Meet Quanisha Silver of Forty31 Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quanisha Silver

Hi Quanisha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always had a hard time throughout my life, feeling free to be myself. I never felt like I “fit” into any of the circles I was in and surrounded by. So, when I picked up sewing as a hobby, four years ago, it turned into a moment of clarity. I began to love myself again. I had three kids, back-to-back, three cesareans, back-to-back, a loving working husband, and nobody to share my process with. Sewing allowed me to connect to the deeper part of myself. I learned about how I truly viewed myself when I was alone, my work ethic, my love language, my spiritual being. In the midst of my pain Christ spoke to me about being free to be myself no matter who was around or absent. He spoke Isaiah 40:31, “They that wait upon the Lord shall be renewed in strength, they will mount up on wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.” This is when I heard the words ‘FREE TO BE.’ I saw my wings spreading and not caring who saw them. And this is how FREE2BE came. Free2BE consist of clothing and accessories created from closeout, thrifted, and miscellaneous fabrics. The items I make are unique with limited replicas due to the distinctive textile. FREE2BE clothing birthed the Forty31 Boutique that is currently expanding into other avenues other than clothing.

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?
Hahaha. No. It has not been smooth at all! My biggest struggle has been seeing the finished products without judging based on the ideals that the world has created concerning femininity and value, as far as beauty is concerned.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Forty31 Boutique is a Free2BE store. Currently we are selling Free2BE Clothing that specializes in women’s fashion. We are known for the appeal without the reveal, Christian based, which we are most proud of. I want readers to know we are an ever-growing brand empowering the people.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t overcomplicate, you do not need all the glitz to just start, you need to be consistent and show up for you. I wish I knew that when I started.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @forty31boutique