Today we’d like to introduce you to Talesha Austin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a wife, a mother of two boys (7 and 14) and a business owner, I started my business in 2014 shortly after I was laid off my job. I was an avid eBay seller until that took a turn for the worse. I had to figure something out quickly. I have always loved fashion and loved vintage unique pieces. I have also had a passion for thrifting which is the reason I was selling on eBay. Selling on eBay was fun, but it wasn’t making enough money to support a two-person income household. I decided to step out on faith and start my own business. When I started the business, it started off very slow, but I kept pushing, and never gave up. Months went by and the business began to grow. I started marketing my business on my own by reaching out to popular bloggers whose style was similar to the type of clothes I sold, and I would send them pieces to wear for promotion. I also spent many nights researching marketing on social media. As of today Divaxpress, LLC has customers in almost every state in the U.S. and many intentional countries, and over 28,000 followers on Instagram. We also have a few customers that purchase in bulk internationally to sell in their stores. So what learned is that, if I had never had those issues with eBay, I would have never known what I could do as a business owner. I have also been an avid believer of your gifts, will always pay you well. One thing I have done since I started my business was putting God first in everything I do with the business.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Starting the business was a major struggle in the beginning. My husband and I both ran the business together., We had to learn the system on our own, marketing, long nights, taking pictures, mastering vintage sizing, researching cameras, on top of that, not always making a profit on what we put into the business. I also had a knee injury in 2015 which also caused some struggles because I had to end up having to have surgery on my knee. I was still having to go out and get clothing for the store while on crutches because the store had picked up and I didn’t want to lose the customers I had worked so hard at building up. I always keep the faith and stayed positive throughout the process.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Divaxpress, LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business is Divaxpress, LLC. I personally shop for each and every piece that is sold in the store. I go out to thrift stores all over metro Atlanta, and I also travel to other states to shop as well. I specialize in being able find unique clothing pieces for my customers. I’ve always had an eye for fashion, and been an avid thrifter, but had never sold any clothing before I started the store in 2014. I can walk into a thrift store and spot a unique piece from afar without having to dig through the racks of clothing. I can go into a store and spend less than 20 minutes and spot almost all of the fabulous unique pieces from afar (so serious lol).
I am most proud of as a company of how I stayed consistent all these years despite of what it looked like. I have always been in competition with myself as a business. I could have gave up in the beginning, but by the grace of God, I kept going. I am also proud to say we have had over 10,000 orders in our store, with customers from all over the world. I think what sets me apart from others is that I make sure I am my authentic self. I engage with my customers, and just be me. Also, customer service is a major key with my business. I make sure I listen to my customers and always remain professional no matter the situation. I also started doing meet and greets, where I would travel to a different states, take some unique pieces with me and invite any customer that live in that area to come out. Over brunch we laugh, we chat, we network, and they get to know me better as a person. I love this because I get to personally hug and tell these customers THANK YOU for supporting me and my vision. So far we have traveled to New York, Philadelphia, Virginia, and of course here in Atlanta. I plan to continue to do these meet and greets in the years to come.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like best about our city is the thrift stores. The thrift stores here have some of the best unique custom pieces I have ever seen. I also like the diversity of people that live here. The one thing I like least about the city is the traffic.
Pricing:
- Vintage Pieces Ranging from $5-100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.divaxpressvintage.com
- Phone: 678-923-1861
- Email: divaxpress13@gmail.com
- Instagram: @divaxpress
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divaxpressresale/
- Twitter: @divaxpress
Image Credit:
Adrian Thomas
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
