Hi ladies - I always love featuring a local women owned business and I especially love it when the business is so unique and intentional! The Main Idea is a black owned sustainable fashion brand who employ local artisans from Kenya - talk about a business on a mission and with a purpose! Please see our interview below and reach out directly to The Main Idea for your fashion needs! Be sure to follow them on social media to help spread awareness about their brand and this amazing work they are doing!
Did you always want to be in or see yourself as a small business owner?
I’ve always wanted to work in fashion. One of my degrees is in fashion merchandising and marketing. I always assumed that I would use my interest and skills to move my way up working for another fashion brand. I tried it, and didn’t like how it felt to be lending my talents to elevate someone else’s brand.
So, after I kept dreaming about starting my own fashion brand and reading about how women should “do it afraid” I took a leap of faith and launched THE MAIN IDEA.
What is it about "I am the Main Idea" that stands out in the accessories industry?
Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of sustainable fashion brands like ours that are black owned. We concentrate on ethical and sustainable accessories that not only elevate your wardrobe but also has a mission and societal impact. Initially I didn’t think about it in this way, but our business is mission first business last. We employ local artisans in Kenya, pay them above what they ask to ensure fair wages, and honor their traditions and craftsmanship by sharing it with the world through fashion.
We are helping so many families through this work and it's growing bigger than I could have ever imagined.
How do you balance a family/work balance being an entrepreneur and having a personal life? What does that look like for you and any tips for our readers?
I am still working on this. Because in addition to running this business I still work a full-time job. There are a lot of 16 hour work days, and sleepless nights, but it is something I am passionate about so it doesn’t feel like labor. However, I did start off 2024 reading a book called “Rest is Resistance” that talks about the power of rest, so I have been more intentional about getting rest, and listening to my body when I can feel myself starting to feel burned out.
What is the part about your business that lights you up the most?
There are so many parts! It's hearing from the Artisans that we work with when they reach milestones or are able to afford things we take for granted. It's seeing someone wearing our pieces feeling confident and proud, and sometimes I feel ignited simply by the fact that I am blessed to be able to do this. It's truly an honor and something I thank God for daily!
Do you have any advice/tips for women wanting to start their own business?
I think one of my favorite quotes/passages by Ijeoma Umebinyuo sums it up.
“Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling but start. Start and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have. Just... start.”
What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship and start "The Main Idea"?
Because there was a need. Because I wanted to connect back with my African roots, and honor the traditions of their circular economy. Where nothing is wasted, and things we consider to be trash they reuse and make it beautiful. I wanted to serve people but also influence others to think about how we invest our dollars in the fashion industry. Basically I wanted people to see that you can look good and do good at the same time.
Follow The Main Idea at:
IG : @themainideaz
Or shop them at www.iamthemainidea.com (we curate a new handmade sustainable collection every other month)