BOSS LADY MOVES-NIECY'S CLOSET

If you haven't noticed by now, Everything OLD is NEW....People scour the racks of thrift stores, goodwill stores and consignment shops, not because they Have to, but because the Want to. Want to find that item, that thing, that treasure, that somebody didn't want, didn't need, forgot they had, or just had to throw it away. We all know, one person's trash, is another person's treasure!!!

ENTER DENISE LENDOR, a young fashionista, whose love for shopping, and taste for designer shoes, dresses and accessories, turned into something profitable....What did she do when she realized she had too many dresses, too many pairs of shoes, too many handbags just laying in the closet?

SHE INVITED OTHER FASHIONISTAS TO COME SHOP IN HER CLOSET.....


I got the chance to kick it wit her about Niecy's closet, and how things work.


HEY HEY HEY THANKS DENISE FOR TALKING TO US AT THE GOSPEL



Thanks for thinking of me. I'm happy for you, love the blog. I see you're a bit of a FahionMista yourself.


SO, I KNOW, ALOT OF PEOPLE KNOW, BUT FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW. PLEASE TELL EM WHAT IS NIECY'S CLOSET?


Niecy's Closet is my baby. It's a consignment (resale) boutique. In this economy, we all need a few extra bucks, selling your old well kept designer apparel and shoes is a great way to make some cash. I provide the service for those who do not have the time or resources to do it themselves. Think about it, you don't wear it, you won't miss it. I love providing the service. My friends and former colleagues are part of my customer and client base because most of us were/are victims of this economy. What makes my store different is, I don't sell anything I wouldn't personally accept. I'm talking about quality, not style. I inspect every item, and I confirm authenticity. So you won't get the tears, stains and fakes at my boutique. I have a very loyal customer base, as far as London. I also have my customers that receive first dibs on my high end or rare designer items. It's a privilege they've earned for their loyal and consistent support. We advertise, package and ship merchandise worldwide.



....AND WHEN &, HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THIS IDEA?


I did it unofficially for years between friends, but more of a swap than sale. But in 2010 I had an aha moment, and decided to do my research. I was a shopaholic. Because I could afford it, I shopped just to shop, not because I needed new apparel or shoes, but because I love all things FASHION. Since I was not blessed with or trained to be a seamstress or designer, this was a logical step for me.



IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYBODY IS ON SOME NEW OLD CLOTHES KICK, (LOL) EVERYBODY IS DOING SOME 'THRIFTING' HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT TO A TYPICAL THRIFT SHOP?


Basically resale has two components, thrift and consignment. Thrift stores generally purchase used items, or receive donations, and sell them at low prices. Consignment stores sell your old, well kept, sometimes designer items for you for a commission. Consignment is another form of "thrifting" the premise is the same, for the buyer, buying quality items at a fraction of the original cost. it's not limited to apparel or shoes.


I THINK I READ, OR HEARD THIS IS YOUR JOINT. YOUR BUSINESS... YOU STOPPED WORKING YOUR 9-5 'SLAVE' TO DO THIS? TAKES COURAGE....WHAT MADE YOU DO IT?


Misconception, I did not willingly leave a six figure investment banking gig for this. I just made a potentially negative situation positive. I, like many, was a victim of downsizing. I accepted a deal, and decided not to return to corporate america, I decided to take the opportunity to work for myself. I have not regretted that decision. I've been offered positions, but decided to follow through with this.

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> ALOT OF BUSINESSES START OUT SMALL, ONLINE, THEN GROW INTO SOMETHING BIGGER, WHAT DIRECTION DO YOU WANNA TAKE NIECY'S CLOSET.?

>
Baby steps. I plan to do a traditional brick and mortar within the next two years. Right now online works for me, no overhead or additional real estate real estate related costs. My family is not too happy about the clutter in my house though. I plan to expand shortly, so that might be moved up out of straight necessity.


BETWEEN THE BANKS, THE LOANS, THE RATES, THE RENT, OPENING A STORE CAN BE COSTLY. WHATS DIFFERENT WITH AN ONLINE BOUTIQUE?


If you have the space for storage, online is great for a startup. No real estate related overhead, as i mentioned before. But eventually, of you will need to expand. Even if that means getting a bigger house or apt. For more storage space, you'll have some type of real estate related cost. (tax deductible by the way).


OTHER THAN THE FLY STUFF THAT YOU WORN, IS THERE ANYWHERE ELSE YOU GET YOUR PRODUCT, YOUR OVERHEAD FROM ?


I also have a reseller agreement that gives me access to dept. store returns, shelf pulls and overstock. This is great because I'm able to price these items and offer a great deal, while still making a profit.


EVERYTIME I SEE YOU, YOU ALWAYS VERY WELL DRESSED. CLASSY, NOT TRASHY. THE SKIRTS BE TO THE KNEE AND THE HEELS BE IN GOOD TASTE...


Lol that's hilarious, skirts not always to the knee, but I try to stay in trend and age appropriate. But fashion, style is so personal. Whatever your style, own it. I'm all for women being comfortable in their own skin, and hopefully that translates into wearing things that are flattering to your body type, age and highlights your personality.

I also believe in mixing it up. Whenever I see a woman in a $20 dress and $500 shoe, I introduce myself. That's a fashionista. Choose your high ticket items wisely. Choose items that will retain value, classic pieces that you will wear for years. Try not to invest too much in trends. Make the trendy stuff you low ticket items. Focus more on the construction and materials used, most times that means a higher price item.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOTTEST SELLING ITEMS?


Christian Louboutin shoes. Some don't even make it to the site. It makes sense, if you can buy them at half price or less in great condition, and make the same "statement" why not.


DO YOU HAVE THINGS THAT DONT MOVE TOO QUICK AND YOU END UP HAVING TO RE-REDUCE THE PRICE?


Some designer items don't move as quickly, because there's only so much you can reduce them. For those designers I refuse to reduce again, they're classic, rare and retain value, which explains the price, so I think I customers can find comfort in knowing that should they need to sell/consign them, they will receive close to the original price. :)



IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE WE CAN LOOK FORWARD FROM NIECY'S CLOSET?


My accessories line, and my daughters tutu line will be launched in October. I'm very excited about that. She's a mini mogul, she's ten and she's been making tutus for her friends for two years. I'm excited for her. School's first, and she's an honor student, but this is her passion for now.




WELL, ONCE AGAIN, AS ALWAYS, ITS BEEN A PLEASURE. THANX FOR KICKIN IT WIT THE GOSPEL

Thank you so much appreciate the opportunity