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

Hi Donna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always had a passion for clothes, fashion and shopping dating back to my early 20’s. I say that because I clearly remember being the only person in the office dressed in a two piece suit and 3 inch heels every day. I am sure that was over the top for my co-workers, but it was normal for me because I was taught to always present my best self. For that reason, clothes became my best friend. For starters, It has always been a lack or void in style and fashion in my area. As time went on, the struggle became more real because I was challenged with finding semi or formal wear when I needed them for special events. I knew what I wanted, and I could see it in my head but it was not in the stores. Which lead me to creating my own looks most of the time. After years of frustration and complaining to my husband, he finally said maybe it was time for me to bring something new to the area. After meditating on it, I decided that it was worth looking into, but still not knowing what I wanted to do just yet. Needless to say, it wasn’t until I actually saw a young lady/designer on social media that lived in my area showcasing her pieces and I said to myself that’s what I want to do. Not knowing where to start, I met with my spiritual leader and she referred me to a young lady that was in the industry teaching Fashion 101 classes. Long story short, I took the class and as I was doing my research, I ran across an article on how to start an online boutique. Of course, I looked into it and saw it was a fairly easy process and in 2016 I opened up my very own online boutique. In 2021, I decided to take the business to another level by opening a physical location at 946 C-2 Orleans Road, Charleston, SC.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the owner of Donna M. Collection Lifestyle Brand, formally known as Distinctively Mod Boutique. Although our target is to cater to the everyday woman. Our mission is to inspire and ignite the inner beauty of every woman and to build confidence through style. What sets us apart is that we focus on confidence. While we love dressing the outside. We want to make sure that the outside matches what’s inside all of us and that’s beauty, sophistication, chicness and wholeness. I believe most of my success comes from having a team of supportive people and being confident in who I am and what I do. I have a strong faith background so I count on my affirmations, confessions and one of my favorite scriptures, Philippians 4:13 that says, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think the first place I would take my best friend is Halls Chop House because the food and service is amazing. Overall, downtown Charleston is a really nice place to hang out because it has a lot of nice restaurants, clean night life and historic places like the battery, parks, and the York Town. There is also this cute spot called the Workshop that has great eating places but it’s a hot spot to hang out because it reminds me so much of Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where do I begin because there is so many people I can thank?  But to answer your question, I will start with my family of course for traveling with me and always supporting me in everything I do. Secondly, my spiritual leaders because they keep me grounded and hopeful even when I want to give up. Thirdly, Keisha Smith, my coach and mentor. Ms. Keisha is always available and gives so much without asking for anything in return. She has been graced with assisting individuals, businesses and non-profits start and grow businesses. Mr. Jordan Jackson, the visionary behind Birch and Pen. This young man is such a huge example to the community and younger generation for his amazing accomplishments as the youngest black male to start a business. But more importantly, giving me an opportunity that opened so many doors for me. Lastly, my good friend Quintan Johnson for being my ears and eyes. They all effortlessly contributed selflessly to the success of my business and I couldn’t have asked to be connected to a better group of people.

Website: www.donnamcollection.shop

Instagram: @donnamcollection

Facebook: @donnamcollection

Other: TikTok: donnamcollection

Image Credits
A. Shaday Photography, LLC and Your World on Film.

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