Meet Cilki West of NeverBbasic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cilki West.

Cilki, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up I wanted to be a model. I tried at it a couple times, got accepted by a couple agencies to come to NY and do open calls but it didn’t work out. That never killed my love for fashion or taking pictures though. I would love to get dresses up in actual clothes or yards of fabric that I made into a dress. I would put makeup on and do my hair, only to have my friend and I hold our own personal photo shoot. If I wasn’t doing this with myself I would dress up little girls that I would babysit and have them pose for pictures as well. It was so enjoyable for me and has always been something that I have naturally done.

As I got older and would go to work my 9-5’s because that’s what paid the bills. I eventually wanted to do something on the side that I loved and could possibly make some extra money. While in Houston TX, I made a career change into commercial real estate. I like that I had the freedom to create my own schedule and interacting with many different people and business owners. I ended up realizing that while I liked this I wanted to add something that I loved to my life. I was born a shopper!!! And I was always told I had a great sense of style and people always asked me where I shopped. I decided I would start an online boutique.

But I couldn’t afford the website and didn’t know how to do it myself. So I started having sip and shop parties at my house or would host shop nights or as old school would call them “trunk shows”. I would also go to my nail shop and they would let me sell there. I was starting to grow the business and real estate was starting to get a consistent flow !!! And after 2 1/2 year’s my personal life took a hard hit. I had to get a divorce and move out of the state of Texas. I was devastated, personally but also professionally because I had to start over from nothing.

It took me a couple of years to bounce back. I came to Colorado, got another 9-5 to pay the bills. I did not go back into real estate because I didn’t know if I was going to stay in Colorado. While working at an office, I would always get compliments on my clothing. Co workers and customers would say things like “you always look so stylish “or “I love your clothes”. I would say “thank you”. Then one of the girls said she didn’t know how to dress or style things, she always felt “so basic”. By the shocking look on my face, she’s like “what” and I said, “ honey you are and should never want to be basic, you can make you stand out anytime all the time”!!! We laughed and it became a catchy saying when I would come to their office .I would leave them with saying “ hey remember, you are never basic”.!

In 2018, I got the courage to start back on the clothing business. My brother helped me with my website, www.Neverbbasic.com. I knew I wanted to provide more than just clothing and accessories. I wanted to showcase fashion to its fullest! I loved statement pieces, different pieces that you wouldn’t see everywhere. I have met some amazing people along the way that have introduced me to people that are an inspiration and in a place where I would like to be in the future! I have attended fashion shows and vendor show that allow me to sell items and market my business. I am still learning a lot and getting the name out as much as possible! The future is bright! We carry statement pieces that make fashion statements!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being an entrepreneur is a different mindset. I have to put myself out there more and use social media more. So I think consistency in your hopes and dreams is the most difficult skill to acquire. Reminding yourself of the excitement that it truly brings to yourself. Even if financial it hasn’t been the dream… YET.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the NeverBbasic story. Tell us more about the business.
I have an online women’s fashion boutique! Neverbbasic.com specializes in unique fashion, different fashion, flashy looks! How many different ways to wear one piece. You create a wardrobe not just a closet and in the long run, your money is better spent, because u can use the same items for multiple looks. You can dress them up or down. Some you can wear in different seasons. I am proud that we are expanding into having plus size clothing as well!

We are different and Never Basic!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I try not to think of luck, but more of being consistent! If anything I am lucky that I had a brother that new the technology of creating a website and he really mentors me on the background of a lot of things I have no idea about… I just want to be fashion and be great! Lol

Pricing:

• Affordable, items range from $25-$99

Contact Info:

• Website: Neverbbasic.com
• Email: style@neverbbasic.com
• Instagram: @neverbbasic

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