We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Joyner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe that becoming an entrepreneur is the biggest act of faith. You have to believe in your product or service enough to bring it to life and see the process through. Entrepreneurship is a journey full of highs and lows which requires endurance and perseverance. Starting Cinched Collections has been one of the most significant risks I’ve ever taken. Developing a clothing line from the ground up requires a lot of upfront capital and brand awareness, but with the brand strategies I have put into place Cinched Collections is set to make a strong return on investment in the near future. It’s a major risk but one that I would never regret.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Cinched Collections is an apparel line that is specifically curated and designed with curvy women in mind, including sizes S-5X! The styles are made with additional inches added accordingly for women with prominent bust, thigh, and hip areas. The line includes stylish yet functional tops, bottoms, and dresses.

There is a large disparity between plus and straight sizes in the market, with most retailers catering to one or the other. This brand is diversified by including sizes S-5XL for curvy women because you can easily be a size 6 or 8 and struggle to find properly fitting clothing. We promote natural, curvaceous bodies as a means to enhance self-esteem in minority women. Curvy women of color are heavily marketed and well-represented within marketing campaigns as a means to be inclusive!

Cinched Collections also opens doors by outsourcing and employing people of various backgrounds, especially people of color. The clothing is produced in NYC by a minority-owned manufacturer and employs many people of color. Cinched Collections strives to empower curvy women and invest in other minority-owned businesses!

I have almost a decade of experience in merchandising and product development. I have worked for various women’s department stores and specialty retailers, including plus-size brands in NYC.

As minority women in the fashion industry, we are often subjected to various forms of discrimination and toxicity from unfair wages to social alienation. My goal from an environmental perspective is to promote equality, reduce burnout rates, and increase cultural acceptance within the workplace. Cinched Collections prides itself in promoting a healthy and inclusive work environment! Many curvy Black and Brown women, such as myself have rarely felt properly represented in the fashion industry. This brand serves as a means to employ and embrace curvy, minority women who look like me.

After facing extreme burnout and depression while working in the fashion industry, I was somewhat relieved to be laid off due to COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic. I saw that as my opportunity to step out on faith and launch my dream clothing line. I was inspired to create a business that empowers a specific underserved, yet highly profitable market.

Developing a clothing line from the ground up requires a lot of upfront capital, but with the brand strategies I have put into place Cinched Collections is set to make a strong return on investment in the near future. The primary need for funding stems from the cost of production, fabric inventory, and marketing expenses. As a relatively new business, we must gain as much exposure as possible for the brand. I have been challenged with the lack of funding to scale my business, as production costs are very expensive. I am also hindered by a lack of staffing due to finances regarding payroll. Black entrepreneurs often disproportionately receive less access to capital. This fuels my desire to keep persevering.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite brunch spot in Brooklyn is Imani! I like to go to Ode to Babel, which is a popular Black-owned bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother, Felicia Joyner, deserves all her flowers for being my number one cheerleader, voice of reason, and support system! She has been with me every step of the way. My mom has been extremely instrumental in my life and a strong sounding board throughout my journey.

Website: https://cinchedcollections.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinchedcollections/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-joyner-9b14a8a9/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cinchedcollect

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cinchedcollections/

Other: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ang4D0KxOItKqMyAai3IwJEO2-WkMrH/view?usp=sharing

Image Credits
Monolith Images Studio Henry Stampfel Photography Cristian Paez Photography Dynasty Fashion Photography

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