Brown CEO: Chastity C. Alford

What inspired me to be a CEO?
 My inspiration actually derived from a lack of diversity and
inclusion for plus size men and women. As a woman who has suffered
with weight issues, I often found myself struggling to find trendy
attire for curvy women in my city. After countless trips to local
boutiques I grew increasingly frustrated only to find the selection of
plus size and extended plus size clothing was simply an overlooked
factor in a lot of cases. After months of due diligence and research,
I soon realized many women and men shared my same agonizing pain. In
2015, after many months of prayer, preparation and planning, The
Classic Maven Boutique was launched online. In 2016 we opened our
first Brick and Mortar location

My most exciting accomplishment to date?
Throughout these past 5 years I have exceeded numerous milestones and
received many accomplishments from being awarded 2019 Entrepreneur of
the Year by ACHI Magazine, Best Boutique for 2019 & 2020 from Best
Society USA as well as Boutique of the Year for 2019 from Full Figured
Industry Award but by far my greatest accomplishment would have to be
from the messages and emails I receive from my customers reminding me
of my calling. Classic Maven is not about selling clothes, my sole
purpose is to impact and change lives. It is an amazing feeling to
hear customers say "Thank You for catering to us" Or you have inspired
me to become more comfortable and confident in my own skin" My
customers are my family and myself along with my team work tirelessly
to pour love and build long lasting relationships with everyone we
encounter at CMB.

What two pieces of advice will I give to emerging CEO's?
KNOW YOUR WHY! It is vital to the success of your brand to know why or
what your purpose is for starting a business. Anyone can have a hustle
but what are you prepared to sacrifice in your hustle to make it
become your passion? Emerging business owners must understand the
importance of investing in your dreams. Understand that everyone is
not going to believe in your vision and that is ok but surround
yourself with like minded people who have the same desire and drive to
help support your goals.

What is next for me in 2020 / 2021?
This year has been one of ups and downs. I am Blessed to still have a
thriving company in the midst of a global pandemic. Classic Maven was
just presented with the 2020 Best in Jacksonville Award for Best
Boutique category. As we close out this year,we are gearing up for an
awesome 2021. As of January we will have our first fulfillment center
to process all of our orders. This past month, we successfully
launched our shapewear line called Maven Essentials. I am super
excited as our garments will cater to plus size women. And we are in
the final stages of major collaborations. I am truly looking forward
to a prosperous 2021.

How can readers connect with me online?
Classic Maven Boutique can be followed on our social media handles:
Instagram (classic_maven_boutique) as well as Facebook (The Classic
Maven Boutique) Every Saturday, 4pm (est) we host our live sip and
shop segment on Facebook called The Virtual Wine & Chat Block party
where we showcase new arrivals, giveaways and host other entrepreneurs
to showcase their business. I truly believe COLLABORATION IS THE NEW
EMPOWERMENT! We invite you all to the Maven Family. Stay in the know
by joining our VIP list on our website: www.classicmaven.net