Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Bowyer.
Hi Nicole, 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?
After a trip to South America, I fell in love with how the women walked with such confidence. Whether they were 80lbs or 280lbs – they wore thongs and midriffs and really rocked their bodies. I wanted to somehow take that confidence and bottle it up into a brand that would allow women to feel better and more comfortable in their own skin.
During this time of cultivating the idea for COCO – I was working for a pharmaceutical company during the day and a restaurant at night. I used my bonus from my pharmaceutical company to buy a round of material for my first collection.
After connecting with a company to do POPUPs, I sold out of all of my inventory in the first day.
I continued to snowball my success from POPUPS to wholesale and now my online store.
After having no idea really how the industry worked. I bought every book and googled everything I could on starting a fashion brand. I am very thankful that I walked into the industry as naive as I was – my mission outweighed the many obstacles that would come my way.
From an idea that came to me on the beach of Brazil to now selling in Spas, boutiques, fitness studios and now I kids line, I am very proud of my successes thus far and look forward to continuing my expansion.
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?
When I was younger, I would sew and make clothes with my grandmother. I always had dreams of going to FIDM, but as I grew I thought that traveling the world working was the same as traveling for pleasure.
After my first job traveling abroad, I realized I was very wrong.
Majoring at USC in International Relations my background was not in fashion – So, did I have any obstacles? Absolutely!
From trying to make my own website (which turned out absolutely terrible) to social media, photoshoots, marketing, branding, designing, inventory control, shipping, customer care — the list goes on and on. When I launched, I was every aspect of my company. I learned more in very short period. But it was the learning that set me up for success – and I am still learning.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I take pride in women empowerment. And I love that I have created a product that allows women to feel more empowered throughout their day. I choose fabrics that complement a women body and can be paired with sweaters, blazers, boots. They can run from a meeting to a yoga mat.
What makes COCO on the go products unique is the use of premium, limited edition textured materials that offer luxurious comfort and lasting durability.
I am proud to be a women-owned and run company. It’s very rewarding seeing women running around in COCOs – especially when I get a chance to compliment them and they rave about the brand (obviously not knowing that I am behind it).
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Having a mentor is huge. It keeps you motivated and in line with your goal. It also helps you feel not alone when things don’t go according to your plan.
I was fortunate to find a mentor six months after launching. But it took me talking to people about what I was doing and what my goals and needs were before we were connected.
I have even joined a women group of entrepreneurs – this has been very motivating for me personally. The group really dives into blocks we create for ourselves subconsciously and helps hold yourself accountable for getting pass them.
My advice is to connect with as many people as you can, and don’t let opportunities pass you – you don’t know when they will present themselves again.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: COCOonthego.com
- Instagram: @COCOonthego
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CocoOntheGoCA/
- Other: https://pin.it/2S0HLJy
Image Credits:
Alexis Hay
