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"I love wearing over-sized T-shirts, I only brush my hair if I have to, and I’m not big on fashion fads."
So the question immediately raises, “How have I dedicated four years (and counting) to building a global fashion line?” - I do not sound like your typical candidate, right?
It's simple really. While I appreciate and work towards the craft, creation and incredible skill that it takes to bring a unique look to life, to me that's the art. Fashion is art. With that said, i'm not big on 'fashion fads', as I believe that the trend to follow should always be whatever makes YOU feel fabulous. I believe that fashion is subjective (feel free to hit me with a DM debate on this topic! I'd love to hear). It’s less about the physical pieces of clothing and more about the confidence that you feel when you wear them; the confidence that you find within yourself to "pull it off."
Case in point, my Trinidad Carnival 2019 outfit choices; feat. this actually NOT cute big-T that got more compliments the day before than this hot number.🤣
Which one is more fashionable? The obvious? The one that made a statement? The one that got majority compliments? & if Blake Lively was in the tshirt, would you change your mind about it being less fashionable? You see? SUB-JEC-TIVE
If you’re all caught up on the story of how this all began, you’d note that this brand wasn’t born from a love for fashion, but more a love for people, and allowing those people to find their own fabulous. All of our Couttsea pieces are inspired by what makes me, my sweet mama, and the countless women that we have interviewed and taken inspiration from, FEEL BEAUTIFUL. So now that you know a little bit more about me, allow me to reintroduce myself to those of you that are new here... "Hey there! My name is Carly Coutts and I am the founder of Couttsea Resort Wear; A brand with a Caribbean heart and an international spirit.'
CUE THE REAL INSIDE SCOOP:
At the ripe age of 24, with a 'starving artist' kinda bank account, I took my love for the Caribbean, my admiration for the ocean, and my craving for inner peace and decided that I was going to start something great. I knew that I couldn't think about it too much or I may never do it, so I closed my hopeful eyes and stepped towards the path less traveled. The first conversation of my new adventure sounded something like this:
“So dad… Can I borrow $2,000 TT to start a business?”
(Hey! Don’t judge me. His rates were lower than a bank loan, and in the world of business, let’s face it, that investment is a joke. 😅😳)
“Ammmm okay. Do you have a business plan? When are you giving me back the money? I expect interest on this loan. Let’s talk rates.”
I rolled my eyes gratefully (yes it’s possible) with a cheeky grin, and did what any grown, mature, woman would do… I called my mom.😆😆
It was immediately evident where I got my jump-into-the-deep-end-then-learn-to-swim attitude from. Mama Coutts leaped on board without hesitation.
“We can call xzy! Or maybe abc will have some information...and then what if you e-mail Oprah?! She is good exposure! Just kidding...But hey, you never know! What's the plan? Let's do this!”
Now THIS woman believed in the “impossible.”
I felt lucky that I had a support system that trusted me, but I couldn't help but secretly wish, "Could someone trust me just a little bit less?" 😅 Could someone actually tell me what to do next?
Spoiler Alert: That did not happen. I was left to my own devices.
Needless to say, someone out there missed out on the plot for a great reality T.V. series: If you're reading this #Netflix, it's not too late 🤣🤣
"Young girl in her early 20's wants to build a global resort wear brand, with a full time job, a small budget, little experience and no leads.... Oh! & she's on an island."
The island is obviously key to any good reality plot.
Well this should be an adventure...
If you can relate to the madness of being a small business owner, you're currently facing the world of #adulting head on, or you simply just enjoy a good story...Make sure to stick around, as the journey of Couttsea continues 💃🥰😁.
Next Up:
- The huge self-realization that shifted the trajectory of the brand.
- The most exciting thing I had ever created! - Why this Caribbean heart had to take an international leap (and not #golocal) *gasp*
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