A Sunday Conversation with Dessence Solomon, owner of Essence and Solomon Boutique

A few months ago Dessence Solomon took a leap of faith and moved her online business to a brick and mortar one opening her business, "Essence and Solomon Boutique" inside Peachtree Mall . It is located directly across from Hibbett Sports. We talked with her about her journey as an entrepreneur.

Q: You spent nearly two decades in fashion design and retail marketing within corporate America. What was the moment—or series of moments—that made you say, it’s time to build something of my own?

Solomon: I have always dreamed of opening my own boutique and carving out a niche for myself in the fashion industry. However breaking into this industry as a new business is easier said than done. It wasn’t until COVID that I decided to take another try and push forward with my dream. COVID and all of the  destabilization that happen to all of us collectively made me see life differently. Life isn’t just something that we do it’s about opportunities and I didn’t want to come to the end of my opportunity without using the gift that  God put inside of me. He gave me this love and passion for a reason. 

Q:  Essence & Solomon was born from a desire to offer high-quality, affordable fashion for women. What gap did you see in the industry that convinced you this brand needed to exist?

Solomon: So much of fashion is created by people that don’t look like us, they are not our size or shape. They don’t live the lives we live. They don’t see beauty from our prospective. As the modern woman We are fashionably, trendy sexy, and sophisticated while maintaining the allure and mystic that is classy southern vibe. Columbus needed a fresh boutique that offers clothing that embraces all women! Modern, unique high quality fashion for all women. 

Q: Many entrepreneurs talk about passion, but passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. How did you balance faith, preparation, and practicality before taking the leap?

Solomon: You have to plan. You can not have business without a hard plan. Most people think they have a plan; but what they have is a concept. Concepts are great; but, before you can turn the concept into a plan you need to do your research. You have to allow Jesus to guide you. Pray and meditate on his word. He will show you opportunities; but you can’t let what you want cloud what you need. Last but not least. You have to be a good steward of your finances. You can’t do more than you can afford. Start small and let your success dictate your growth. If you want more growth find avenues to create more success. 

Q: What were some of the early pitfalls you encountered that no one prepared you for—especially as a Black woman entering entrepreneurship?

Solomon: I lost so much money. People will rob you blind. One thing I will say to anyone. Learn every aspect of the industry you want to join. Not just the portion you want to own, but learn every part of the business. Learn about the supply chain, and manufacturing, shipping, packaging, retail, marketing…etc. learn about every industry that you have to work with. That lack of knowledge will cost you, especially as a black woman.  Sometimes as black women people expect you to be an easy mark. They don’t give you the same basic help that they would give to someone else. They are not trying to create a partnership with you. They just want to make money off you because they don’t think you are going to last long enough to matter. 

Q: Access to capital remains a major barrier for Black female founders. How did funding—or the lack of it—shape your early decisions and growth strategy?

Solomon: It was a major determinant. It cost so much money to do this right and funding just isn’t there and when it is, its so expensive you still can’t afford it. You have to be able to invest in yourself. Start small and grow. Sometimes you can’t quit the 9-5. You have to do both for a while. That's what I had to do. Don’t be afraid to bring in investors. But in the beginning no one is going to invest in you. You have to be your own investor. Thankfully I have  an amazing support system in my husband and we were able to invest in this business venture.

 Q: What mistakes did you make early on that became some of your most valuable lessons?

Solomon: Lack of knowledge. Not understanding everything you need to know. You will never know everything and learn something new everyday for sure, but I wish I knew everything I know now back when I first attempted this in 2005! 

Q: How did your experience in corporate America both help you—and in some ways challenge you once you became your own boss?

Solomon: It helped me significantly. It taught me the value of partnership, negotiation, marketing, culture awareness, so many things. Budgeting and finance. Just so much. I think it also made it hard to leave that “security blanket”. Society teaches us to climb the corporate ladder. Once you finally start to climb it, it’s hard to walk away. But one thing that COVID taught me is that it's all smoke and mirrors. There isn’t a security blanket in anyone’s corporation or in any job title. Jesus is our security.

Q: How has being a Black woman influenced the way you navigate business spaces, partnerships, and credibility in the fashion industry?

Solomon: I understand that my strength comes from knowledge. I educate myself before I go into any space.  There is a lot of good that comes from being a black woman. We as a people are leaders in our communities we are savvy shoppers, and we are business owners and because of that we have made the world look differently than it did 20 years ago .. 10 years ago. Because of that we have choices. I choose who I work with. I am selective! But do I still get doors closed in my face, yes, but maybe those were the wrong doors to open in the first place. 

