FAITH STEPPER — A 2005 graduate of Covington (Tenn.) High, where she graduated No. 23 overall in her class, Audrey McCollum credits the fact that she had finally taken a step of faith in an unlikely direction she sensed she would never execute. McCullom is a Mid-South-area an independent consultant for Paparazzi Accessories.
MEMPHIS — The way Audrey McCollum saw it, she never sensed that she would delve off into this ever-so-competitive retail industry.
A thought-provoking, life-enhancing sermon she witnessed a few years ago changed all of that.
Alluding to an inspirational sermon some time ago by her pastor entitled, “Step Of Faith,” it was due in large to that subject that has greatly fueled McCollum’s desire to — you know — step out on faith.
And so it came to pass just a few weeks that ago that McCollum, 30, made her entrepreneurship debut as an independent consultant for Paparazzi Accessories.
Having named her new business venture Classy Always, McCollum’s craft is a retail business that is geared largely toward selling classy and trendy paparazzi accessories to women everywhere — all for the low cost of just $5.
In addition, McCollum’s business has on display products for men and hair accessories for young girls, although is it mostly geared toward helping women look fashionable for every occasion.
“We have tons of inventory and new daily arrivals in our store,” McCollum, a graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in Professional Studies in Health Services Administration, told Making Headline News during a weekend interview. “All accessories are $5 plus tax — shipping and handling — unless you are local and I am able to make a personal delivery.”
For what it’s worth, McCullom emphasized that her jewelry is of great quality and that Classy Always has accessories to match any outfit and wardrobe.
A native of nearby Henning, Tennessee, McCollum’s Classy Always online business is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A 2005 graduate of Covington (Tenn.) High, where she graduated No. 23 overall in her class, McCollum credits the fact that she had finally taken a step of faith in an unlikely direction she sensed she would never execute.
Given the immense strides she’s made since erecting her business, it’s safe it was a step worth taking.
A mustard seed-type step, mind you.
“And ever since then, I’ve been loving it,” McCollum said of the recent startup of her business. “I never thought I’d do retail as I am not much of a talkative individual unless I get to know you, but it’s something about Paparazzi that has helped me not be fearful.”
By and large, in listening to McCollum share of her testimony for starting her business, one would become easily convinced that she’s not just doing it for a continuous flow of income, although generating revenue plays a major factor.
“I know quite a few people who aren’t doing what they do for money, but because it’s something they love and enjoy,” McCollum said. “I work my business, not for money, but because I enjoy it. I love seeing women look nice and classy. I love helping them match their accessories together to fit that outfit.”
Not only that, McCollum acknowledged that being an independent consultant allows her to operate freely in her element — you know, be herself “at all times,” she said.
“It’s a judgment free zone and I have received some of the greatest help I’ve ever dreamed of,” McCollum said. “I know that if I can get out there and do retail, I can do anything.”
Oh, and here’s the real kicker, said McCollum, particularly as it pertains to her status as a new businesswoman.
“This is not the end,” she said. “It’s only the beginning of something great for me.”
Thanks in large part to that memorable “Step Of Faith” sermon she witnessed some time ago.
For more information on Audrey McCollum’s Classy Always Accessories, follow her on social media at: INSTAGRAM: mccollum_audrey86; TWITTER: Audrey_D86; FACEBOOK: Audrey McCollum and “Classy Always.” Also, visit her website atwww.classyalways.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE:If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
ABOUT ANDRE: Andre Johnson is a longtime sports journalist and a 2000 graduate of the University of the Memphis with Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. A native of Memphis, Johnson is a former sport reporter Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper and Memphis Sport Magazine. He worked as full-time staffer for The Commercial Appeal from 2000-2002, in which he was the beat reporter for the Memphis Houn’dawgs of now-defunct American Basketball Assocation and the Memphis Xplorers of the arenafootball2 league. He has interviewed numerous sports personalities, most notably Archie Manning, LeBron James, George “Iceman” Gervin, Issac Bruce, Laila Ali, Vince Carter, Paul Westphal, Phil Jackson, Ken Hamlin, Cortez Kennedy, Michael Oher, Kobe Bryant, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Marc Gasol, Dwight Howard, James Harden, Patrick Willis, Stanley Morgan, Dirk Nowitzki, Rick Carlisle, Mark Cuban, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, John Force, Lamar Odom, Alexandra Stevenson, Derek Fisher, Penny Hardaway, Phillip Rivers, Colin Kaepernick, Jim Harbaugh, Tyreke Evans, Kirk Ferentz, and O. J. Mayo, among others. To reach Johnson, send email to: [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
Andre Johnson 
In addition, McCollum’s business has on display products for men and hair accessories for young girls, although is it mostly geared toward helping women look fashionable for every occasion.
For what it’s worth, McCullom emphasized that her jewelry is of great quality and that Classy Always has accessories to match any outfit and wardrobe.
A native of nearby Henning, Tennessee, McCollum’s Classy Always online business is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.“And ever since then, I’ve been loving it,” McCollum said of the recent startup of her business. “I never thought I’d do retail as I am not much of a talkative individual unless I get to know you, but it’s something about Paparazzi that has helped me not be fearful.”
By and large, in listening to McCollum share of her testimony for starting her business, one would become easily convinced that she’s not just doing it for a continuous flow of income, although generating revenue plays a major factor.
Not only that, McCollum acknowledged that being an independent consultant allows her to operate freely in her element — you know, be herself “at all times,” she said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
