MIA RAY BELIEVES LUXURY IS A FEELING, NOT A PRICE TAG
Mia Ray went from struggling to keep her business going after 10 years to thriving in the mid-range designer handbag and accessory lane. We got to sit down with Mia and learn a little more about her story, how she balanced a growing business while being a great mother to her children. Keep reading to learn why Mia believes luxury us a feeling – not a price tag.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How did the Glam-Acholic Universe initially begin? Tell us your story.
I started my fashion and lifestyle blog Confessions of A Glam-Aholic in 2009, as an outlet to cater to everyday women like myself, who were interested in ‘the look for less’ and making the best out of what they had and what they could afford. From there, the idea of creating Glam-Aholic Lifestyle was born from wanting to provide the feeling of luxury…with an affordable price tag. What started from one tote bag, has now evolved into a lifestyle brand that provides handbags, luggage, and apparel…. still catering to the same target audience as it did when I started 15 years ago.
You’ve spoken about Kimora Lee Simmons being a huge inspiration to you as an entrepreneur and how you wanted to incite a feeling of luxury and affordability in your customers. Talk to us about the process of creating the Glam-Aholic Lifestyle and how your brand combines being an around the way type of girl who is glamorous.
Kimora Lee Simmons is truly my idol. Watching her work, create and captivate her audience during her Baby Phat era made me see that it was possible to live out my ghetto fabulous dreams as well lol!
There weren’t too many women that were from where I’m from, that looked, walked and talked like me. Something deep down inside of me wanted to create what I wish existed…and that’s exactly what I did.
At the time that I created Glam-Aholic Lifestyle I couldn’t afford any designer bags…I wanted to be able to carry them, but they just weren’t in my budget. From blogging and making the best out of what I had…I then realized that “luxury” was a feeling…not a price. I knew that I could bottle up and sale “affordable luxury” because I was actually living it. I created what I wish existed and now we see that so many other women could relate to that lifestyle as well.
You were in business for at least 10 years before you reached the level of success you had been striving for over the years. Take us back to that moment when your brand exploded and talk about how you maneuvered through this transition period.
I was at a point in my business that felt like a fork in the road. After 10 years of pouring my blood, sweat and tears into something, yet feeling like it wasn’t really working out the way that I was hoping…I had to make a decision…I had to pivot.
What looked like I was ready to throw the towel in, actually turned out to be me making the best decision of my life! I hopped on IG live and created my own “home shopping network” style of a sales pitch to my followers and it immediately exploded that very day.
From that moment on I grew and scaled my business, never slowing down for a moment..continuously creating and improving…all while staying focused and centered with my customers. That’s how I started and that’s how I am keeping this party going. My customers and creativity are the key to the success of Glam-Aholic Lifestyle.
How were you able to build a community with your supporters outside of just selling them a product?
I’ve created this community by talking to them lol! It’s so easy to just sell to someone, but what about making someone feel seen? What about making people feel heard? What about being so transparent in your life story and journey that sooooo many other people can relate to it?
I make the unseen feel seen, because I know what that feels like. The connection is in my story. People feel like they are purchasing from their favorite homegirl or bff when they shop with me. They know that I care. They know that I truly want the best for them.
I’m never too busy for photos or a quick hello. I have genuinely built a business based on my heart and I believe that they can feel that. It’s so much deeper than a handbag and that’s what makes me feel the most accomplished.
How do you protect your mental health?
Therapy has truly changed my life. I can’t say that I have always protected my mental health, but I can assure you that it is a top priority for me now. Getting rest, staying organized and just simply saying “no” has truly been a game changer for me.
I wish that more people chose to protect their mental health, but I hope on my journey as an influencer, that I now influence people to make their mental health the most important thing in their life. Success and money are great but having a healthy peace of mind is even better.
Your brand doesn’t target a specific age range and caters to women spanning from various generations. How are you able to appeal to Gen Z, Millennials and Gen Alpha?
I believe that has a lot to do with the variety that my brand offers. From the fun & bright metallic collection to the sophisticated & classic pebble collection…I offer such an array of products that no matter the age group or generation, the options can get a bit endless at Glam-Aholic Lifestyle lol! From toddlers to grandmas, I love seeing everyone enjoy their products.
You have created various unique marketing campaigns over the years that make consumers want to get their hands on your products. What has been your favorite campaign to date?
