Inspiring Conversations with Ayana Eason of Shop Twenty Nine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayana Eason. 

Hi Ayana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always had a love for fashion. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a strong believer in retail therapy. Mainly, because it just sounds better and supports my obsession of shopping. Anytime I would go out or post a picture, people would ask where did I get an outfit from or who did my makeup, hair, nails, etc. I always share who I went to and where I got my clothing pieces from because I always support my friends and businesses but the more, I answered and promoted my people the more it had me thinking what could I bring to the world and how can I be content and successful with what I am doing. Then shortly after, the pandemic came and it put a lot in perspective for me. I was a Senior at Tennessee State University majoring in Business Information Systems, I had to leave my job and return home to Alabama for my first semester of senior year due to COVID-19. Now it was imperative that I find income that would accommodate social distancing while making my desire pay but also knew I really didn’t want to clock in and work for anyone either. Once I realized people seemed to be very influenced by the outfits I would wear and the fashion pieces that I would put together it got me into the fashion industry and then especially creating my own boutique, SHOPTWENTYNINE. A saying that comes to mind is “a girl should be two things classy and fabulous “-Coco Chanel. Once I realized that I had an eye for fashion trends and how to personalize them for me and others, Shop Twenty Nine has been the best decision I have made this far and it’s even more rewarding that it is mine! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a rising college graduate during the beginning of Covid and a new business owner at the start of my journey wasn’t easy but it definitely built character within my business. I had to work even harder for it everything during this time because it was so many competitors that had the same idea as myself. There were so many days and night where I just spent time thinking of what could make SHOPTWENTYNINE standout. This journey came with many sleepless nights and times where I felt like giving up, but my hard work paid off and it has reflected through my boutique! 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
SHOPTWENTYNINE is a boutique bringing content and quality while providing confidence through fashion. We sell anything from corsets, dresses, two-piece sets to jackets, purses, and fashion statements socks. When searching for new inventory, I try to find unique pieces and stay away from clothing that I have seen before. Feedback from my customers and peers, also helps me know what different styles to get and an even better idea of what will sell. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
One of my biggest lessons during this pandemic is that you can’t be afraid to take a chance. I am so glad I didn’t give up or listen to everyone about starting a new business in the middle of a pandemic and followed my heart and desire for my passion. If anything, it made me put more into my business because there we’re no distractions. People have money for what they want or enjoy and that’s why I feel that my business has been a success. Providing confidence through fashion and good quality clothing for affordable prices. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.shoptwenty-nine.com
• Instagram: @shoptwentyninee