We had the good fortune of connecting with Aubreae Dyonne and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Aubreae, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own fashion boutique, House of A’Dyonne came about when I was planning my 47th birthday in 2020. Since we were in a Pandemic, we couldn’t travel and we couldn’t have parties or gatherings. Therefore, I decided to do a 47-Day Social Media Fashion Photoshoot called, “47-Days of ‘Breae. I like thinking outside the box and sometimes over-the-top. I’d never seen it done on Social Media, not that it hadn’t been done. I’d just never seen it. I created instant buzz letting people know what would take place starting with Day 1 and ending with Day 47. Each day was a different theme and a different outfit. I showcased outfits and accessories from various small business boutiques and tagged them on those social media posts. Throughout the years, I would get compliments on what I wore, ESPECIALLY my shoes. People would ask my advice regarding color and material, as well as style. Well after 47-Days of ‘Breae ended, there was still talk from Followers about continuing with the shoot. I figured, why not make it a lifestyle/career move. I was already doing something I loved and with that shoot, it ignited my passion…kind of like my purpose. Someone once posted, “She thinks she’s a Fashionista.” I took what they said and ran with it. You know what? I AM! People don’t ask others about what to wear, if they have no sense of fashion. They ask the people who are fashion savvy.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As the Buyer for House of A’Dyonne, I wear many hats. I research and shop for inventory as well as maintain and promote this inventory. I sell ideas and facilitate dreams. I network to stay aware of what is happening in the world and in my industry. I am an influencer because people value my opinions and my taste. My Grandmother instilled in me that when you look good, you feel good. I instinctively knew that fashion should be fun. My fashion awareness was ignited at age 15 when I was asked to model for an upscale boutique in one of the local, major retail stores. For the House of A’Dyonne, I consider the value of the look and feel of an outfit’s texture, patterns, stitching, comfort and affordability when attempting to influence my client’s fashion preferences. This drives my vendor selections.
Creating a look creates a mood. Classy or flamboyant – a woman has many layers -I want to celebrate all of that. Depending on what you choose to wear can determine whether you feel sexy or cute and comfy or casual and fun.
I am proud that people come to me and look to me for fashion advice. I am proud that I have the ability to connect with different people from all walks of life – from people with limitless resources to those who are financially challenged. Being approachable is important to me.
I am excited about my journey with House of A’Dyonne, mainly because during one of my darkest periods, people sought me and House of A’Dyonne when I was not in a position to market the business. That support let me know I am making a difference and still relevant. On the strength of fashion being fun, I have created a niche that I believe enhances a woman’s beauty by celebrating her many layers.
June 21-August 7, 2020 represents a period that was truly pivotal to the evolution of House of A’Dyonne. This period was heralded as “The 47-Days of ‘Breae”. This catapulted me and my Brand to where I am today. People are still talking about the creativity and inventiveness of the photo shoots. From edgy to whimsical. From classy to casual. The creativity was directed to everything that speaks to being a woman. That is the inspiration and foundation of House of A’Dyonne.
Trial and error, successes and failures, heartache and celebration have been the vehicles to getting me here. This has been a ride. Business relationships that I have cultivated were great learning opportunities and points of observation. I was and am blessed to receive advice and expertise from women and men that I admire because of their work ethic and integrity.
Was it easy? Absolutely not. I’ve been nervous, emotional, anxious, and at times disappointed at how I may be received, but I did not let those emotions derail me. I wanted the manifestation of the dream far more than any negative reservations that I had. My joy is piqued when I know that the House of A’Dyonne has exceeded my client’s expectations. That is my purpose. Definitely, the desired outcome is bigger than any fear that I have.
Lesson’s learned. Experiences gained. I am resilient through it all. a special lesson my Dad has always instilled in me – “don’t be afraid to take a chance, to try something at least once. The only way to know something works, is to try. You can always decide to rewrite the story.” From modeling at age 15 to designing shoes – I want to see EVERY woman being styled by House of A’Dyonne. That is the story I want to write.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends know that I’m a thrill seeker and adventure is my middle name, but I also like stillness, calm, and stimulation. We can do a lot in a week. LOL! From a day trip to San Antonio to eat on the RiverWalk and take a tour of the Natual Bridge Caverns to a drive to New Braunfels to go to Schlitterbahn to a day trip in Austin to swim in Barton Springs and peruse the government buildings. We’d go to the Hill Country and do the Wine Lover’s Trail, while taking in the scenery. Some of my favorite local spots are Mike’s Seafood on Hwy 6, The RouxPour in SugarLand, Phil & Derek’s for Brunch and listening to live music. We’d go to Floyd’s Seafood to hear the live band and eat good food. We’d take in the museums – The Menil Collection, Museum of Natural Science and Contemporary Arts Museum, to name a few. We’d go to the local Black-owned Winery, ErmaRose Winery in Katy. I’d take my best friend to Kemah Boardwalk where we can ride the train, rollercoaster and take in some eats and treats from local restaurants. If there is an event for a dinner cruise, we definitely can’t pass up the Boardwalk FantaSea Yacht Charter. We’d also do Top Golf and bowling. If one of my favorite comedians is in town, Corey Holcombe, Gary Owen, or Arnez J., we wouldn’t miss it.
By the time the week is over, my best friend would need a vacation from a vacation. LOL!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Name “a” person? That is a challenge. I am so blessed to have had so many people to love me and care for me on this journey. Family is more than just blood. Throughout this journey, people have checked on me, kept me in check, and they have supported me (financially and spiritually). It would be difficult to name just one person. Many people have poured into me at different times. They’ve encouraged me to push through, even when I wanted to give up. I stand on the shoulders of resilience, grace, and commitment. I stand on the shoulders of those who’ve paved the way before me. Nobody is self-made, no matter what that person may say or think. Whether it is someone’s prayers, money, expertise, time – what is deposited is always so much bigger than just one person. I recognize that as God-ordained.
Now, the one person in particular I want to thank is Mrs. Bobbie Nichols. I’ve known Mrs. Bobbie since I was a little girl. We lived on the same street. She so graciously nominated me for this platform – an opportunity to describe myself and the House of A’Dyonne with VoyageHouston. Mrs. Nichols’ belief in me and my vision is greatly appreciated. It is humbling to know that someone is watching what you do and believes you should be celebrated for your efforts. Thank you, Mrs. Bobbie.
Instagram: @houseofadyonne
Facebook: House of A’Dyonne
Image Credits
Patrick Buckner