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

Hi Funmi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been a girl who loved fashion. When it came to starting a business, I had no idea I could monetize my love for style and content creation. Until, I met one of the most amazing creators I’ve ever met! When I met her I was just posting for fun and documenting my style and even some of my styling jobs for my friends and family. She told me to reach out to brands, to charge clients to work with them, to create a portfolio on my social media of my work and passion. In 2019 I formed an LLC and I’ve been created content for major brands like Amazon, P&G, Walmart, Affirm, Target and so many others. If you can dream it, if you can work it, you can monetize it and take the steps to make it a legitimate business.

 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Nigerian born immigrant to the USA, I used to be so ashamed of my differences. My mom sent me to school in Ankara dresses, Pounded Yam and Egusi for lunch. My sister and I were picked on so much. But, whenever I wore certain clothes or shoes, I saw the power it had in allowing me to fit in with the other children. I would get asked where I got that dress from or how did I put that look together! Clothes became a universal language and a bridge for me to make friends and assimilate.

Now, as an adult, my clothes make me stand out and I love that. In this small town of Birmingham, AL, my outfits sometimes stand out like a sore thumb. It’s amazing seeing as in retrospect. The girl who used fashion to fit in or hide, now uses it to stand out and teaches others how to do the same.

The journey of my content creation can be summed up in two words: slow and steady. I’ve been consistent on this journey and it’s payed off for me in more ways than I could ever have imagined. It wasn’t easy and it still isn’t easy, but I’ll never give up.

The biggest challenge for me has to be work life balance. Being a mother of two boys and wife means I can’t go as hard as some of my counterparts. But, making sure I carve out time for me, my family and my career is so important, especially as my kids get older.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is to keep my eyes on my own journey and not to compare. As a creator, seeing others win before you or get their accolades can make you want to quit or step back or lose sight of your own journey. But, you have to learn that your journey is yours and you cannot compare.

The biggest thing I would want anyone to comes in contact with me or my brands to come away with is that, it’s possible. If i can do it, you can too and I’m here to help.

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 someone was visiting the city I would definitely recommend: 1. Civil Rights Museum
2. North Italia
3. Helens
4. Mcwane Center
5. AMC Movie theater
6. Nobu
7. The Zoo

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give major thanks to my husband and two boys! They are my motivation for everything I do and who I am. They make me work harder, dream bigger and they give me the grace to pursue this passion of mine.

Website: Www.funmiford.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/funmiford

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/funmiford

Youtube: Www.youtube.com/funmiford

Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/funmiford

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.