We only have a few weeks left in the year 2020. I do not know about anybody else, but I am ready to head on over to 2021. I am grateful that this year allowed some of us to sit still. It was a time where you had no choice but to reflect and refocus life on things that truly mattered. 2020 has also been the year of pivoting. I cannot tell you how tired I am from hearing that word, but it is true. People had to learn how to adjust when it came to their daily lives and businesses. For me, this time allowed me to invest in things that make me happy. I see others on my timeline that are also turning their passions into businesses. Out of all the people I see black woman per usual leading the charge.
In October, Forbes released an article where they talk about the increase in Black Women owned businesses amongst the struggles that they have to face as well especially during COVID.
“The face of female entrepreneurship overall is becoming a lot less white. Black women represent 42% of new women-owned businesses—three times their share of the female population—and 36% of all Black-owned employer businesses.”
“High levels of educational attainment, coupled with overcoming barriers to corporate advancement, have prompted Black women to pursue entrepreneurship, where they’ve become a potent economic force. Majority Black women-owned firms grew 67% from 2007 to 2012, compared to 27% for all women, and 50% from 2014 to 2019, representing the highest growth rate of any female demographic during that time frame.”
I want to be able to support these businesses better especially during these times. I came across a new black female business owner, Hattie, a fellow FMU Alum, who was able to capitalize in the time we were all staying at home. The story of her company shows us all that even during a pandemic you can find your niche and passion when you least expect it.
Hattie is the owner of My Cozy Place by Hat providing premier interior and exterior design services. Hat short for Hattie, was a foster child and adopted at the age of 9. She grew up in a small county right outside of Memphis, TN. Graduated from FMU on a basketball Athletic Scholarship majoring in business and finance. Growing up & throughout her adult life, she always dreamed of a life more than just that small town that consumed everyone around her.
“Since I could remember, I‘ve always had a true passion for decor, fashion and design. People always referenced me as the girliest girl on the court.”
I got the chance to ask Hat a couple of questions about her business and visions of the future.
First things First. How have you been staying sane during the pandemic and all the craziness going on?
From the start of the pandemic, I decided I was going to take this time to reset & focus on purpose. With MCP being my new baby, I dived right into it. My sanity fed from everyday dedicating time whether studying my craft, watching handyman DIY’s, studying photos, or setting up different design visions. Rather than consume myself with the craziness I focused my energy on the positives.
Before this thing called COVID 19 came around and shook up everyone’s lives. What was your profession? Was it effective by the pandemic?
For the last 7 years, I had a career as a Project Account Manager for one of the world’s leading hotel brand service companies. I created & designed items such as dining menus and market kits that were essential to the function of hospitality. Unfortunately, with the stay home order hotels shut their doors and the demand for my projects ceased. The company shutdown indefinitely July 2020. So yes, Covid-19 shook my world upside down and forced me to give my all to My Cozy Place by Hat.
During the pandemic, the increase of DIY and home projects went up substantially. Since we are spending way more time at home, people want their spaces to be a place of escape and enjoyment. Also, have you seen some of these work from home spaces? People are really making sure they got exactly what they need and it looks fabulous.
In an article on CNBC, they reference the boom of home remodeling during the pandemic.
“Houzz, an online home remodeling platform, reported a 58% annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June. Those working on outdoor spaces saw the biggest increase in demand, with searches for pool and spa professionals three times what they were a year ago. Not far behind, landscape contractors, deck and patio professionals all saw more than double the demand.”
My Cozy Place was a product that came out of the early days of the pandemic. Can you tell us what made you want to turn this DIY project into a full-scale business? Was this something you always loved or just stumbled upon?
It has always been my nature to help others whether personal style or helping a Fortune 500 hotel brand with a new design. DIY overly excites me, making what I already have even more spectacular. With this new stay home order, the demand for home projects sky rocketed. When I decided to create my own cozy place many of my social following inquired at a crazy rate. After posting my initial project, I woke up to an alarming amount of DM’s and inquires. That’s where the lightbulb went off, I can make money from something I love to do. With my skill set, experience and the passion that drives me I’ll never have to call my business “work”.
