We are excited to feature one of our 2022 Women of Color Incubator Pitch Competition winners. These up-and-coming Black women business owners are sure to inspire and motivate other young Black women entrepreneurs, and all of us, to pursue their own business ventures.
Meet Destiny J. Wesley, Founder of MeasureMe and 1st Place Awardee from Howard University.
What inspired you to start your business?
More times than I can count, there have been both men and women who have come to me to take their measurements so that they could purchase a specific item online. I also grew up in a home where my mother would constantly buy clothes in the store to where every quarter, she would find herself giving items away to the salvation army or people in need. However, her wardrobe never looks like she gave away a single item. It is situations like these that brought me to the observation that there is a need for sustainable sizing metrics so that consumers could shop accurately and recycle efficiently. I’m inspired to keep going because plus size women specifically deserve to be served with the same level of excellence when it comes to their online shopping experience.
What has the entrepreneurship journey looked like for you so far?
The entrepreneurship journey has looked like custom designing garments for women. If I’m being honest, it wasn’t until 2022 when I began to stretch out and execute ideas such as MeasureMe into fruition. 2022 was the most rewarding year so far as I began to put funding in place, advisors, and expand my network.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a young female entrepreneur?
The most rewarding part of being a young female entrepreneur is walking through opportunities that are meant for me and being surrounded around powerful, grounded, focused women who too are not settling at where they are.
Where do you see yourself in one year? How about 5 years?
In 2-5 years, I see MeasureMe having other branches that solve large problems dealing with the fashion industry’s carbon footprint and consumer clothes spending habits. Systems will be set in place to enhance community building by adding value in this area. In one year, I see myself graduating from Howard University; not just because I earned the grades but because I utilized every resource that I needed; mastered my gifts at new levels. While here at the University, It is my hope to help build the Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design’s Program by making it known that this program exists and has the capacity to help creatives evolve.
What advice would you give to other female founders just starting their business?
I would tell another female entrepreneur to —Study. Entrepreneurship is more than your brand’s name, website, and photos; in fact, it’s more than your idea. You must study; develop the skills to BE and do entrepreneurship with longevity.
How would you describe your experience in the WOC Incubator Program?
The incubator was a huge benefit because I now have a network of women and advisors steering me in the right direction to be the best at what I do. My experience has been incredible. I believe I am in the position to expand my influence, impact, and income with WBENC.
What’s next for you and your business?
What’s next for my business is more pitching, trademark, and entity. In August of this year, I plan to launch MeasureMe.
