Finding help in your business is not a simple task. It takes patience, synergy, vulnerability, and self-awareness. You have to know your strengths and weaknesses and those of your business. Many entrepreneurs experience significant personnel shifts during the beginning years, but Moriah Shands and Tayaluv, co-owners of Lady M’s Fashion Bandz, found a way to effectively balance business, friendship, and individual goals.
Lady M’s Fashions Bandz is a hair accessory line specializing in headbands and turbans for women and children. Tayaluv, a fashionable sales and marketing analyst, birthed the idea and brought in Moriah to run administrative duties behind the scenes. The pair sat down with Mogul Millennial to share their process of forming a solid partnership and business.
Listen for a person’s core values.
Good business is built on solid values. Tayaluv and Moriah’s interest in business started with families who understood the importance of ownership and financial stability. Tayaluv grew up helping in her older sister’s salon where she was inspired to have something for herself. Moriah watched her parents cycle through businesses and struggle financially to raise five kids. She knew they were on to something and considers herself to be living out their dream.
Find someone with a complimentary skillset.
Efficient businesses involve a variety of skillsets, and working partnerships require each individual to identify and dominate their lane. When it comes to Fashion Bandz, Moriah says, “Tay is the fashion forward one. She’s been doing hair and pageants since high school. I was always in my school work. My mom made that a thing. I wanted to do music, and my mom said, ‘No, you’re going to do business.’ At this point it’s a natural thing for me to handle paperwork.”
Consider people who are whole without you.
Partnerships, like relationships, are the coming together of two whole people, not halves. No partner should be completing the other person; both individuals need to be self-sufficient. Outside of the business, Tayaluv and Moriah have their own endeavours. Tayaluv has a degree in Business Administration and is a senior analyst for a corporation by day. Moriah is the recently published author of Brett King and founder of Moriah Shands Publishing Company. Neither woman is looking for the business to shape their identity.
Observe how potential partners handle struggle.
No business exists without obstacles. Collectively and individually Tayaluv and Moriah have experienced the downs of business, but they never walked away defeated. Before working with Tayaluv, Moriah attempted to sell make-up bags.
“My mom used to sew growing up, so I would sneak into her kit and make things. At 10, I made a bag out of a pair of jeans. When the make-up trend got crazy [years later], I wanted to do make-up bags, but I hadn’t sewn since I was little. The bags were trash. The zipper was falling off and material was hanging of the side, so I didn’t put them out. That’s when Tayaluv said we should use the material to make bands.”
Tayaluv and Moriah walked away understanding the importance of finding your niche, staying in your lane, and innovating using what you have.
Final Thought:
If you find yourself in need of help or partnership for your business, don’t overlook the people around you. In the words of Issa Rae, “Network across.” Pay attention to the people grinding in and around your circle and connect with those who align with your values, needs, and progressive mindset.