“Rising Gems” is an ongoing series where The Bold Maven fosters well-deserved dialogue surrounding remarkable women who have fearlessly pursued their dreams and carved their own nontraditional paths toward success. In doing so, we at The Bold Maven are able to shine a light on the brilliance and resilience of those who undoubtedly shape their own destinies and leave an indelible mark on the world. Through their unwavering determination and drive, these female entrepreneurs are undeniable examples of women’s uncanny ability to do anything they put their minds to. 

In this month’s issue, we interviewed former educator turned entrepreneur, Dana Roberts, as she has embarked on an inspiring journey of transformation. Just this year, she made the bold decision to redirect her entire focus and energy towards pursuing her true passion, RedDrop. RedDrop is a period product line meticulously crafted to cater to the unique needs of tweens, kids in between the ages of 8-12. With the help of her partner, Monica Williams, these women are able to provide young girls with a supportive, comfortable, and discreet solution for their menstruation journey. 

As the co-founder of Red Drop, Dana has not only identified a gap in the market but has also filled it with compassion and ingenuity. By uplifting young girls during a crucial stage of their lives, RedDrop is forging a path toward menstrual equity and empowerment. 

By leaving behind the world of education and venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship, Dana is living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and make a profound impact on the world. Her story is a testament to the many women who dare to take the plunge and carve a unique path that aligns with their deepest aspirations. 

Join us as we delve into Dana Roberts’ journey of transitioning from educator to entrepreneur and discover the passion and dedication that drives her in this exciting new chapter of her life as she reshapes the way we approach menstrual health and education.

A: Can you tell us about your journey of turning your passion into a successful business venture? What inspired you? Were there any challenges?

D: My passion for giving children what they deserve is essentially what motivated RedDrop. After having girls start their periods with me and providing them products, the realization that these products weren’t made for their bodies and their flows, and came with no emotional support, motivated RedDrop to serve intentionally.

Our [Dana and Monica’s] inspiration is simply providing products and education that girls simply deserve to have positive period experiences. No shame, no stigmas, or taboos allowed. Girls have such an impact on their family trajectory, if you can uplift and empower a girl’s life experience you can change her family for generations.

My daughters were my first inspiration. Everything RedDrop is growing into is in hopes that my daughters will continue to be empowered and if I have granddaughters they will have an amazing exemplar.

Challenges? – FOR SURE! Challenges to this day. Funding is our biggest challenge. To be a million-dollar-plus company and still unable to get a good rate on a loan from traditional banks we do business with is disheartening. To have venture capitalists want to invest in your company with predatory terms because they know how hard it is for Black women to get funded, is shameful and what we face every day in this journey.

A: How does being part of a partnership play a pivotal role in the success of your business, particularly in leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve collective goals?

D: Being in a partnership is pretty incredible if you trust, respect and honor your partners. My partner, Monica and I are extended family so there was already a pre-existing relationship. We lean on our strengths and we can agree to disagree. Monica is the CEO of our company and I respect that she is the final decision maker. We both want the same thing, to intentionally serve girls and create generational wealth for our families.

A: What advice do you have for other women who aspire to turn their passion into a successful business?

D: Start with a passion! If you don’t love it – why would someone else? Also, I believe that successful businesses solve a problem and serve humanity. Ground yourself in those two principles and start your business.

I know this sounds cliche but being a Black woman entrepreneur is HARD. We don’t have access to the same resources – especially financial. Everyone wants us to get into a think tank or accelerator without real financial support. We have been mentored out! We need access to non-predatory funding. Also, being a Black woman founder is being firm in your passion and mission for your business. People will be “surprised” that you are the person behind your company, that you’ve “made it this far”, and that you “thought of the idea.” Keep pushing and believing in YOU.

With RedDrop, Dana has not only helped to create a product but also has fostered a community that encourages tweens to embrace their bodies and navigate their menstrual cycles with confidence. Her story reminds us that there is nothing that women cannot achieve and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of RedDrop under her and Monica’s guidance. 

