Embracing the Outsider Advantage: Ciera Rogers' Journey from Thrifting to Entrepreneurship

Outsider, Entrepreneur, TrailblazerCiera Rogers, a rising author, entrepreneur, and designer, has long considered herself an outsider. However, in her current chapter of life, she is embracing the advantages that come with this oft-negative label. As she prepares to release her memoir, "The Outsider Advantage," Rogers reflects on her unconventional path, which has led her to a newfound sense of mindfulness and presence.

Unlocking the Power of the Outsider Advantage

From Thrifting to Inclusive Fashion

Thrifting has been a lifelong passion for Ciera Rogers, stemming from her childhood experiences of accompanying her mother and sister to Goodwill stores. While she initially resisted the idea of wearing second-hand clothing due to the associated stigma, this very experience ultimately shaped her creative approach to fashion. "Not seeing another brand cater to people like me pushed me to be creative, take the clothes I had and alter them for my body," she shares.This early exposure to the transformative power of thrifting and repurposing clothing laid the foundation for Rogers' inclusive fashion brand, BABES. Despite the brand's expansion to offer cut-and-sew pieces, their dedication to upcycling remains a core tenet. "I launched my business with clothes from Goodwill. I never knew the other ways Goodwill could help. They are more than just a store," she notes, highlighting the organization's role in providing social services and job training.

Embracing the Outsider Mindset

As Rogers delves into the release of her memoir, "The Outsider Advantage," she reflects on the off-kilter path that has shaped her journey. This process of self-reflection has allowed her to acknowledge her past mistakes and leverage the tools and lessons she's gained along the way. "The past may be dark, but the future is bright, and there is so much more to come," she tells ESSENCE.Rogers attributes her outsider status as a key factor in her entrepreneurial success. "I find that growing up in poverty without security or anything stable has prepped me for entrepreneurship," she shares. "I'm not really fazed by all the pivots because I know how to adapt and make a way out of nothing."

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs

As a Black entrepreneur, Rogers believes that embracing one's outsider status can be a powerful advantage. "We know we are the trendsetters. We define the culture," she shares, emphasizing the importance of understanding and harnessing this inherent power.In her book, Rogers encourages readers to leverage their skills and creativity, regardless of their financial resources. "I launched my brand, BABES, with just 0 in my account. I believe many people are held back from starting businesses or trying new things because they think they need a lot of money and resources," she explains.Rogers' unconventional business decisions, such as being one of the first body-positive, inclusive clothing lines for women of all sizes and using minimally Photoshopped plus-size models, have set her apart in the industry. "As a Black entrepreneur, having and fully understanding that kind of power is an edge," she adds.

Redefining Success and Embracing the Journey

Throughout her journey, Rogers has learned to embrace the ups and downs, recognizing that the path to success is rarely linear. "The past may be dark, but the future is bright, and there is so much more to come," she reflects.As she prepares to share her story in "The Outsider Advantage," Rogers hopes to inspire others to leverage their unique experiences and perspectives to achieve their goals. Whether starting from scratch or considering a career change, she believes that by tapping into their creativity, networking strategically, and utilizing available resources, individuals can thrive and redefine success on their own terms.