Meet Deneka Vallius From Koko Kouture: Quality Fashion To Women At Affordable Prices
The online business is a booming industry. You can sell anything online as long as there’s a market for it. Many Haitian-Americans are excelling in the latter. Koko Kouture is doing just that as they offer affordable pieces to the everyday woman –who wakes up every day with an idea to make the world a better place.
After vacationing in the motherland Haiti, the business owner, Deneka Vallius, tells us a bit about her online business.
Tell us about Koko Kouture?
KoKo Kouture was established to bring quality fashion to women at affordable prices.
What inspired you to found Koko Kouture?
It came about as a means for me to provide for my family in Haiti and to have an outlet to express myself outside of my profession.
Why the name Koko Kouture?
KoKo is the nickname of my youngest niece. I began sewing clothes for her, and it was just a way of expressing my designer side, and I added Kouture because I was creating custom pieces. I’m fascinated with vintage sewing patterns from the 60s. I would mix and match pieces and take mini photo shoots with my nieces.
What are some challenges in growing such business in the online clothing industry?
Having the ability to market and reach the designated target audience is a big challenge that I face.
What are some professional skills or previous experience you find useful in building your business?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Tulane University, and this allows me to think outside of the box while I’m branding my business.
What’s your business mantra?
We aim to provide fashion pieces for the everyday women who shape the world around us.
What lessons have you garnered in building such an online business?
- You must surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable about the retail industry or people who are willing to learn. How can two work together unless they agree?
- Never say what you can’t do, but always be willing to learn.
- Never restrict your time for your own business. If we can put in 8 hours a day for someone’s vision, we can put in 16 hours on our own.
Where do you see your business in the next two years?
I would like to employ more workers and have two warehouses. I don’t see myself having a storefront with e-commerce being a cost-effective method for revenues. However, I would like to travel and host/attend pop-up shops around the world.
What advice can you give to future entrepreneurs thinking of opening an online store?
I will say research the products you want to sell and build an audience/market beforehand.
The best line that describes Koko Kouture?
Affordable fashion pieces for life’s every moment.