As the days go by, Dana Roberts constantly reminds us that she is indeed a remarkable entrepreneur, a champion for female empowerment, and a true inspiration to us all.

Want to know more? Follow Dana, Monica, and Red Drop on their journey:

Website: https://tryreddrop.com/

Social Media 

Instagram: @reddrop

Facebook: @reddropco

X (formerly known as Twitter): @reddrop 

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The post RISING GEMS: Dana Roberts of Red Drop appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

In this new article series, The Bold Maven wishes invites you to embark on this inspiring journey as we discover remarkable women who have fearlessly pursued their dreams and carved their own nontraditional paths toward success. Celebrate the unstoppable force that are  women entrepreneurs and recognize the invaluable lessons they have learned along the way. This is a series that shines a light on the brilliance and resilience of these rising stars, leaving no doubt that with determination and unwavering dedication, women can shape their own destinies and leave an indelible mark on the world.

With her insatiable passion for creativity and a keen eye for style, Shupier Jones has become a pioneer in the fashion industry, earning the distinction of being the first female entrepreneur featured in our exclusive article series. She is the founder of The Pink Triangle Collection, a bold yet tasteful approach to fashion that creates eye-catching, exotic, and elegant leather clutches in a variety of styles and textures. The collection features triangular, animal print evening clutch bags that will take consumers straight from the runway to the boardroom. Easily paired with either sexy heels or your favorite casual shoe, the Pink Triangle Collection is a line that remains  constantly current and fresh, adding an element of surprise to any sense of style.

Shupier’s visionary approach to fashion has not only resulted in a stunning collection but has also ignited a powerful movement centered around inclusivity and empowerment. Join us as we delve into her remarkable story, uncovering the invaluable insights and lessons she has gained along the way.

A: Can you tell us about your journey of turning your passion into a successful business venture? Were there any challenges?

S: The process of creating the Pink Triangle Collection brand has been an interesting experience, and I mean that in a positive way. When you become a bag designer, the simple part is developing the style of the luxury bag. It’s easy because you’re operating with your gift. 

The most difficult aspect was keeping up with the administrative duties. I discovered that a business won’t succeed if you’re inconsistent with your inventory, ads, the newest trends, and the dos and don’ts in the industry you’re pursuing. In actuality, you must always be a student because there is so much to learn. You must always leave room for expansion. 

As a designer of handbags, I’ve acquired knowledge of various fabrics, shapes, patterns, closures, weights, inches, shades, websites, etc. Although these are minor details, they can make or break the bag being created. When I recognized this was a project, I was passionate about doing it, and I knew I had to put in the work and dedication required to build a successful business. I experienced a wide range of emotions and difficulties. Life has a peculiar way of bringing you down when you are the creator of your own product.

‘I was looking for people to validate my vision.’

When I designed my own artwork for my billboards in Atlanta and Times Square,  I rapidly overcame my feelings of unworthiness. Moments such as these keep my fire alive. I had to have faith and confidence in the process God was guiding me through. 

The vast majority of people are unaware of the fact that I started this purse line with two other women 10 years ago. However, since then, each of them has gone on to pursue their own careers and we no longer collaborate. Deep down inside, I couldn’t give up. I have always been a creative individual, so I drew the bags on a white sheet of paper and pinned them to my dream board. I looked at the whiteboard daily. Even though I didn’t have the money at the time, that didn’t stop me from believing in my dream. Occasionally, one of the women would send photographs of bags she saw surfacing on the internet that was close to the ideal, but a phone call is the furthest our conversation went. I tried to use a vendor that a friend had recommended four years later but was unsuccessful. I was fearful at the time because I did not trust anyone with my creation. In 2021, a client of mine, who was accustomed to working with multiple vendors, assisted me in contacting them via email; it was history then. I’ll never forget how she gave me the strength to keep going when I felt like giving up. 