Starting a business can be stressful in itself but adding a pandemic on top of it, stress is not even the word. Can you talk about your highs and lows when you began My Cozy Place by Hat? Were you nervous going into it?
Stressful to say the least, The career I knew for the most of my adult life was no more and a deadly virus was spreading throughout the world. Lows derived from “How do I navigate the unknown and is it even possible”? Nervous, I had to work at client’s homes to get the job done but I have inventory. Stores were closed and non-essential shipping was nearly impossible. However, I made it work. Highs were overwhelming. The amount of support and praise I received conquered all lows.
Can you provide any tips for someone who is wanting to start their own business as well?
For anyone out there reading this understand it is never going to be perfect. Do not wait around for every detail to fall into place. Never put too much pressure to have it all correct. You have to start somewhere so why not start where you are. MCP is literally 9 months in and I am learning do’s and don’ts every day and I hope to continue to grow. So, wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever resources/talent that you have start with that. Understand you will make mistakes, who cares just learn from them. Know that with time, willingness, and dedication you will begin to manifest the business of your dreams.
Black women are growing at an increasing rate in becoming entrepreneurs. That is a great network of women to seek advice and support one another. Do you have any mentors that have helped you navigate in business?
I have drawn on my life experiences and sought mentorship throughout my professional career. Also, I have a strong friend group. My sisterhood of family and friends are pioneers, innovators, supporters, critics, and legit go getters. Whether listening to a design idea or sharing a bomb MCP after photo. They show me how powerful women especially black women truly are. In the end, My Cozy Place by Hat will be a reflection of Hattie and my vision.
What is the average amount of time you spend getting a project just right for your client? What really goes into creating those amazing after pictures?
MCP is usually timely with four stages in the design process. The “Initial Client Meeting” this the time when the client and I sit down, and I understand their vision and the experience they would like to illustrate with their new design. Then the “Leg WorK Phase”, this is where I shop, study clients desired vision such as deciding colors, light, and furniture placement. Next, its “Installation Phases” this usually takes an entire day or week. Creating these amazing before and after picture solely depends on the client reaction when they see their new space for the first time. So, no matter how large or small the project is, I am not happy until I see my clients face lights up with excitement.
What is your personal style when it comes to your home?
I usually get into my home decor pretty much every quarter. Every season, I change something whether its accent wall paint color or spray painting an ottoman for the millionth time. Usually I am all into the neutral colors with a hint of color. Pretty much my home design is boho chic with a hint of glam throughout. With the holidays approaching, I am sure I will OD with silver and gold shimmer. Seriously, it’s scary how much I spend on Christmas decor, but I love every minute and detail of it.
What is your vision for the future of MCP? Do you think about expanding your services into the interior services as well in the future?
I dream big when it comes to My Cozy Place by Hat. I will not limit myself to just exterior design. I have the capability to Invent both interior and exterior. I plan to be a household name for both. My DIY projects have became quite poplar in my designs, who knows you might be able to purchase of my custom furniture pieces in the near future. During this pandemic, I like to think I found my niche, but truly I found my PURPOSE.
Hat provides us with a reminder to not take your gifts or skills for granted. During tumultuous times you can still manage to take time for your passions or even fall into your purpose.
We also need to remember to support our small black owned businesses especially during these times. It can even be by liking, sharing, or commenting to do your part.
You can follow Hat on social media at @mycozyplace_byhat
https://www.mycozyplacebyhat.com/
Victoria is a Disney fanatic and Team Marvel. A Southern Girl and Naturalista but loves a good wig. Victoria launched her lifestyle blog this year focusing on inspiring others with her experiences and words. Follow her on instagram at always_withlove_tori
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