Psyche Terry (B.B.A.'03, Marketing) believes that anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur should have an idea that fills a need, product, or service not currently met or offered to consumers. That’s how Terry knew she had an idea worth pursuing shortly after the birth of her first child.
After pregnancy, Terry was less than impressed with the selection of undergarments and intimate apparel available for women with fuller figures. She began to see a need that was poorly met by the fashion industry, and together with her husband, Vontoba, set out to do something about it.
In 2009, Terry launched a website aimed at fuller figure women, and knew from its instant popularity that she was on to something. Shortly after, based on feedback from hundreds of woman who wear plus-sized clothing, Terry launched UI Global Brands. Inspire Psyche Terry focuses on upscale, trend-forward fashion in plus sizes and can be found at Macy’s. Audrey Olivia focuses on fashion and comfort at incredible value and can be found at Walmart.
“One of the best parts about turning my idea into a reality is that I get to speak all over the country motivating people to be successful. Standing next to Steve Harvey on national television telling my story to business success was no easy task. But it was super rewarding to see my husband of 12 years and three little kids faces light up when we all got to see our hard work finally pay off,” Terry said. “I enjoy being able to work side by side with my husband and best friends. And most importantly, I love knowing that my friends and family can share in my styles and designs by shopping our brands at any of the stores the know, love and trust.”
Before establishing her own business, Terry had accrued some 14 years of experience working in Fortune 200 companies in manufacturing and sales. Before that she earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from WMU.
During her time as a student, Terry was very involved on campus. Aside from participating in the American Marketing Association, Terry also founded a multicultural student business association in the college of business. She was a college InRoads intern, a McNair Scholar, and a member of the honors society. In addition, she worked in the writing center for three years.
As a business student, Terry fondly remembers traveling with the AMA to Chicago to visit a marketing firm.
"The teacher was amazing, the group members were super fun and the company treated us with so much respect," Terry recalled.
She also remembers creating her very first business plan for a class at Western that she credits to helping her prepare to start her own successful company.
"I remember it like it was yesterday, the few weeks of school Dr. R. Reck had our class choose teams to put together business plans,” Terry said. “I’ve never forgotten that plan and I’m sure it’s what gave the confidence to feel like I could someday become a successful entrepreneur."
Terry has sound advice for hopeful entrepreneurs:
"Ask, does the company, service, or product I want to build and sell have customers that are needing a good resource like mine to be satisfied? If the answer is yes, then go for it. If your answer is no, then amend the idea to respond to the need your potential customer base is looking to fill," Terry explained.
And, never underestimate your mindset:
"I’ve learned that in order to be a successful business person in Corporate America or out on your own, you must have a mindset that is determined and willing to take risk, ask questions and work hard. We all have the ability to be great. I think it first, starts with the right mindset."