This journey has presented me with numerous obstacles, but the most essential aspect has been learning from them all. God does not place things on our hearts without purpose; we all have a mission that must be achieved in his time.

 I finally launched Pink Triangle in December 2022.

A: What strategies or approaches did you use to build a successful brand? 

S: Consistency and avoiding complacency are the cornerstones of my brand-building strategy. I refused to approach anything with a closed mind or as if I knew it all. For the preponderance of the decisions we make, somebody has business experience in that discipline. Another strategy is to devote time to enhancing your business and eliminating recurring errors. And if you have a mentor who provides constructive feedback, don’t view it negatively. Most of the time, they’re being hard on you because they recognize your potential.

A: How did you leverage your unique strengths and skills to differentiate yourself from competitors in your industry?

S: The source of my creative abilities is God. He is the one who fills my mind with fresh ideas. The Pink Triangle Collection is undeniably his work; I’m merely the empty vessel he utilizes. Pink Triangle’s composed style has a tasteful approach to the fashion industry when compared to its competitors. I’ve heard repeatedly from consumers, family, and friends that they’ve never seen a triangle-shaped handbag that was perfectly proportioned. It is an eye-catching clutch purse that distinguishes your fashion sensibility from the rest. After years of amassing a collection of triangle-shaped handbags, I am noticing that high-end designer labels are beginning to produce similar purses to the ones I’ve created. Even the shape and chains on my purse are identical to those on their bags. This very creation that has been bestowed upon me began years ago. The Lord moves first. 

God Almighty is ultimately to be credited for allowing me to share my dynamic gift with the world.                                  

A: How have you managed to balance your personal life and the demands of being an entrepreneur?

S: If I had to describe how I balance my personal life with the responsibilities of being an entrepreneur, I would say it is very hard work. Most of the time, I’m juggling everything on my own, so there are days when I’m unsure if I’m coming or going. I’ve realized that when you recognize you’re not a robot, you’ll be able to receive support from people far more effectively.  I’ve learned that in this industry, regardless of how many times others have let you down, you cannot succeed on your own. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a team to establish a business. Your responsibility is to use the discernment God has given you and to recognize that energy never lies. You must believe people when they reveal their true selves, regardless of your belief that they will change. Some will perish without ever altering their cruel ways. 

A: What advice do you have for other women who aspire to turn their passion into a successful business?

S: As stated in my memoir, Putting It All on Paper, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets so that they may run who reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2-4) A vision begins with a thought, and that idea becomes an actuality once it is written down. I manifest what I desire by utilizing the law of attraction. You must believe that the desires God planted in your heart are what you deserve. It is imperative that you have the correct frame of mind. You should not treat others better than you treat yourself. Self-love is the most important piece of advice I can impart to any female entrepreneur. This attribute will allow you to establish boundaries by knowing your self-worth, standing steadfast on your beliefs, and being determined regardless of the circumstances at hand. I’ve learned that love encompasses everything and that everything that entails the heart should emanate love. Overall, love what you do, and it won’t feel like a job. 

Shupier Jones’s remarkable journey showcases the power of turning one’s passion into a thriving business. With determination, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of her market, she has successfully built a brand that resonates with customers and stands out from the competition. Shupier’s story inspires aspiring female entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, embrace challenges, and seize opportunities to transform their passions into impactful and lucrative ventures. Her achievements serve as a testament to the limitless potential and entrepreneurial spirit that exists within women across all industries.

Want to know more? Follow Shupier Jones on her journey:

Website:

WWW.SHUPIERJONES.COM

WWW.PINKTRIANGLECOLLECTION.COM

Social Media 

Instagram: @Justshupier

@Pinktrianglecollection 

@Justshupier_hairtrendz 

@pullingitallonpaper

Facebook: 

Shupier Jones 

Pink Triangle

The post RISING GEMS: Shupier Jones of The Pink Triangle Collection appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.