Meet Shonivia Edwards | Boutique Owner and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shonivia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had no intentions on being a boutique owner, but I was literally at one of my lowest points on how I felt about my body and then I was talking to my Pastor who felt lead to tell me that I would be stepping into fashion to help women. It was in that moment God showed me why, there are so many women not comfortable or confident in who they are, and I wanted to be “OUR SOLVE”. I’ve always inspired and pushed women and people in general to be who they are and LOVE it!! Your body is a temple so learn to love you with your GUT, STRETCH marks, dents, and dimples. I guarantee you if you love yourself, the man who GOD has ordained for you will love you too!

Even more, my thought process behind starting my business were to be able to make thick women feel good about themselves. There are not a lot of choices for women with curves and majority of the average women can’t afford a stylist, so shopping at our boutique gives you an idea of how to style your clothes with or without accessories but with affordable prices with high quality pieces. We partner with some of the best vendors and test our product before we sell to our customers for accurate sizing and quality to give our customers what they want and what they need.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was in retail for over 16 years and management for 17 years. Currently in Supply Chain/Logistics I’ve worked for various fortune 500 Corporations including Target, Walmart Corporations, and Amazon that have given me the tools and resources I’ve needed as an entrepreneur. I have been fortunate enough to obtain an Associates, Bachelors, and two Master’s Degree. As a business owner, this is what sets me apart. My experience. Fortunate enough to have an education and experience helps me to understand the value of a customer and the foundation of the business in its entirety. As a business owner you are given many challenges, fears, and obstacles that seem too hard to overcome, but I remember Hill Harper who once said at a graduation I attended, “fear” is false evidence, appearing real. So, in those moments I remember those words, and my faith. Nothing happens unless you have your personal faith. You have been given the knowledge to obtain what you desire, and you are what you speak according to Proverbs.
Therefore, speak positive and positive will happen. Everything comes in your perfect timing
and season. You just have wait, believe, and put in the work! Waiting is difficult but “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs. Success won’t happen overnight. Success takes time, hard work, and patience. -Zig Ziglar. ZNor Avenue is more than a boutique, it’s brand, it’s safe, and it’s your place to purchase with freedom because we care.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend in town, I would definitely set an agenda.

Monday: Eat at T’s Brunch and watch Wakanda forever
Tuesday: Eat at Pappadeaux and go to the mall before it gets too crowded the weekend
Wednesday: Go to an Escape room and dinner at Old lady Gang to try to run into Kandi Burrus and family
Thursday: Visit Cynthia Baily Wine Cellar and Sweet Georgia Juke Joint for the live Band
Friday: Find live Jazz and eat at Capital Grille and then game night with some mutual friends
Saturday: Visit Lanethia’s for some good music and food at night and during the day give her/ him a tour of the city

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?
When I first started in 2020, I was so nervous! I didn’t know if people would support me or not, but my family as well as my friends were in full support. Even when I didn’t feel like I was operating at my full potential they supported me. Shout out to my Niece/daughter Chritaja Shelton who keeps our orders shipping out faster than little elf’s. Shes my go-to and brainiac who figures out all the things I can’t in this business! (lol) My sister Takisha, the greatest lawyer you’ll ever meet who shares my brand with everyone. Dr’s office, her office, text or the supermarket! (Lol) Monica, is going hype her little sister up in the comments and tell the world to shop with her sister! Shes going to support by bringing all her besties to support her sister and we are definitely going to have a good time. Cookie CEO of Jandbsfancy.com and Turning Point Financial Solutions, my bestie who wouldn’t let me quit if I tried, she would just invest and share my brand with all of social media, friends, and family! Shes my creator director and accountability partner! Just call Ebony she’s coming! Always a shoulder and support system for everything! Jalisa my cousin/sister who shares every chance she gets on social media, shops with me and genuinely proud and supportive of me. My niece Monique Marshall CEO of blacktobusiness.com who gives me all the GEMS for free! Free for me not for you lol. Her advice and expertise are definitely a game changer! Laquesha my God mom is always going support in anyway. She just wants to see me WIN and always has. Dori Carter my first model who has the biggest heart and truly a genuine loving person! Joi CEO of BuggyandBella.com! My sis since we were kids, always supporting, as a model, sharing, purchasing, or being an ear when this thing gets rough. Cece and Larry! Love yall! I know I’m going to get a comment, jump on a live, or Cece is going to buy something. Jamilia CEO of ItsCookietastic Bakery, my sister from another mister is going to do everything she can to show support. She will buy at full price (lol) create a flyer, share, tag, comment, and push you into purpose honey! My photographers and videographers Damien Moss (DJM Photography) and Timothy Cole (Videographer & Photographer) for going above and beyond to support my boutique. Last but not least by boutique friends and my mentor Martha E! Thank you for the PUSH! You have inspired me in more ways than you’ll ever know! Your mentorship program IS ANOINTED! I flew into Texas feeling almost defeated, but I walked out a threat to enemy!

I’m thankful for all of you especially my Daddy and Ma Carolyn! There may be some I missed, but just know I’m grateful for my village!

Website: znoravenue.com

Instagram: znor_avenue_boutique

Linkedin: Shonivia Edwards

Twitter: Z’Nor Avenue Boutique

Facebook: Z’Nor Avenue Boutique

Youtube: Shonivia Edwards

Image Credits
Timothy Cole and Damien Moss