Overcoming Challenges on the Road to Paris
"A few days before coming to Paris, I hit a roadblock," Sophia (Founder, Besida) recounts. "When I picked up my cargo, I found out plenty of the pieces were 52 inches long when they were supposed to be 40 inches. That means you had to be 7 feet tall to fit into these pieces. The fault was mine; I sent the wrong measurement. With only a few days away, efforts to remedy this situation were fruitless."
Despite the setback, Sophia didn’t let this challenge stop her. "I just had to pick myself up, take what I could, and get to Paris," she says. This resilience is at the heart of Besida's journey. It’s a story of perseverance, of turning setbacks into opportunities, and of never giving up on your dreams.
Embraced by Parisian Style
On arrival, Parisians embraced Besida's unique offerings in no time. While the outfits were different from what they were accustomed to in Europe, they quickly saw how Besida’s natural fabrics and simple yet striking designs harmonized with their own elegance. The beauty of Adire, with its intricate patterns and deep, rich colors, found a new home in the streets of Paris, becoming a part of the city’s vibrant fashion culture.
"The streets of Paris have become our runway," Sophia reflects. "I am looking at my pop-up shop in Paris and can't help but remember a few years back, at my first pop-up event in 2016 under a tent in Georgia." This nostalgic feeling stresses on the beautiful journey Besida has taken, from humble beginnings to the heart of the fashion capital - Paris.
Looking Ahead: Meeting New Ventures and Opportunities
"One of the biggest shifts I made was three years ago," Sophia continues, "when my business coach, Nancy, outlined that I might be making some business decisions from a place of fear, and that might be holding back my growth." This insight was a turning point for Sophia. Nancy reminded her of a powerful quote: "Everything that you need, you already have in possession."
"I didn't realize it then, but she was investing and seeding the abundance mindset in me," Sophia says. This shift in perspective was transformative. Sophia learned to trust in her abilities and the resources she already had. "I had to shoot up from there. Look at us three years down the line, and we are in Paris."
Being in Paris has not only brought new customers but also opened doors to exciting ventures and business opportunities. During this time in Paris, we welcomed distinguished visitors like Miss Nigeria France and the Nigerian Ambassador to France to the Besida pop-up shop. These interactions have been invaluable, paving the way for new possibilities and further expanding our reach.
As Sophia looks around the pop-up shop in Paris, she reflects on the journey that brought us here because every step has been a learning experience. "I am in Paris! Besida is in Paris," she says, with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Our pop-up shop in Paris is more than just a retail space; it's a celebration of culture, creativity, and resilience. Celebrate with us, discover new styles, and be part of the Besida journey. "We were in Paris," and we can't wait to share our next adventure with you.