In our newest column, Branding Diaries, we talk to inspiring brand owners who let us in on their personal journeys and the stories behind their brands. They're sharing their intimate stories, revealing the inspirations, challenges, and secrets behind their brand's success.
This week, we sat down with Rebecca Shania, the cool girl designer behind her namesake brand, Becca Shania. What started as a personal experiment has evolved into a bold fashion brand that’s quickly gaining a loyal following. Becca shares her story of creativity, challenges, and the inspiration behind her rising brand.
What inspired you to create your brand, and how has it evolved since its inception?
Fashion has always been my thing; I’m always experimenting with new outfits. Becca Shania started in February 2023. I really wanted to wear something out of my comfort zone—something that would turn heads on my special day—and it worked! Heads were turned and many people asked where the dress was from. After my birthday, I decided to connect with social media by sharing the dress, and the positive reception continued. From there, I moved forward with Becca Shania.
How do you maintain a work-life balance while managing your brand?
It’s not easy, but as someone who believes in themselves and God, I have to make it work. I set weekly goals for myself, dedicating specific hours to work on my brand after work or even during breaks. It’s also important to give myself a break and not overwork, especially since I don’t have a team yet.
“The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” — You can do whatever you put your mind to, and there are many more happy days to come.
What does a typical content day look like?
The day starts at 6:45 am with me waking up, meditating, and praying. By 7:00 am, it's coffee time, usually with some berries and porridge, although sometimes I skip breakfast. I then get in the shower to freshen up and look like a chilled baddie. Around 8:00 am, I either go to the gym or take a walk—usually just a walk on these days. By 9:45 am, I decide whether to drive or take the train, as taking a cab sometimes makes me feel more relaxed.
Once I arrive at the studio, I set up for the content shoot. Around 10:30 am, the models arrive, we get ready, and we start shooting multiple shots, TikTok videos, and pictures. We review the content we shot by 12:30 pm, followed by a lunch break at 1:00 pm for the models to eat and relax.
From 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, we focus on shooting content outside the studio. By 4:00 pm, we start wrapping up while reviewing the outside content, and I sometimes add a few more shots to make the most out of it. By 4:30 pm, it's a wrap for the day.
What role does storytelling play in your branding, and how do you use it to connect with your audience?
I’m honest and open about certain aspects of my brand, sharing both the successes and the challenges. I only launched in March 2024, so I’m not different from someone just starting. I share the real journey behind building a brand that encourages others. I use voiceovers in my TikTok content, which helps build rapport with my audience, making them feel more connected and part of my brand’s journey.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known about running a business before you started?
I can't pick one. Doing thorough research; having the finances to fund the business; understanding that you need to work 10 times smarter and harder, especially when it's just you. Even if you hire a team, if you don’t believe in your brand and show up for it, others won’t either. These are things I didn’t fully grasp at the beginning, which led to a lack of interest from others when I posted.
How would you describe your personal style?
Sexy but simple. Less is more, so I don’t always do too much. However, I for sure love to show out at times.
What’s a hobby or interest you have that people might not know about?
I like to sing and was part of a performance dance group. This is something I do for fun. Life is about balance and having fun when you can, so I’m making sure to do this more often.
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