Meet Takiyah McDowell | Owner of VM & TJ Enterprise, LLC

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

Hi Takiyah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

We created our business in honor of our late parents, my mother Tyeas Owens and his father Earnest McDowell. The two of them were our biggest cheerleaders and they both told us to do something that we loved to do, and it will not feel as if you are working. They both passed away from a form a cancer, so we hold a special place in our hearts for those affected by this illness. We both love fashion and the process it takes to create fashion and making others feel good about themselves. We love hand-made and uniquely crafted products. So, when we launched our online retail store, we started with the thought of specializing in apparel and accessories for men and women, that are beautifully crafted and unique. We know if a person, is dressed well, they feel good about themselves too. We thought about having the best of both worlds, by including women and men. And we want our customers to feel beautiful or handsome when they wear our products. The goal is to enrich someone else’s life through fashion. 

My husband and I are partners in this business, we both come up with ideas and curate the products together. Also, my husband is a Veteran of the United States Army, the thought he had when we started the business, we can give back to other veterans as well. So, with that we give back to Disabled Veteran charities, from the profits from our business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I would like to think what sets us apart is the fact, we sell high-quality handmade goods, that are affordable. We pride ourselves on curating high-quality, handmade and unique products. We got this far in business, because we have made a commitment to honor our late parents and help others to feel good about themselves. We provide excellent customer services to our customers. We appreciate each customer and are grateful they chose to shop with us. Also, what sets us apart is we give back to the community whenever possible. Fashion is a way to express yourself and it can help a person to feel empowered also. The goal is for the customer to feel beautiful or handsome, when they are wearing our products.

We overcame obstacles, like funding for the start-up, but by just taking our time and saving money over time we were able to launch the website, get licensing and everything else needed to launch. It took time, but it was all worth it. We are a company, that is stands out amongst the rest, because we have distinctive products. We pride ourselves on the motto, if you purchase items from us, you will feel special. Also, you will be the most stylish in the room and people are going to ask, “where did you get that from?” And our customers can say, “VM & TJ Enterprise”. They are incomparable to others, and they are affordable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would have to say, I love areas like the Atlanta Beltline and Ponce City Market. These are great places to go, due to the fact, they have dining, music, games and places to shop. This area is basically a one-stop shop for anyone. I would also, visit the tourist sites, like Skyview Atlanta and places like, Cabbage town. I love to eat the brunch Pancake Social. The metro-area has so many great places to eat and drink and shop.

I also love Fred’s Meat and Bread Restaurant in Krog Street Market.

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?
I would like to give a shout-out to my husband Vadrin, for being my number one cheerleader and partner is business and life. He is always supporting me with the business and all things. And it is greatly appreciated. Also, I would like to shout-out our village of friends and family, who since day one has been there for us, helping, giving advice and just simply praying over us. Our village are a group of individuals, who all in their special way, have helped us to get to this point with our business. And they continue to help us to grow and expand our territory. The village all know who they are, and they are greatly appreciated. Each customer that has shop with us, share our business and show us love is greatly appreciated beyond measure. Also, our late parents Tyeas Owens and Earnest McDowell, they were the motivation to launch our business and their spirit still lives on through us and we will continue to honor their legacy through our business.

Website: www.vmandtjenterprise.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vmtjenterprise/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/VMTJSHOP