Mi’Oni Swimwear owned by Marcia Carson-Broaster

Marcia Carson-Broaster grew up in North Philadelphia where she graduated from Simon Gratz High School with a two-year scholarship for Community College of Philadelphia. She pursued a degree in the medical field as an emergency medical tech (EMT) and later as a certified nurse assistant (CNA).  She thanks God for her mother who is her mentor and my spiritual guide. We interviewed Marcia for this edition of the successful women business owners and here are responses on life and Mi’Oni Swimwear, her new, exciting swimwear collection.

Please list a quote or motto you live by and state why.

The motto I live by is: If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.  In life you must have structure, set goals and achieve them rather than being misled and pulled into the wrong direction because you are living life someone else’s way.

 

 Describe your business. List location, phone number, website.

Mi’Oni Swimwear is a home-based business that focuses on women of all cultures and sizes.  Each garment is handmade.  My swimsuit line ranges from beachside, religious, maternity, and video vixen! Each swimsuit is tailored just for you. We are located in the heart of Philadelphia. We can be reached via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also give us a call at (267)593-2185.

What motivated you to open your own business?

I was motivated to start my own swimwear line because I used to get so frustrated shopping throughout the years. I would buy designer clothes that either didn’t fit right or was not quite what I was looking for. I would imagine what kinds of clothes I would like and started sketching clothes. I tried to get others to sew my designs, but they never turned out right. Finally, I decided to do it myself.

 Did you have any initial fears or concerns that you had to overcome when opening your business?

Yes, one of my fears was learning to sew because I thought that sewing was harder than it actually is.

How did you develop your concept?

After visiting South Beach, Miami several times, I was inspired by the Amaya Swimsuit line of Lila Nicole Rivera.  Her style along with the unique handmade detail work is what inspired me to start my own home based business.

How much capital did you need to get started? Did you use any creative funding sources?

Yes, I used creative funding. I started off selling small personalized teddy bears for all occasions then used my profits to work my way up to my own line of lingerie and gift baskets.

How do you market your business? Do you use any creative marketing strategies?

I advertise through photos, open house, flyers and word of mouth.  

Are you or your business on Facebook? Twitter? Linked In? Please list.

Mi’Oni Swimwear is on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001419338252&ref=ts#!/profile.php?id=100001419338252.  You can go here to view recent pictures of the latest swimsuits.

 How do you manage employees if any?

Currently, I don’t have any employees.

What are some of your day to day struggles as a business owner?

Some of my day to day struggles consist of juggling maintaining my business along with my household and family’s needs.

 What brings you the most joy from your work?

My joy is seeing my ideas go from my mind to the sketch, to a pattern, to a garment being worn by my models.

How do you balance work life and family? Do your work demands affect your relationships?

I give a few hours to sewing then focus on my family.  Because I own a home based business it makes it a little easier to maintain a healthy relationship with my family and my career. This approach gives me balance.

Any advice you’d like to offer to anyone interested in your line of work?

It was said to me if you can see it, and you believe it then it’s close enough to achieve it.

Would you like to offer a promotion to the readers? If so, please list.

Yes, the first 20 customers referred from this blog post can get a 25% off with promo code: ShalenaDiva.

© 2013, Shalena D.I.V.A. – Personal Branding| Content Marketing| Product Creation. All rights reserved.

16 Comments

  1. Shaniya holloway on August 9, 2010 at 11:05 am

    I love to hear about women stepping out and creating their own businesses…. I think this clothing line will catch the eyes and attention of many people and they will be more than pleased with the product… Good luck Marcia I hope GOD blesses you openly!!!!

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on August 9, 2010 at 11:08 am

      Marcia, I am so proud of you! I get chills thinking of how far you can go with your talent! Please continue to inspire others with your story of how we should go after what we love, not after what’s safe or what other want us to do.

      Congrats, Sista!

    • Marcia C. Broaster on August 10, 2010 at 11:28 am

      Thank you, and yes I’m ready to recieve his blessing “openly”..love ya

    • Marcia C. Broaster on August 10, 2010 at 11:40 am

      Sista you just don’t know how you and your business inspired me..and aslong as the praises continue to go up the blessing continue to come down..keep me in prayer….smooches

  2. Markita Holloway on August 9, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    I am so happy for my older sister . She wanted this so bad and finialy its here . I love being around her for many reasons, She always strive to move forward never backwards ,very motivated and energeitc,and wants tha bst for her family and close ones .She is my role modle and God blees me wit a person like this to be around and im thankfull for that . Only place to go from here is to the top. Mi’Oni swimwear from experience is a swimwear line that is for u . Its made to make u happy and feel gud in your swimwear on any occasion. Just to say i love my Mi’Oni swimwear and i know u will too.

    • Marcia C. Broaster on August 10, 2010 at 11:44 am

      AWWWWWW i love you,,,,and i want the best for all of you…

  3. Jomayne on August 15, 2010 at 12:37 am

    Hey ‘cia I’m so excited for you. I see you pressing on everyday despite current and possible obstacles. I admire your perseverance, passion for your business and love you have for your family. You balance these two entities well. You make me proud to be a woman. May God continue to bless you and keep your heart. I wish you great success as you are already walking in your success. You are awesome never give up and can’t say it enough you make me proud to be a woman

  4. Martia Holloway on August 15, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    Marcia you are a hard and strong worker. I love to see u at work, and create ideas that grow into wonderful designs. You help to keep my ideas in front to later on make my dream come true. You make me so happy and only if my mother could see this ( u know how proud she would be) i think you do so. Big sis keep doing what you do cuz you are going some where trust me.Even if we got to go down miami and sell it our self. lol

  5. Marcia C. Broaster on August 20, 2010 at 5:56 pm

    I truely thank you for those incouraging words…..

  6. michele holloway carson on August 21, 2010 at 6:17 am

    to my daugter and to the world this is something is so wonderful for you to have your own busnise.i new atan early age you had so many gifts to ofer the world i just aks god to show you the way and what he wanted you to do in life was it being a good wife.a good mother sister or fiend.but you will show the world that you are the best what ever you do you swimwear is getting off to a great start im so proud of you when the world see and wear you line of clothes they will be pleased i love you keep up the good work love mommy.

  7. www.shalenadiva.com via Facebook on May 19, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    I’m not crazy about spending a grip on swimsuits. One pieces tend to be boring, too.

  8. Aysha Edwards via Facebook on May 19, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    don’t feel comfortable in 2 piece. Do like tankinis tho & there are some nice 1 pc suits out there for all body types tho very expensive. 🙁

  9. www.shalenadiva.com via Facebook on May 19, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    @Aysha– tankinis are cool. I have a c section scar so I have to be careful of what I wear… I guess.

  10. Aysha Edwards via Facebook on May 19, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    that & stretch marks so fun being female..lol. Tho the scar is low so nobody can see it

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