Shopping has long been a favorite activity of teenage girls. But while her peers are shopping for shoes, hats, the latest trendy pair of jeans and jewelry, Tonie Boyd, 17, is busy making creations for her clothing line — Doshèa.
Dipped in Gold by Doshèa is Boyd’s first apparel collection, named after her middle name. With this collection, Boyd offers, hats, tank tops, T-shirts, crop tops and more. Gold is the primary color in this collection, due to its representation of confidence, value, knowledge and power, Boyd said. Her line is up and running now, but it’s been years in the making.
“The idea came to me when I was 14. I started doing research about my possible options, and when I turned 16, I knew what type of clothing I wanted to offer,” said Boyd, who has always been interested in fashion and makeup.
With the help of her mother and other supportive family members, Boyd was able to design her brand, purchase a heat press machine and market Doshèa. The 17-year-old orders her apparel wholesale online and revamps the items herself. She credits YouTube for sharpening her heat press skills. It now takes her about 30 minutes to prepare items.
Boyd’s mother, Shalonda Boyd, said she was on board with her daughter’s project from the beginning.
“I loved the idea from the start, and I saw the passion,” she said. “(Tonie) called all of the family together at Sunday dinner once she developed the idea, to let us know this is what she wanted to do. I’ve been behind her 100 percent with advice and money.”
Doshèa’s first appearance was at the 2015 Women’s Empowerment Series back in May, where she pressed more than 100 T-shirts. Tonie Boyd said she hopes to participate in similar events in the future and to move her business beyond clothing. Boyd hopes to market cosmetics and own her own storefront someday.
Boyd said balancing time as a student and marketing a business has been challenging. She is currently homeschooled and is set to graduate next year.
Boyd believes many of her peers don’t understand her mission to succeed. “I make sure my school work gets done, but after that, it’s business. Some friends and family members don’t really understand, but oh well,” she said with a shrug. “This is important to me.”
Boyd is now taking preorders for all items, which can be viewed on Doshèa’s social media accounts and on the business website.
For more information on Doshèa, visit doshea.bigcartel.com or follow the business on social media @DosheaLifestyle.
