PEOPLE // Fashion Designer
Bumble By Coley B
by Sydney Ambrus - 08.01.2023
Bumble by Coley B is an online fashion boutique that serves young women affordable high-fashion looks. Bumble, described as the “IT girls' fashion destination," is owned and run by Nicole Barnes. Barnes is a Little Rock native and has aspired to have her own clothing line since she was a young girl playing dress-up in her mother’s closet.
During her freshman year of college, she decided to put her dreams into action and began researching the necessary steps to start her business. After two long years of researching, curating, and purchasing products, Bumble was born in 2019 and thrived for a duration of four years. Throughout its journey, it has successfully organized several pop-up shops and fashion campaigns and even established its own magazine, “Stinger,” which allowed her to network with other businesses and feature other local entrepreneurs and current fashion trends.
In a sit-down interview with URBANE Magazine, Barnes talks about what inspires her, the goals she has for her business moving forward, and advice for future entrepreneurs.
Q: What inspires you when it comes to your brand and brand campaigns?
A: Designer Nichole Lynel inspired me to do my Bratz campaign. She is someone that I truly, truly look up to. She did a collection with American Girl Dolls and also had a featured holiday collection with Nordstroms. Just seeing a black woman, someone that looks like you, be able to have such big collaborations with brands you would’ve never even imagined working with t is HUGE. I loved everything Bratz growing up; I had all the dolls, all the movies, the lips phone, and more. So the campaign just made sense. I told myself that if she had American Girl Dolls, then I could have Bratz. It was a manifestation for me, honestly. If I can do this right now, who knows what I’ll be able to do later down the line.
As far as inspiration, just seeing people like her be able to do all these cool things and bring their creativity to life is just amazing to even witness. I enjoy that I can set myself apart from what other brands are doing and be my own authentic self. That’s really where the inspiration comes from. Creating my business has given me a way to express myself through fashion, content, and creativity. Being able to connect with audiences all over is also really inspiring; I enjoy seeing people look and feel their best in my pieces as well as interact with the content I create.
Q: Speaking of manifestation, what are three goals you have for your business that you want to put out there?
A: “I really would like to see Bumble continue to grow. One of my biggest overall goals is for Bumble to actually expand into custom design pieces by myself, from shoes to jewelry, purses, and more. I would like to see Bumble in bigger stores like Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and even Neiman Marcus. Another goal would definitely be to have this huge warehouse with lots of inventory, office spaces, a showroom for private shopping, and a space attached for content creation. I would also love to continue to grow the company’s Magazine, The Stinger. I want to be able to highlight up-and-coming entrepreneurs, especially those out of Arkansas, by giving them a platform and networking opportunities through my brand. Just a way to pay it forward.”
Q: What’s next for Bumble?
A: “I am looking into doing more pop-up shops. Our four-year anniversary is coming up in September, so we’re getting ready for that as well. We’ve also got a few more campaigns coming out on social media, so I’m super excited about that.”
Q: What advice would you give to another young woman who might be an up-and-coming entrepreneur in Arkansas?
A: “My best advice, honestly, is to do it anyway. Do it scared. Don’t be afraid to be unapologetically yourself. If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, keep going even when you don’t want to and even when you don’t think you can. One of the hardest parts is not only starting but continuing what you started. I believe you do that by keeping God first and staying focused on what He has for you. Remaining grounded in His word is key. Prayer is not an alternative to preparation, and faith is not a substitute for hard work. So continue to move your feet, but also allow Him to carry you. It’s not a competition, and it may not look like what you want it to look like or come when you want it, but God has a plan for your life. Just follow the steps, continue to be obedient, continue to be focused, follow through, and stick with it.”
Follow @BumbleByColeyB on Instagram for more updates, and shop BumbleByColeyB.com!
During her freshman year of college, she decided to put her dreams into action and began researching the necessary steps to start her business. After two long years of researching, curating, and purchasing products, Bumble was born in 2019 and thrived for a duration of four years. Throughout its journey, it has successfully organized several pop-up shops and fashion campaigns and even established its own magazine, “Stinger,” which allowed her to network with other businesses and feature other local entrepreneurs and current fashion trends.
In a sit-down interview with URBANE Magazine, Barnes talks about what inspires her, the goals she has for her business moving forward, and advice for future entrepreneurs.
Q: What inspires you when it comes to your brand and brand campaigns?
A: Designer Nichole Lynel inspired me to do my Bratz campaign. She is someone that I truly, truly look up to. She did a collection with American Girl Dolls and also had a featured holiday collection with Nordstroms. Just seeing a black woman, someone that looks like you, be able to have such big collaborations with brands you would’ve never even imagined working with t is HUGE. I loved everything Bratz growing up; I had all the dolls, all the movies, the lips phone, and more. So the campaign just made sense. I told myself that if she had American Girl Dolls, then I could have Bratz. It was a manifestation for me, honestly. If I can do this right now, who knows what I’ll be able to do later down the line.
As far as inspiration, just seeing people like her be able to do all these cool things and bring their creativity to life is just amazing to even witness. I enjoy that I can set myself apart from what other brands are doing and be my own authentic self. That’s really where the inspiration comes from. Creating my business has given me a way to express myself through fashion, content, and creativity. Being able to connect with audiences all over is also really inspiring; I enjoy seeing people look and feel their best in my pieces as well as interact with the content I create.
Q: Speaking of manifestation, what are three goals you have for your business that you want to put out there?
A: “I really would like to see Bumble continue to grow. One of my biggest overall goals is for Bumble to actually expand into custom design pieces by myself, from shoes to jewelry, purses, and more. I would like to see Bumble in bigger stores like Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and even Neiman Marcus. Another goal would definitely be to have this huge warehouse with lots of inventory, office spaces, a showroom for private shopping, and a space attached for content creation. I would also love to continue to grow the company’s Magazine, The Stinger. I want to be able to highlight up-and-coming entrepreneurs, especially those out of Arkansas, by giving them a platform and networking opportunities through my brand. Just a way to pay it forward.”
Q: What’s next for Bumble?
A: “I am looking into doing more pop-up shops. Our four-year anniversary is coming up in September, so we’re getting ready for that as well. We’ve also got a few more campaigns coming out on social media, so I’m super excited about that.”
Q: What advice would you give to another young woman who might be an up-and-coming entrepreneur in Arkansas?
A: “My best advice, honestly, is to do it anyway. Do it scared. Don’t be afraid to be unapologetically yourself. If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, keep going even when you don’t want to and even when you don’t think you can. One of the hardest parts is not only starting but continuing what you started. I believe you do that by keeping God first and staying focused on what He has for you. Remaining grounded in His word is key. Prayer is not an alternative to preparation, and faith is not a substitute for hard work. So continue to move your feet, but also allow Him to carry you. It’s not a competition, and it may not look like what you want it to look like or come when you want it, but God has a plan for your life. Just follow the steps, continue to be obedient, continue to be focused, follow through, and stick with it.”
Follow @BumbleByColeyB on Instagram for more updates, and shop BumbleByColeyB.com!
