Today we’d like to introduce you to Monasha Francis.
Hi Monasha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As the daughter of an entrepreneurs, I realized early on that I wanted to own my own business. The question then became where I was going to find my niche.
It was the year before that my mom decided to retire her daycare business that I was managing. I began exploring ideas revolved around children’s shoes. I found shoes that I, as a mother of three, would like for my kids to wear. From my bedroom, I utilized social media to put the word out that I was in the children’s. shoes business. The response was overwhelming, and I knew then that I had found my calling.
From this point, my family and I strategically put a plan in motion. My husband, Walter came up with the name “Mixit Matchit”. We closed the daycare and opened a store. We added children’s clothing, children’s socks, and accessories.
Our tutu socks were and continues to be a popular item. To expand the children’s concept, we added embroidery to the Mixit Matchit line of services and began creating personalized embroidered birthday outfits, custom attire, monograms and eventually, company logos.
It wasn’t until we were unable to get a brand of shoes that I decided to launch my own Mixit Matchit shoe line. On May 8, 2022, I received my first sample of my design and on August 2, 2022, I received wonderful, beautiful shoes in all the colors of the rainbow.
Mixit Matchit was awarded Connect Savannah’s Best of Savannah 2022 in the category of Children’s Clothing Store. We are proud to announce that on February 25, 2023, we will have our ribbon cutting for our new location.
I have always believed in Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you; declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” God has clearly been a part of my journey, and I plan to go wherever He leads me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am fortunate to have an excellent support system, and when I encounter obstacles, I know they have my back.
One very stressful challenge was when we pre-sold our new line of shoes and expected them to be in the week before school. After COVID, there were shipping delays which resulted in the shoes not being delivered until the day before the first day of school. With the patience of my loyal customers and wonderful family and friends, we were able to have all the pre-sold shoes in the hands of parents and on the feet of our “cuties” for their first day of school pictures.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I began my career as a licensed barber, and as mentioned before, I managed my mother’s daycare. With three young children, it was a blessing to be able to continue to bond with my children as they grew.
I am not afraid to tackle new information, and as such, I used the business knowledge I gained from Savannah Barber/Styling Institute as a foundation for
Mixit Matchit. My mother’s strong business background also played an integral part in forming the structure of the business.
What’s next?
It is with excitement and joy that we can check off “Moving to a new location where Mixit Matchit can be more visible.” Other goals include:
◦ Listening to the requests of our customers Increasing our online presence
◦ Establishing additional shoe styles for boys and girls.
◦ Exploring wholesaling options
Pricing:
- Children’s Shoes – $38-85
- Embroidery Services starts at $15.
- Socks $9-$22
- Personalized Birthday Sets $65
- Purses $18-$25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mixitmatchit.com
- Instagram: mixit_matchit https://instagram.com/mixit_matchit?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mixitmatchitshop
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mixitmatchit7956
Image Credits
J Wright Snapped
MTD Photography
