Name: Kim Coggins-Gaston                                                                                                                                          
Age: 42
Status: Married
Location: Little Five Points- Atlanta

What is the name of your business? Tease

Greetings Kim.  Tease is one of my favorite spots in ATL. It’s always my first stop in Little Five Points.  Therefore, I am delighted to have you as the feature in the Cleverspeaks.com Spotlight. So why don’t you start out by telling us a few fun facts about yourself you think             readers might like to know.

I’m Canadian. I am a total shoe freak and I dislike the term African- American.

Cool. I think  a lot of us can relate to 2/3 of that. Lol. So, what exactly is TEASE and why did you start it?

Tease started out as a t-shirt store for men and women. I chose to sell t-shirts because its a product that everyone wears, regardless of your age, race or economic status in life. We were at the forefront of the graphic and slogan tees. There weren’t that many on the market 9 years ago. We carry shirts that cater to every lifestyle, however, we do have a large assortment of shirts we make that cater to the often overlooked market- people of color. Over the years, we have made changes. We no longer carry men’s. Sorry guys. I had to break up with you. You weren’t spending enough! We now carry an assortment of women’s clothing and accessories, with the main focus still being the t-shirt.

How long have you been in business? Almost 9 years

Is Tease your first attempt at entrepreneurship? Yes

Do you feel there are any additional obstacles for women or people of color when trying to start a business? If so do you have any insight on how to overcome them?

As a woman you have to always come a little harder in the business world. We certainly have made en roads, but it is still male dominated. Loans are usually the biggest obstacle. Do your homework.  Most states have several different programs offering loans. Check out the Small Business Association in your state. There are also programs that are designed specifically for women looking to start a business. Don’t be discouraged. If you have the skills and the belief in yourself anything is possible.

What do you find to be the greatest reward of working yourself?

Other than the profits, ha ha. I love the whole process.I make all the decisions on what to buy or make for the store. Forecasting what is going to sell and setting trends is very exciting for me. When I hear my customers oohing and aahing over the merchandise and buying it that is the best reward because it lets me know that “Hey I do have good
taste” and I’m fulfilling the needs of my customers and making them happy.

What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of of owning your own business?

I’m fortunate to do something I love everyday so I try not to view anything as difficult; just a challenge. Although I’m not a big fan of paperwork.

What do you think of the current political climate of the United States? Tentative anxious and a little scary, we as a country are moving through and towards many changes and that always causes uncertainties. We are less than a year into the new administration which is certainly not enough time to address and work out winning plans for all of this country’s current and old issues. Personally, I’m leery of anyone who solved all my problems in such a short time. For those of us who elected our president let’s stand by him and for those who didn’t; he is here now give him a chance.

Do you have any advice for people looking to start their own business?

Have a solid business plan and shop around for deals. With the economy being what it is landlords and vendors alike are willing to make concessions.

Thanks for the great advice. I will be buying my tees from Tease next month! Now give us the contact info so everybody else can too.

PROMOTE YOUR HUSTLE:
Tease Clothing 1166 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-584-0220

Email:  info@teaseshirtjunkie.com
www.teaseshirtjunkie.com