for those close to me- to get the practice I needed. 2020, during the pandemic, I was a junior in college and pregnant with my son. Unfortunately, I had to take break from my business and focus on working. Once I had my son, during my maternity leave, I took that time to focus on school and develop my small business into a full-time job. This is when I developed the confidence I needed. Not only was I designing clothes, but I was making pillows, blankets, wigs and customizing shoes. I grew clientele in my city and started taking orders. At first, I was very nervous- scared of how others would perceive my work. I wanted everything to be perfect and wasn’t ready for the criticism that I would receive. I realized that being a business owner comes with positive and negative feedback. Those mistakes that I made while I was developing and learning were lessons to make me a better designer.
Now, I have graduated college and I am rebuilding my brand. I plan to continue to find who I am as an artist 2022 and release clothing and wigs that reflect that. Even though I do have a career in Psychology, I will still develop my career in Fashion. I am so proud of who I am becoming as a designer- the confidence and strength that I’ve grown is unbelievable.
The name BossChix represents Women empowerment. Having the many responsibilities that I did, at times I did want to give up. I kept going, despite how easier it would have been to do so. Therefore, I want woman to know that I understand how hard it is- especially having a child and running a business. I want them all to know they are bosses. When they wear my brand, I want them to feel confident and unbreakable. I can say that I am a Boss Chick.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Having the determination to make time for my small business was difficult while working, going to school, and having a child was an obstacle I faced. I learned how to prioritize my time and sacrifice what wouldn’t contribute towards the success of my future- which was my job. I had to think of not only myself but my child. I thought to myself how- my small business and education meant a lot to me, were things that I loved and could see myself doing for a lifetime. My business could even be passed down to my son, therefore, it was worth the sacrifice. With that mentality, it allowed me to overcome that obstacle. Another obstacle I faced was constructive criticism. Once I started taking orders, I wasn’t prepared for the feedback I would receive in response and the mistakes that I would make. At the time, I would feel down, sad, and want to take a break. Eventually, I realized that comes with being a business owner. Instead of letting those incidents break me- think of it as a learning experience in what to do differently next time. This obstacle taught me how to prevent mistakes on customers’ orders and how to be professionals.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specifically specialize in customizing clothing and wigs. I started off by recreating outfits with random clothing pieces by hand, I now make outfits with a sewing machine using fabric. Therefore, I design from scratch. I’m also known for using a sewing machine to make a custom wig. I am proud of how versatile I am. I do not specialize in one specific thing but many. What sets me apart from others is my motivation. Once I put my mind and heart into a venture, I’m 100% all in. My work reflects the love I have for creating. I never want to lose that.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking means coming out of your comfort zone. Meaning that you’re willing to try new things to see what best suits you. I would consider myself my risk taker. I have tried many ventures to see which best suits me. It may have been activities that I wouldn’t normally do, but I tried them to see if it would be something I loved and saw myself doing.
Making clothing that is out of my comfort zone is taking a risk because I’m making items that I normally don’t. I do not know how it going to come out and how others will like it, but I’m taking that risk to do something new.
Risk taking is very necessary. It contributes towards gaining my identity as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://bosschix.us/password
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosschixllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BossChix-LLC-101368048865375/
