Shauntae Benton
Fierce, Fearless, Fashionable
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Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
Shauntae Benton: My name is Shauntae Benton, and I am a wife, mother, and entrepreneur based in Dallas, Texas. I ventured into the world of fashion in 2017, where I established a fashion brand that has since expanded into digital platforms. With a background in Merchandising and Supply Chain, I bring over 16 years of diverse experience in every aspect of the fashion industry, from customer service, buying, designing, to styling. Throughout my career, I have worked across various sectors, including fabrics, metals, skincare, and food, gaining insights into Supply and Demand planning. This broad spectrum of experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of trends and customer demands in service-oriented fields. Currently, I am the proud owner of House of Merci, a venture that encompasses a feminine boutique, a podcast titled "Lord, Have Merci," and a blog called "Merci Me."
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What inspired you to become a fashion boutique owner?
Shauntae Benton: The inspiration behind becoming a fashion boutique owner stemmed from a clear vision. I aspired to establish a fashion brand that transcended size boundaries, empowering women to embrace their best selves while presenting their best image to the world. This endeavor goes beyond clothing; it's about fostering a movement and a community where women support and uplift one another. It challenges societal norms and aims to shatter expectations placed on women. House of Merci is not just a brand; it's a testament to the strength of dreams and the remarkable transformations that occur when we dare to prioritize ourselves. It represents the power of selfexpression and the belief that every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful in her own unique way.
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What do you think sets your fashion boutique apart from others in the industry?
Shauntae Benton: What sets House of Merci apart from others in the industry is the evolution from a boutique to a comprehensive brand that now includes blogging and podcasting. This expansion allows us to connect with women on a global scale, creating diverse avenues for engagement. Each clothing piece and accessory is thoughtfully curated with the primary goal of instilling confidence and beauty in every woman. The brand goes beyond mere adherence to fashion trends; it's about fostering self-expression, empowerment, and the celebration of individual identity.
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How do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and incorporate them into your work?
Shauntae Benton: To stay abreast of the latest fashion trends and infuse them into my work, I actively participate in fashion shows and engage with forums led by fashion designers. Visiting showrooms of emerging designers is another essential aspect of my strategy. By immersing myself in these experiences, I draw inspiration from contemporary trends, using them as a muse to curate collections that resonate with the current fashion landscape.
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What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in the fashion industry, and how have you overcome it?
Shauntae Benton: The biggest challenge I faced as a woman in the fashion industry was navigating the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. It posed unforeseen challenges that threatened to derail the dreams of many entrepreneurs. However, rather than succumbing to the difficulties, I viewed it as an opportunity to evolve and expand the vision of House of Merci. In response to the changing landscape, House of Merci underwent a transformation, embracing digital platforms. The boutique expanded its reach by venturing into blogging and podcasting, creating new avenues to connect with women globally. This adaptive approach allowed us to not only overcome challenges but also thrive in the face of adversity.
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Can you share a memorable experience or project that you have worked on in your career so far?
Shauntae Benton: The weekend of November 4th at Fashion X Dallas by Fashions by events was more than an exhibition for me; it was the vivid realization of a dream that had long simmered in the crucible of creativity and hard work. Presenting a collection of 11 looks in a fashion show, each meticulously crafted and curated, I stepped into a role I had always envisioned—a storyteller through the medium of fabric and thread, cut and color on the runway. The experience was a memorable milestone in my career, marking the tangible manifestation of my creative vision and the culmination of dedicated effort and passion for the art of fashion.
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What advice would you give to aspiring women who want to start their own fashion business or pursue a career in fashion design/styling?
Shauntae Benton: To aspiring women who want to start their own fashion business or pursue a career in fashion design/styling, my advice would be to educate yourself thoroughly in the business you want to pursue. Learn about the paperwork, the logistics, and the ins and outs of all segments of your business. Finding a mentor to shadow is invaluable; choose someone who inspires you and genuinely wants to help you succeed. While it may sound cliché, creating a 6-month plan, 1-year plan, and 3-year plan can provide a structured
roadmap for your goals. Be open to adjusting your plan based on your progress. Most importantly, stay consistent, even in the face of rejections, and use the 'NOs' as stepping stones toward your success.
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How do you see the future of the fashion industry evolving, and how are you adapting to those changes in your work?
Shauntae Benton: In the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we operate digitally. At House of Merci, we are actively educating ourselves on the vast possibilities that the digital world offers. This includes exploring AI applications in designing and leveraging digital platforms for marketing. Adapting to these changes allows us to attract a diverse clientele through digital designs and enhanced buying capabilities, ensuring we stay at the forefront of the industry's evolution.
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What does being an empowering boss mean to you, and how do you strive to embody that in your everyday life and interactions with others?
Shauntae Benton: Being an empowering boss, to me, means creating a space where individuals feel supported, inspired, and empowered to pursue their dreams. In my everyday life and interactions with others, I strive to embody this by fostering an environment of encouragement, where everyone's ideas are valued and voices are heard. At House of Merci, we aim to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating that with faith, support, and determination, one can turn dreams into reality. Shauntae Benton's journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief, resilience, and the courage to embrace one's unique path with confidence and grace. The motto "Dress in Merci, Live in Style" encapsulates the spirit of House of Merci, encouraging others to live their lives with authenticity and flair.
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What do you believe is the most important quality for a successful fashion entrepreneur?
Shauntae Benton: The most important quality for a successful fashion entrepreneur, in my belief, is a deep understanding of the customer and what resonates with them. This knowledge allows for the creation of designs and styles that not only align with current trends but also cater to the specific needs and preferences of the target audience. By staying attuned to the desires and expectations of customers, a fashion entrepreneur can develop collections that genuinely connect with individuals, fostering brand loyalty and success in the competitive fashion industry.
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How do you stay motivated and inspired, even in the face of adversity?
Shauntae Benton: I stay motivated and inspired, even in the face of adversity, through my unwavering faith in God. Believing in a higher power provides me with the strength, resilience, and perspective needed to navigate challenges. It serves as a constant source of inspiration, reminding me that challenges are temporary, and with faith, I can overcome any adversity. This spiritual foundation fuels my determination and helps me maintain a positive outlook, allowing me to stay motivated and focused on my goals.
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What changes or advancements do you hope to see for women in your industry in the next 5-10 years?
Shauntae Benton: In the next 5-10 years, I hope to witness significant advancements for women in the fashion industry, particularly in the realm of digital spaces. My vision includes more opportunities for women to own and lead in areas such as style networks, fashion magazines, and online wholesale businesses. Empowering women with greater access to these digital platforms will not only contribute to diversity within the industry but also foster innovation and inclusivity. I aspire to see women taking charge in shaping the digital landscape of the fashion world, bringing fresh perspectives and creating more avenues for collaboration and success.
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How have you continued to empower and inspire other women in your industry or community?
Shauntae Benton: I continue to empower and inspire other women in my industry and community by openly sharing the struggles and successes of the fashion business. Through weekly blogging, I provide insights into my own experiences and those of other women in the industry, offering a transparent look into the challenges we face and the victories we achieve. By being a consistent voice of encouragement and resilience, I aim to inspire women to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions with determination.
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Lastly, what message would you like to share with the Empowering Boss Life community and its readers?
Shauntae Benton: Be intentional in your pursuits and stay focused on your goals. Starve your distractions and nourish your focus, channeling your energy toward what truly matters to you. This mindset will propel you forward on your journey to success.
