Read about how Afiya Bennett, top model and girl boss!

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Afiya Bennett

A TOP SUPER MODEL & GIRL BOSS

AFIYA BENNETT

Top Model & Girl Boss

IN THIS ARTICLE

Written By: Lori Granded

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THINGABOUT BEING ANENTREPRENEUR?

My favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is being able to not only be my own boss but to invest my time and energy into a business that is reflective of my values, my style, and my legacy. As a model, we spend our entire life building someone else’s dream and having our self-worth and self-value defined by outer “beauty”. Starting my own business means redirecting my self-worth and self-value into a business that is my own. My business is my baby, I will grow with it, develop it and help it flourish. There is no greater feeling than having something that is your own, something that no one can take away, it is special to me.

"Starting my own business means redirecting my self-worth and selfvalue into a business that is my own."

"My goal is to be more than a luxury hat line, but to uplift women, and to encourage women empowerment."

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I decided to start my own business because I understand the value in entrepreneurship. There is a saying that if you don’t follow your dreams you will spend your entire life building someone else’s. I want to invest in my own business as much as I have spent investing in others as a model.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM-LEVEL GOAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CHASE YOUR DREAMS?

Women such as Oprah, Michelle Obama, and Beyoncé inspire me. These women work tirelessly every day to bring into fruition the vision they have for their lives, their families and the legacy they want to leave behind. These women continuously push towards greatness and in return show me that I too can do it.

Knowing that I have a million little girls watching, following in my footsteps and looking up to me inspires me to keep pushing forward and keep chasing my dreams. I am creating a legacy for not only my self but for everyone that is fighting for a dream they believe in and for anyone with a dream that is afraid to go after it.

My dream level goal for my business is to transcend fashion. My goal is to be more than a luxury hat line, but to uplift women, and to encourage women empowerment. I want to remove all the limitations that society has put on us. My inspiration for my hat line is British military hats and when I think of women in the military, I think of a woman who is fearless, a woman who is not one dimensional but goes after what she believes in. I see that woman in my self and I want to encourage women to channel the same within themselves. When my hat line achieves all of the above, that is my real goal.

WHAT DOES YOUR CURRENT BUSINESS MODEL LOOK LIKE?

The roles and responsibilities of my staff are to ship orders, update social media, create new opportunities, and following up with pre-existing customers to find ways to receive feedback to the product and be of any assistance where necessary.

TALK US THROUGH WHAT YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE.

A typical day consists of finding ways to expand. “The Afiya Collection is looking to have a launch event as well as a pop-up shop. At the moment I am planning that as well as looking to collaborate with larger media outlets to get the word out about my brand.

WHAT IS YOUR BRAND MISSION?

My brand mission statement is “Where Luxury Meets Purpose...The Afiya Collection” changing lives, uniting women, and breaking barriers.“

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

The next step my for business is to expand into stores and to expand beyond hats. The “Afiya Collection is limitless”. I am looking to create new designs for my hats and see my hats in stores like Barney’s, and Saks.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT?

To someone just starting out, I would tell them not to be afraid to make mistakes. As a designer you want your brand to be flawless but in actuality, you learn as you go. Lastly, to selfinvestors- don’t worry, You would have spent the same money on something way less fulfilling than owning your business. Take that leap of faith, you got this!

top model+ girl boss

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOUR WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS?

You can find my website at www.Theafiyacollection.com and on social media @theafiyacollection.

Fun Facts

WHAT CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE DINNER WITH?

Beyoncé...I love Beyoncé and she is one of my biggest inspirations.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION LOCATION?Antigua where my wedding will be held.

WHAT IS ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO COMPLETE BY THE END OF THE YEAR?

To go to Thailand and interact with the Tigers. I have always been a huge animal lover, so being able to go to Thailand and experience this first hand is fantastic.

C OFFE OR TEA?

Coffee, I love love love coffee.

W HAT DOES YOUR CURRENT WORKSPACE LOOK LIKE? DESK OR STUDIO

Being that I am selling hats, I have the inventory and that requires space.

"As a designer you want your brand to be flawless, but in actuality, you learn as you go. Lastly, to self-investors don’t worry, you would have spent the same money on something way less fulfilling than owning your business. Take that leap of faith, you got this!"