Conversations with Iona Simmons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iona Simmons. 

Hi Iona, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would say that I’ve always been crafty and a girlie girl. Most things that I do come natural because I like to create. It started with drawing and poetry. Then sewing and crocheting. Trying new things to unlock what I may really love to do. All the while working a 9-5. A few years back I started to decorate parties where my creativity could be limitless per the customer’s request. During the pandemic, I would say we all tried to find what we were good at or take in another hobby. I was pregnant with my only daughter and that inspired me to create all things Pretti. My husband really is the one who push me out there just always encouraging me and telling me in detail how talented I am along with family/friends to create.so I figured Kind of zero in on mommie and me. Room decor. Jewelry and all things glitter/bling. Well, that part hasn’t shown up in the forefront as of yet because one day I was eyeing some custom crocs but the price was challenging me to make my own lol. Once I did that people just gravitated towards that one item of the many I customize. And here I am ur croc specialist among many thing. So, at this point, I am working on how to add my original plan to what I have by introducing all things Pretti. 

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?
Small business smooth… that’s the funniest joke I’ve heard all week. It definitely takes money to make money. It takes time and patience. It has been a struggle in the aspect of first really learning your craft and perfecting it. Keeping up with trends but always being original with ur own style. All the customers I’ve worked with have been so patient and understanding. Social media is a lot to handle as far as marketing your product and finding a target audience. Inventory at a price point you can afford is always #1 struggle if you haven’t found a dream vendor. Not to mention having a then newborn toddler teenager and husband. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I am a at-home mom and actually, you could say a business owner now. My background has always been in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sales. Depending on who ur asking would be what I’m known for. Some people are familiar with me from decorating and more currently would be shoe customization. I am most proud of even starting. Sometimes that’s ur proudest moment because that step takes a lot to be judges or be watched or even overlooked. What sets me apart from others would be my style. I’m always a little extra or adding more. I accept any challenge on any day to make exactly when a person has been looking for. I also have my willingness to learn n invest in perfecting my craft. 

How do you think about luck?
I have plenty of bad luck which I don’t care to carry with me anywhere by speaking on it. But my good luck is always my support from those closest to me. Sometimes it’s a connection from networking that could get me in a better space. Or someone that helps me on my social media reading analytics to market better. Good luck is often just hard work 

The luckiest thing I’ve experienced is you all reaching out to me so that my product can be seen and watched because there is so much more to come

Pricing:

• Adult crocs are 160 that includes the shoe
• Kids shoes are 125
• Infant and toddlers 75
• Jeweled shoe +44
• The deposit is half the cost of the shoe when ordering and the balance needs to be paid when they are completed.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Prettiperfect_xoxo
• Facebook: PrettiPerfect Design

Image Credits
Big Dreams Photography