Q: There’s often pressure for Black women to be everything to everyone. How do you protect your vision while still meeting customer expectations?

Solomon: You should always be open to feedback and to different perspectives and opportunities. However, you must have a plan. Your plan will be your compass. Without it you will get so lost! Everything that sounds like a good idea, or that someone thinks I should sell in my store, if I like it, and it works in my vision statement for the boutique, then I do research before I make any additions. With fashion there is  so many types of styles. Work wear, club wear, wedding guest, street wear, etc… but I have to make sure it works for my customer and for our style as modern sophisticated women. 

Q: On the days when the numbers didn’t add up or the doubt crept in, what kept you going?

Solomon: I tell myself that its OK that you didn’t get that right. You don’t have to get everything right all the time. As business grows you are going to have missteps. It's going to take time to see profit. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to look at the whole picture. Is growth happening, are customers returning, are products selling? Where are the opportunities to make adjustments. Why are numbers off? 

Q: What moments made you realize Essence & Solomon was more than just a dream—but a viable, growing business?

Solomon: My first in-person popup in Austell, Georgia. I remember I looked up and I had a line of people waiting to checkout. All smiles and looking at their outfit talking about where they’re going to wear it and wanting to know more about me. Not to mention opening month at the boutique in Peachtree Mall and the amount of people that came through and said they want everything they saw. It made me feel so good. I know this can work because It is working and I am so thankful to my community! 

Q: Success isn’t always loud. What are some quiet wins you’re most proud of that people may not see on social media?

Solomon: The amount of diversity we have in customers. I love to see that Essence and Solomon is a boutique that women of any background can shop and find clothing that feels like them. Another is return customers. I love it when I see the same beautiful faces coming back, because that says I support you and love what I purchased so much I want more! 

Q: How do you define success now, compared to when you first launched?

Solomon: Small gains, gradual growth. It’s about steps. When I first started I wanted so much all at once, but the truth is success happens in small steps. It’s like raising a child. You have to help them crawl before they walk, and expect them to stumble before they learn to run. You will know when they are ready for the next stage. But you have to trust the process and be patient with them. When I first started I thought what I wanted wasn’t a lot, because I was comparing myself to established businesses. Looking back where I wanted to start was a lot more than I realized. Starting small is one of the keys of success. Start small and build! However, small you think you should  be starting out, you probably should be a little smaller. Look at these large corporations . The first thing they do when they run into trouble is downsize. 

Q: What advice would you give Black women who feel “called” to entrepreneurship but are afraid to take the first step?

Solomon: Pray and allow God to be God inside of you. Create a plan. Do your research. Learn everything you need to know about your industry as a whole. Start small. Once you have prepared yourself a lot of that fear will subside. 

Q: What do you wish someone had told you about burnout, boundaries, and balance before you started?

Solomon: I am still learning that; but what I would say is rest is just as important as work. Listen to God, listen to you body, listen to your loved ones. Even if it’s just 20 minutes a day take time to get a little healthier. Improve your diet and exercise when you can. You need to take care of yourself; because once you take on a business your body will physically be tested with early mornings, late nights, intense days, and a heavier stress load.

Q: If you had to start over today, what would you do differently—and what would you do exactly the same?

Solomon: I would have learned more about social media marketing. I think that has been one of biggest things. I thought I knew social media but it so much more to it than you know. And it’s crucial to the success of your business. I would still be in Columbus in Peachtree Mall. That was the right choice for my boutique. 

Q: What’s next for Essence & Solomon, and how do you envision the brand evolving alongside the women it serves?

Solomon: I want continue to curate the finest and best product assortments for the beautiful women's of Columbus.  I want to make sure I am providing beautiful clothing for all facets of their lives. I see Essence and Solomon growing into two locations. I want to see us expand into the Alabama area. That is an under-served community as well. 

Q: Finally, if you could sum up your entrepreneurial journey in one message for our readers, what would you say to the woman still standing at the edge of her leap?

Solomon: No one is coming to help you sis. You have to do this for yourself. Keep God first, take your concept and create a plan, do the research, educate your self on your industry, educate yourself on social media and traditional marketing. Trust yourself! One of the hardest things you will ever have to do in entrepreneurship is believe in yourself fully,completely and continuously.