Ms. Denise took over her family store 30 years ago and worked as a teacher while contining the family business. "If you run your family efectively, you will run your business effectively."
"Another thing she told students is to think smart about business. Own your building and if it is more than one floor live there to save money. You will only pay one morgage and utility bills instead of one for your business and for where you live."
She got most of her inspiration for fashion when she watched old movies. One student talked to her about owning an oriental fashion store because she likes bright colors and the variety that the Japanese street clothes have to offer.
"Other cultures are becoming inspired by America like the Japanese street fashions. People think you need a lot of things to accomplish stuff, but keep it simple. Do you and not what you think other people want you to do."
The biggest piece of advice that Ms. Denise gave was. " Put yourself out there and introduce yourself. Email may be a way to communicate, but face to face networking is important. Most of the older styles of doing things still work better."