Ooohhh this is a tough one! I work really hard to bring my vision to life, so honestly ALL of them are my favorite! But I can give you my top 3 lol! I would have to say the Mia Ray’s Favorite Things Black Friday campaign, the Combs Sisters holiday campaign and the Hangover campaign that we did in Las Vegas! I think I really set the bar high creatively with those.
When you’re working on a new collection, what is the process like to create the products, social media campaigns and in store pop ups?
Well let me first say it’s a wild ride! From ideation to actually seeing my customers enjoy their products is sometimes a year in the making. Nothing that anyone has ever experienced was a fast process. The rollout starts and ends with the amazing team that I have working with me. We literally go over each small detail, always thinking about how the customer will feel or react whether it’s their product, what they see on social media or how they feel when they walk into a popup shop…we always keep that first in mind and that works really well for us!
Let’s talk about your other business venture, Grl Cannabis Club. Tell us how this venture came about and what you’d like to see happen to this brand in years to come.
Grl Cannabis Club was created out of my own necessity to find a way to unwind, relax and find an outlet. During this journey and visits to dispensaries, I noticed that there were not too many brands that appealed to women like myself….so I created one.
GRL Cannabis Club is bright, fun and what I feel brings a breath of fresh air to the world of cannabis. For those who do indulge, I feel like there’s a community being built amongst moms, professionals and everyone in between to have a safe space, while also feeling a since of luxury…even in this department.
Can you tell that I am obsessed with creating experiences for women to luxuriate in? Lol, I’m hoping that GCC grows more into being focused on education and self-care, in a way that it has never been done before and I couldn’t be more excited about this journey!
You’ve been the face of your brand the entire time but a few years ago you started working with influencers like the Comb sisters for the first time. What made you decide to add influencers to your marketing campaigns? Who would you love to work with in the future?
I’ve been the face of my brand solely because in the beginning I could not afford to pay anyone else lol! But what that has grown to become is absolutely amazing because my community grows stronger and stronger each time that I step in front of a camera.
I always compare it to how we only saw Oprah on the cover of O Magazine and how we always looked forward to seeing her again and again…it never got old, and my customers/followers wouldn’t have it any other way. As I grow more into my role as a CEO, I’m hoping that working with more influencers will expand my territory and reach so many more people to enjoy my brand and I would love to work with anyone that is the epitome of what I’ve built and what Glam-Aholic Lifestyle stands for.
What are some fashion trends that you’re really into this season?
I am personally heavy into my “elevated casual” looks recently. I’m a busy girl on the go, so I’ve been focusing on being comfortable and casual, but with an elevated touch of glam/class. I feel like trends are a bit all over the place right now, but I see that oversized pieces and handbags are coming back around and I’m loving what I’ve been seeing lately. I have a Glam-Aholic Lifestyle maxi tote on the way and I’m super excited about it!
With your children being over a decade apart, what have you learned about motherhood from raising your oldest son versus your younger son?
I had my oldest son at 17, so it was more of us learning and growing up together. I was literally a child raising a child, but I did the best that I knew how at that time. We have a super close relationship because he’s seen all of my trials and tribulations.
He had a front row seat to almost everything I’ve experienced in life, and he saw what it took for me to get to where I am today. My younger son will only remember the more healed, mature and successful mom. They have experienced two totally different versions of me, all while both still being loved, nurtured and raised to be amazing boys. They are truly my everything.
As a Detroit native, you always bring the city’s culture into your personal and business brands. How does your hometown influence your businesses?
I love Detroit. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying that. Detroit has made me the woman and the success that I am today. We are known for a city that produces hustlers and I couldn’t be more honored to have turned my hustle into a multi-million-dollar empire in this very city.
From the way we talk, dress and dance…I try to include that in my marketing because I want the world to experience this greatness as much as possible. Detroit has my heart. I love it here and I’m so glad that I get a chance to bring the spirit of Detroit into everything that I do.
What’s next for Mia Ray?
God willing this is just the beginning. I still have tons of things to check off of my to-do list lol! I’m a firm believer in “slow and steady wins the race”, so I plan to continue to build and scale my brands to my highest ability.
Still holding onto my audience as my priority to explore my wildest dreams, all while keeping my mind, heart and spirit protected & pure during this journey. I’m in no rush to make things happen as I am fully in tune with enjoying this wild ride. I know that whatever is next for me is exactly what God has planned and I am looking forward to it!
TEAM CREDITS:
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Bre’Ann White (@breannwhite)
Graphic Designer: Jay Harris (@hypehharris)
Makeup Artist: Moriah Martin (@beatbymo)
Hair Stylist: Ashley Reneè (@thebeauteguru)
