Ine'a ~ Fashion Entrepreneur

“The Repertoire’s motto is ‘Embrace the uncomfortable and walk with purpose.’ That’s what I’m doing."

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“I wanted to do something during the pandemic. I’m 21 years old and I couldn’t really go anywhere. I'm the type of person who loves to be on Instagram, taking a lot of pictures, going on trips and doing extravagant things and we couldn't really do that in the pandemic. I wanted to do something that was really impactful and be able to say that I did that when I was 21. So I launched an e-commerce retailing business called The Repertoire. It’s my ‘2020 vision.’

When I was younger, I used to want to be a fashion designer. I've always wanted to start a clothing line. 2020 was the perfect time for me to sit down and take the time to start it, even though I was already busy. I had three online classes, I was working at a juice bar within a health food store, which was considered an essential store during the pandemic, and I was doing my online internship. But I knew that I needed to start my business and do something for me.

The Repertoire sells ‘attire and other’. My first collection is called the Butterfly Collection. In college we’re so young, there’s a lot of growth going on, and it's a beautiful thing. You have your own wings. I've been blessed with so much and I see myself blossom more and more into my own butterfly. There's so much more growth that will happen for myself and my business and I find that truly beautiful. The butterfly is a constant inspiration to fly and express your creativity.

I started off small, doubting myself and thinking that even if no one buys anything, it's okay as long as I get to wear it, and family members can purchase from me if need be. I wanted to do a launch party and invite friends and family so people could come and see my products, but that couldn’t happen because of the pandemic. My business is doing a lot better than I even thought it would. In a few weeks, I'll be doing a pop-up shop in my friend’s boutique, Tre’s Chic’, inside our university’s student center. My 2021 goal is to market to more people than just those around me and expand The Repertoire.

The Repertoire’s motto is ‘Embrace the uncomfortable and walk with purpose.’ That’s what I’m doing.” -- Ine'a, The Repertoire #Missouri