Due to the unexpected downturn in the economy, Adrienne found herself a victim of the “lay off” along with millions of other Americans around the world. “I questioned myself at that point and time, and I asked myself, ‘what do I want to do?’”
Instead of playing the role of the victim, she decided to tap into her invaluable well of knowledge that she had acquired during her employment at Wall Street. “I knew how to approach bankers, so I decided to start my own businesses from the manifestations of things that I like.”
Without hesitation, Adrienne got to work. She came up with a solid business plan and met with investors to launch her up-and-coming online clothing boutique and signature fragrance line, “Brown-Eyed Bandit,” a signature fragrance collection inspired by various cities around the world.
“I love fashion so it would have been a shame for me not to pursue my own online boutique. I like the idea of having a boutique online because it cuts the cost of over head,” Adrienne emphasizes. “My boutique will offer stylish, yet affordable clothing; everything from haute couture to street, and will high light some of the greatest emerging designers.”
In addition to her exciting new business ventures, Adrienne is also the spokeswoman for the for the “50 Million Pound Challenge,” for All State Insurance and Dr. Ian Smith’s national weight loss challenge to African-Americans. She also enjoys mentoring and educating the masses through hands on seminars, dealing with the immense importance of financial literacy. She frequently visits colleges in the New York area and beyond, to educate students on the importance of entrepreneurship.
“I feel like my generation is achieving success so much quicker,” Adrienne praises. “If we all look back and reflect on the principles of Henry Ford and the Rockefellers, we can all be successful. And that’s what I tell the students when I talk to them—it’s all about knowing the value of money, budgeting, knowing how to market yourself, and how to invest in you. Take a chance on yourself.”
One other important motto that Adrienne imparts whether she’s active in the community, or standing on the podium in front of an entire student body is: “Instead of just admiring someone else’s success, research how they did it, and go do it. Success doesn’t manifest itself over night; preparation and opportunity brings about success.”
“What I stress when I talk to our people in regards to black business ownership, and low-income families, is that we are a resilient people, and we are making huge strides. Although a lot of our economic hard ships didn’t happen over night, and we certainly can’t change history over night, we can change how we spend our dollars.”
Adrienne concedes with affirmation, “I am here to serve,” she says passionately. “I am here to do what God has me to do, and I do so honorably. I would feel bad if I didn’t share my knowledge with others. If I walked past a house with a foreclosure sign, and if I knew that I could’ve been of help, then I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”
She’s tenacious, educated, beautiful, powerful and determined. It is no doubt that Adrienne Davis is a force to reckon with.
The best is yet to come.
Adrienne Davis’s Top 5 Financial Tips:
- Budget: ALWAYS live within your means!
- Simple: Save Money (Form a sensible plan to suit your economic situation and stick with it.)
- Suggested Reads: Susie Orman’s “Young, Fabulous and Broke!” (This book is great, and reminds us that some things will just have to wait!)
- Study someone’s success story and then make it your own.
- Don’t get to fixated on the concept of “renting.” Ownership is the key to your financial destiny.
Written by Eboyne Jackson