I have always believed in second hand fashion.   My mom would take me school shopping at second hand stores, and I have been hooked ever since.   In the early 1980’s, I used to sneak away in the family car, and head to Berkeley for the super cool second hand clothing stores.  Back then, my friends thought it was weird.  But times have changed.  Companies like The Real Real and Poshmark are springing up, bringing millions in valuation to the stock market.  Even Macy’s and Neiman Marcus have a carefully curated secondhand section in some stores.    Second hand is now big business, and has become mainstream.  Not only are prices a fraction of the original retail cost, but people are realizing we cannot sustain our planet if we keep consuming as we are.

Early on, I saw how ebay was going to change how people shopped.  Living in the Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom, I got my start selling a vintage wedding dress on ebay, and ran with it, selling vintage textiles, fabric and clothing.   I was often contacted by companies for my insight into ebay during the early days, and I was one of their first Power Sellers.   

Before the Corona virus hit, I was a successful Chef, working in Product Development/Manufacturing, and designed new and interesting food items for the ready-to-eat/refrigerated section at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, Costco, and several quick-serve casual restaurants.  My office was actually a test kitchen.   When Corona hit, everyone stopped buying ready-made food  (everyone was staying home), and our sales tanked.  My company kept me on payroll as long as they could, but after 4 months, they had to let me go.  So I took the plunge and decided to open a secondhand bridal shop 🙂  

I love my shop.  And I love the customers who come to my shop!  I have yet to meet a bridezilla- all of my customers are amazing, and super fun to work with.  Hopefully they think the same of me…at least that is my goal!  My shop is for everyone- budget brides, plus sized brides, petite brides, and LBGTQ brides.  I want everyone to feel welcome, relaxed, and just have a great, fun experience while they are here.

I live in San Ramon with two tiny rescue doggies, who are spoiled beyond belief.  I adore them…. 🙂

 

 

Pink Shoe lace ribbon